MA Journalism

The MA Journalism at UWE Bristol is highly practice-based, designed to mirror a professional newsroom environment. Experiential learning is woven throughout the course, ensuring that students gain hands-on, industry-relevant experience in multiple media formats.

 Key Experiential Components

1. Newsdays (Simulated Professional Newsroom)

• Students regularly participate in “Newsdays”, which replicate the pace and pressure of real newsroom environments.

• You’ll work as reporters, editors, and producers to gather, edit, and publish stories under real-time deadlines.

• These sessions are supervised by experienced journalists and tutors with professional newsroom backgrounds.

• Content created during Newsdays may be published on UWE’s online news platforms or in collaboration with external partners.

2. Industry Engagement and Mentorship

• UWE Bristol runs a BBC Mentor Scheme, pairing students with experienced BBC journalists who provide one-to-one professional guidance.

• Guest lectures, masterclasses, and workshops are conducted by leading figures from the BBC, ITV, The Guardian, and other major outlets.

• Students receive insights on current industry practices, ethics, and innovation in digital journalism.

3. Practical Production Projects

• Students produce multimedia stories across print, broadcast, and online platforms.

• You’ll gain practical experience in:

  • Audio and video production (radio, podcasting, TV packages)

  • Writing for online and print

  • Live reporting and digital storytelling

• Work is produced using professional-standard facilities at UWE’s Bower Ashton Campus — including studios, editing suites, and digital newsrooms.

4. Final Major Project

• The course culminates in a specialist journalism project (dissertation equivalent), where you create a substantial body of original journalism.

• You choose your preferred format — audio, video, or written long-form feature — and work independently under academic and professional supervision.

• The project simulates real-world commissioning and publication processes.

5. Placement and Professional Networking Opportunities

• While formal placements aren’t mandatory, the course encourages and supports industry work experience through its strong media connections.

• Past students have undertaken internships or freelance work with outlets such as:

  • BBC Bristol

  • ITV West Country

  • The Bristol Post

  • Local radio and podcast networks

• These experiences help build professional portfolios and contacts for post-graduation employment.

 Learning Outcome

By the end of the MA, you’ll graduate with:

• A professional multimedia portfolio (articles, videos, or podcasts).

• Real newsroom experience and editorial judgement.

• Practical understanding of UK media law, ethics, and regulation.

• Strong professional connections within the journalism industry.

Future Progression and Career Opportunities — MA Journalism at UWE Bristol

Graduates from this programme progress into a wide range of media and communication roles, including:

• Broadcast journalism (radio, TV, and digital platforms)

• Digital content creation and social media management

• Print and online journalism

• Public relations, corporate communications, and copywriting

• Podcasting and video production

The course’s BBC mentorship scheme, strong industry connections, and access to Bristol’s vibrant media sector provide practical experience and networking advantages.

Some graduates also move on to further academic study—for example, research degrees (MPhil/PhD) in media, journalism, or communication fields—or into teaching, policy, or creative entrepreneurship.