Master of Arts - Journalism and Media Communications with Placement Year

The MA Journalism and Media Communications with Placement Year is a two-year programme which includes a 36-week, full-time work placement. The course content is similar to the one-year MA, but students will take a long placement of 30 weeks or more and write their dissertation in the second year.

A placement will help them gain valuable professional practice and enhance their understanding of media theory. Recent placements have included communications for a development agency in London and social media management in Hertfordshire. Others have gained placements with the BBC, Sunday Times and a variety of PR agencies.

Students will analyze contemporary intellectual theories of media and communications. They'll cross-examine the synergies between social media, PR and journalism, interrogate current media practices and convergence.

Throughout the Master's course, learners will benefit from the University of Hertfordshire's extensive links with the media industry including, membership of the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) and educational membership of the British Society for Magazine Editors. They'll feel inspired by various guest speakers. Previous talks have included the editor of Marie Claire, an investigative journalist from the BBC and head of a media agency.