Course summary
Investigative journalism is at a crossroads in theory and practice. Crises of ethics and funding have brought profound changes to the nature of long-form journalism, the ways in which it is produced and the institutions that invest in it. Our MA Investigative Reporting brings together leading practitioners and institutions to deliver advanced training in emergent investigative newsgathering and publishing skills applicable to a range of professional contexts, within and beyond journalism. At the same time, this innovative course introduces you to critical accounts of the media's watchdog function and journalism's evolving social role. You will be taught by a mix of academics, writers, investigative journalists, editors and bloggers, including Iain Overton (award-winning current affairs journalist, author and human rights reporter) and Justin Schlosberg (Senior Lecturer in Journalism and Media at Birkbeck and programme director). Modules address new challenges while also reflecting the constants that underpin investigative journalism ethics and storytelling. Above all, the course presents an opportunity to both study and do investigative journalism, under the guidance of award-winning journalists and experienced academics. Highlights
- You will be taught by experienced, award-winning journalists and internationally renowned academics.
- We offer a number of bursaries for postgraduate students.
- Producer, BBC News
- Research Manager, BBC News
- Project Coordinator, Sony Interactive Entertainment ltd
- Marketing Manager, Red Deer
- Broadcast Journalist, LBC, Classic FM, Capital and Heart
- Staff Writer, Field Gibson Media
- Communications Officer, Bristol Water
- Staff Reporter, European Medical Journal
- Executive Producer, Mongolian Media Council
- Business Analyst, GSK
- PR Director, Notable
Modules
For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.
Assessment method
You will be assessed via a range of academic and practice-oriented activities, including both theoretical essays and specific assignments in areas such as data analysis, story arching and Freedom of Information requests, among others. For your dissertation, you will have the opportunity to produce a real-world investigative report, benefiting throughout from both academic supervision and professional mentoring.
How to apply
International applicants
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, the requirement for this course is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 7.0, with not less than 6.5 in each of the sub-tests. If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.
Entry requirements
A second-class honours degree (2:2) or above in any related subject; other qualifications will be considered. Applications are encouraged from those with prior investigative experience in journalism, human rights or other related fields. Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £9810 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9810 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9810 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9810 | Year 1 |
| International | £18030 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their programme. Tuition fees for students continuing on their programme in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases.
Provider information
Birkbeck, University of London
Malet Street
Bloomsbury
London
WC1E 7HX
Course contact details
Visit our course pageBirkbeck Student Advice Service
0203 907 0700