News Journalism (MA)

Admissions criteria

In order to be considered for an offer for this programme you will need to meet all of the entry requirements. Your application will not be progressed if the information and evidence listed is not provided.

With your online application you will need to provide:

1. A copy your degree certificate and transcripts which show you have achieved a 2:2 honours degree in any subject, or an equivalent international degree. If your degree certificate or result is pending, please upload any interim transcripts or provisional certificates.
2. A copy of your IELTS certificate with an overall score of 7.5 with 7.5 in all subskills, or evidence of an accepted equivalent. Please include the date of your expected test if this qualification is pending. If you have alternative acceptable evidence, such as an undergraduate degree studied in the UK, please supply this in place of an IELTS.
3. A reference (academic or professional) which demonstrate your suitability for the programme. Ideally these should be obtained before you apply and will be required before we are able to make a decision on your application. References should be signed, dated and less than six months old at the time you submit your application.
4. A personal statement which covers the following:
   • Any previous experience of journalism, whether in a professional, voluntary, or hobby capacity. (Please note, however, that experience is not required to study this programme.) (200 words)
   • What do you want to achieve in the world of journalism? (100 words)
   • Why do you want to study at Cardiff University? (100 words)

If you do not have a degree, your application may be considered on the basis of your professional experience. Please provide additional evidence to support your application such as signed and dated employer references.

Application Deadline

We allocate places on a first-come, first-served basis following a successful interview, so we recommend you apply as early as possible. Interviews are scheduled between January and June. 

Selection process

We will review your application and if you meet the entry requirements we will invite you to an interview. The interview will comprise of a standard formal interview and additional exercises to assess your skills relevant to the discipline and to careers in journalism and media. This may include writing skills, broadcast skills (i.e. voice tests), your understanding of the discipline, and your ability to determine news priorities. Following interview, offers will be made to the highest scoring candidates.

Find out more about English language requirements.

Applicants who require a Student visa to study in the UK must present an acceptable English language qualification in order to meet UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) requirements.

Criminal convictions

You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.

If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:

• access to computers or devices that can store images
• use of internet and communication tools/devices
• curfews
• freedom of movement
• contact with people related to Cardiff University.