Should you study Masters in Journalism abroad?

While news channels have shifted majorly from papers and magazines to podcasts and social media, the core of journalism has remained the same. So, if you’re good at researching, writing, and storytelling, a career in journalism might be just the right choice! But know this – the job of a journalist is not easy (you might even have to fight the government someday). The only way to nail it is through proper education and training. And what better means to make a career in reporting than doing a Masters in Journalism?

“Journalism is printing what someone else does not want printed”
George Orwell

What will the course teach me?

Graduate courses in journalism are designed to focus on theory and research in the field of media and communication.

A Masters in Journalism will give you in-depth knowledge about techniques on reporting, producing content, and publishing your work. Depending on which university you attend, the course can go on for 9 months to 2 years.

You will learn how media operates and contributes to our society, how to cover news, and how journalism itself is affected by our culture. It is important to know how to cover different types of media (like print, broadcast, and documentaries) and understand the ethics and laws around journalism. As students work on their thesis, they also learn how to weave stories and stick to deadlines.

Some courses even offer internship opportunities to students so they can practice what they have learned. 

Am I eligible for a graduate course in Journalism?

Usually, if you want to do your Masters in Journalism, your bachelor’s degree need not be in a related field. So, even if you have some relevant work experience in mass media, you are eligible to apply.

However, there are a few basic requirements that all universities have. These include a good academic record, satisfactory scores in GRE, and TOEFL or IELTS. You might also be asked to share your portfolio or a writing sample from your previous work. Apart from this, your profile should highlight a few key skills that universities are looking for-

• Excellent writing skills
• Communication chops
• Time management and ability to meet deadlines
• Research ability
• Thorough knowledge of current affairs
• Storytelling skills

As long as you’re passionate about journalism and have worked on projects that can prove it, you can apply for graduate programs in journalism!

What are the best colleges for Masters in Journalism abroad?

There are thousands of universities all over the world that offer a Masters in Journalism. Depending on your choice of course duration, syllabus, and specialization, you can pick your dream university according to your profile.

These are the top colleges for Masters in Journalism programs-

• University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Stanford University, US
• University of Southern California, US
• The London School of Economics and Political Science, UK
• University of Texas, Austin, US
• University of California, Berkeley, US
• Goldsmiths, University of London, UK
• Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
• University of California, Los Angeles, US
• University of Pennsylvania, US
• Columbia University, US
• University of Wisconsin-Madison, US
• Michigan State University, US

While some courses are for students who just finished their Bachelor’s, others are for practicing journalists who have some work experience.

How to apply for a Masters in Journalism?

The first (and the most rigorous) step in the Masters in Journalism application process is shortlisting universities. Based on your profile – academics, test scores, projects, and work experience – categorize universities into Dream, Reach, and Safe. Once you know where you’re going to apply, start collecting the documents needed for your application.

Almost all universities will ask you to share your transcripts, GRE and TOEFL/IELTS scores, resume, and Letters of Recommendation. Apart from that, you’ll have to prepare your Statement of Purpose and/or a Personal Statement. You might also be asked to share a Writing Sample or a Portfolio from your previous work.

Upload all the needed documents and fill out your personal details on the online application form of the university. Once you’re done, click on submit, pay the non-refundable application fee, and sit tight for a response!

How much does a Masters in Journalism cost?

Depending on the country and the university you choose, the tuition for Masters in Journalism will range between 50,000 and 70,000 USD.

For example, the tuition at the University of California, Berkeley is $13,746 per term. The one-year course in journalism at the London School of Economics and Political Science (one of the best colleges for Masters in Journalism in the UK) costs $27,835. And the cost of the 9-month program at Columbia Journalism School is $68,960.

Moreover, there are additional costs of studying journalism abroad. These include food, accommodation, transport, and social activities. And the costs for these will vary according to the location of your university.

But every university offers financial assistance in the form of grants, scholarships, and fellowships to its students. On top of that, you can intern or look for a part-time job while studying. This will make it very easy for you to finance your education!

Job opportunities for Masters in Journalism graduates

A Masters in Journalism will take you places. Graduates can find employment in a wide range of newsrooms, media organizations, and tech companies, like Google, Twitter, Netflix, and many more. Students can also go on to work in nonprofit organizations, lobbying firms, communication offices, and governments!

Is there anything else I should know?

Yes! More often than not, you’ll find that universities don’t offer a plain Masters in Journalism degree. While some offer degrees with specialization in Globalisation or Environmental Reporting, others may focus on Data Journalism or Media Law.

So, it’s important to find out what interests you the most, what fits best with your skills, and what you’re more likely to be admitted for. So, in case you’re stuck shortlisting universities, get in touch with one of our experts.

If you have any queries about Masters in Journalism or are still confused about your career choice, please drop a comment. I’ll make sure I get back to you. In the meantime, happy researching!