Master of Journalism
Course Overview
The Master of Journalism is a 12 to 18-month postgraduate programme delivered entirely online through LOU's virtual learning environment. Designed for senior journalists, editors and media executives, the programme develops advanced investigative journalism competencies, editorial leadership, media policy analysis and research skills at the level required for editorial directorship, investigative journalism management and media research careers.
By completing the Master of Journalism, graduates will be equipped to lead investigative journalism projects, advise on editorial strategy across multimedia platforms, analyse media policy at sectoral level and conduct original research contributing to the journalism profession — all through online study at London postgraduate standards accessible from anywhere in the world.
Key Features
- Curriculum aligned with the National Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Society of Editors and the Chartered Institute of Journalists (CIoJ)
- Live online lectures, recorded sessions available on demand, and digital library access through LOU's virtual platform
- Online investigative journalism dissertation or research project as the Master's capstone
- Advanced investigative methods — data journalism, OSINT, source protection and legal privilege
- Virtual tutorial sessions with senior editors, investigative journalists and media academics
- Media law, press regulation, editorial ethics and IPSO standards at postgraduate executive depth
- Global media policy and the future of journalism in digital information ecosystems
What You Will Learn
- Design and lead complex investigative journalism projects applying advanced verification and data analysis
- Evaluate media law at postgraduate depth — defamation, contempt of court, data protection and press regulation
- Develop editorial strategy for multimedia journalism organisations at senior management and board level
- Analyse global media policy, press freedom frameworks and the economic models underpinning journalism
- Apply advanced digital journalism tools including AI-assisted research, computational journalism and open-source investigation
- Conduct original research into journalism practice, media organisations or communication theory
- Lead editorial ethics review processes and implement journalistic standards at organisational level
- Assess the impact of disinformation, platform regulation and audience behaviour on journalism practice
Who This Course Is For
- Senior editors and broadcast journalists seeking research-informed postgraduate credentials in journalism
- LOU Bachelor of Journalism graduates progressing to Master's-level editorial and research specialisation
- Media executives and communications directors seeking formal postgraduate recognition at journalism level
- Journalism academics and media researchers seeking a practitioner-informed postgraduate qualification
- International journalism professionals who need flexible online study at London postgraduate standards
Career Pathways
- Publishing Director
- Academic Researcher (Journalism)
- Media Relations Director
- Digital Content Director
- Editor (Senior)
- Documentary Filmmaker
- Communications Manager
LOU's online career support assists Master of Journalism graduates with executive media sector CV preparation, LinkedIn profile coaching and online interview preparation for editorial director, investigative journalism leadership and media executive positions across the UK and internationally.
Entry Requirements
- A UK 2:2 (Lower Second Class) honours degree or overseas equivalent in any discipline
- Applicants without a first degree may be considered with 5+ years of senior professional experience
- IELTS 6.5 overall (no band under 6.0) or equivalent English proficiency
- A 500-word research statement covering the applicant's chosen area of specialisation
- Two academic or professional references and a short online interview
Why Study at LOU
LOU — London Online University — delivers postgraduate journalism education entirely through its virtual learning environment, with live online lectures from senior editorial practitioners, recorded sessions available on demand and digital library access. The Master of Journalism provides London-standard postgraduate credentials for journalists and media professionals from anywhere in the world without campus relocation.
Aligned with NUJ and Society of Editors standards, the programme provides internationally recognised postgraduate journalism credentials. LOU's online career support, virtual tutorial sessions with active investigative journalists and global peer learning community ensure every student receives sustained academic and professional support throughout the programme.
Apply for Master of Journalism
The Master of Journalism is delivered entirely online, giving senior media professionals the flexibility to achieve a London-standard postgraduate journalism qualification from anywhere in the world. Advance your career with an LOU Master's degree delivered entirely online. Begin your postgraduate journalism journey with LOU today. Enrol Now
