Program Overview
The Master of Arts in Journalism at University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) is a rigorous postgraduate programme delivered on-campus at University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN). Designed for graduates and professionals seeking advanced expertise in humanities & arts, the programme develops both theoretical foundations and applied skills essential for today's competitive environment.
Spanning 12 months, students engage with cutting-edge research, industry-relevant case studies, and practical projects. Instruction is delivered in English by research-active faculty with professional expertise.
The programme culminates in a dissertation or capstone project. Graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles, research careers, and doctoral study in humanities & arts.
Key Program Features
Why study with us
Youâll have access to a senior industry mentor who will guide, advise, and support you throughout your studies. You can choose to complete a PGCert in one year or continue to earn a full master's degree in two years. To support the next generation of diverse news leaders we offer tuition-fee scholarships funded by our partners Arc XP, FT Strategies, Bright Sites, Journalistsâ Charity, Chrysalis Transformations, The Media Lab and Tickaroo.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Journalism programme at University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) develop the advanced knowledge, analytical skills, and professional networks that leading employers in humanities & arts value. Common career destinations include:
- Researcher / Academic: Pursue doctoral studies and contribute to scholarly knowledge.
- Journalist / Editor: Report, write, and curate content for media organisations.
- Cultural Programme Manager: Lead arts institutions, festivals, and cultural initiatives.
- Content Strategist: Develop compelling narratives for brands and organisations.
Graduates have secured roles at multinational corporations, government agencies, research institutions, NGOs, and high-growth startups. Many also progress to doctoral (PhD) programmes.
Program Curriculum
Programme structure
You'll be able to enrol for the postgraduate certificate after which you'll have the opportunity to take the additional modules required to earn the MA award.
In year one you'll complete two modules JN4530 and JN4531 for the postgraduate certificate.
Once these modules have been completed you'll have the option to continue on to a second year, where you'll complete two more modules JN4526 and JN4527 to gain an MA.
Admission Requirements
Entry requirements
We welcome applications to this university certified course from experienced practitioners inside and alongside the media industry. Entry to the programme is normally subject to the following conditions: Please note: these entry requirements are a general guide. Some requirements, including English language, may vary by course and are reviewed regularly. This could be due to accreditation, regulatory body standards, or clinical placements. If you donât meet the required level of English, we offer a range of English language tests to help you prepare. Email our International Team to check the exact requirements for this course.
Minimum qualifications: Applicants should have a strong interest in the challenges facing journalism and its leaders and submit a 250-word statement that describes your daily duties, the relevance of the programme to your career, your goals for the course and how you will apply the learning in context Degree: undergraduate degree in journalism or a related media subject at least 2:1 or evidence of professional journalism or media industry experience (normally five years) IELTS: score of 7 or equivalent Applicants will also be interviewed either in person or via electronic means GCSEs: Maths and English at Grade C/4 or equivalent such as Level 2 functional skills in Maths and English Minimum qualifications: Bachelorâs Degree from reputable university GPA 2.4/4.0 = 2:2 Minimum English entry requirements: Standard English language entry requirements - IELTS 6.0 (with no component score lower than 5.5) or equivalent. OR: Grade B/80%/3 GPA High School Grade 11 English OR: Grade C/70%/2 GPA High School Grade 12 English OR: 3 credits English Class(es) at University or Community College Grade C/70% /2 GPA OR: AP English Language or Literature grade 3 OR: SATr Evidence Based Reading and Writing Minimum Score of 500 OR: ACT English Minimum Score of 26 NOTE: (some courses may have higher English requirements)
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 12,950/year (international)
Fees and funding
2025/26 UK Online part-time £1,050 per 20 credits International Online part-time £1,050 per 20 credits 2026/27 UK tuition fees are subject only to annual increase in line with UK Retail Price Index (RPI) inflation rate and increases permitted by the UK Government. UK Online part-time £1,100 per 20 credits International Online part-time £1,100 per 20 credits
As part of your course there may be additional costs to consider that are not included in your tuition fees. Most of these will be optional, but some courses have essential additional costs. Find out more about additional costs .
Scholarships and bursaries We offer many scholarships, bursaries and funds to support you during your studies. The below scholarships or bursaries are specific to this and a few select courses. Journalism Innovation and Leadership PGCert Scholarship The Journalism Innovation and Leadership Programme (JILeaders) at the University of Lancashire is offering PGCert tuition fee scholarships for news media professionals that are funded by a variety of global media innovation and support organisations. Find out more about Journalism Innovation and Leadership PGCert Scholarship
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Financial Aid & Funding Opportunities
A range of funding options may be available to students enrolling at University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN). Explore all options early — many scholarships have deadlines months before programme start.
- University Scholarships: University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) may offer merit-based, need-based, or programme-specific scholarships for postgraduate students. Contact the international or financial aid office for current awards.
- Government Scholarships (): National governments often fund outbound and inbound student mobility. Check your home country's government scholarship schemes (e.g., national student loan bodies, ministry of education awards).
- International Scholarships: Major funders include: Commonwealth Scholarships, Fulbright (USA programmes), Chevening (UK), Erasmus+ (Europe), DAAD (Germany), Campus France, Australia Awards, and many more.
- Employer Sponsorship: Professionals returning to study may negotiate tuition sponsorship with their employer, particularly for MBA or executive programmes.
- Graduate Assistantships / Fellowships: Some universities offer funded research or teaching assistant positions that include a stipend and partial or full tuition waiver.
- External Foundations: Rotary Foundation, Aga Khan Foundation, Ford Foundation, and many discipline-specific bodies fund postgraduate study globally.
- Payment Plans: Flexible instalment plans may allow you to spread tuition payments across the academic year.
About University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN)
University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN)
Botswana, Botswana
Visit the university profile page to learn more about this institution.
University Profile- Application Deadline 2018-01-15
- Start Date 2018-09-01
- Language English
- Duration 12 months
- Credits 60 ECTS / 180 credits (1-year programme)
