English translation of programme syllabus

International Master's Programme in Journalism, 60 credits

(Internationellt magisterprogram i journalistik, 60 högskolepoäng)

Programme code P4319
Academic school School of Social Sciences
Education cycle Second cycle
Language of instruction English
Valid from Autumn semester 2017

Validation

This programme syllabus was validated by the Faculty Board at Södertörn University on 2017-03-20 according to the stipulations in the Higher Education Ordinance.

Entry requirements

Bachelor´s degree in a social sciences or humanities subject or the equivalent, plus English B or equivalent.

Programme outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

On completion of the programme, the student is able to:

  • independently and at an advanced level describe research in the field of journalism, with a particular focus on the international perspective
  • critically reflect on the role of journalism in various types of media systems and in different parts of the world, including the professional role of the journalist and freedom of the press in different places
  • autonomously summarise and apply in-depth understanding of research methodology and research design
  • describe and critically analyse the role of journalism in international conflicts

Competence and skills

On completion of the programme, the student is able to:

  • autonomously identify and formulate problems that are relevant to journalism and use the proper methods for completing professional tasks
  • search for and critically evaluate information from different types of sources
  • autonomously and at an advanced level complete large scholarly works in the form of a dissertation or an in-depth journalistic product combined with a reflective report
  • present and problematise, orally and in writing, his or her own conclusions and the arguments on which they are based, in both academic and journalistic contexts

Judgement and approach

On completion of the programme, the student is able to:

  • apply a deeply critical and reflexive approach to journalism and journalistic problems, particularly in relation to the professional role of the journalist, ethical issues and problems of media freedom and democracy
  • reflect on and problematise journalism and power and the role of the journalist in various types of media system
  • reflect on and critically evaluate the role of journalism in society, ethical social aspects of journalism and research in journalism and people’s responsibility for how it is used


Applicability

The programme provides students with deeper insight into journalism, with a particular focus on the international perspective, and provides a good basis for working with journalism and media-related issues in an international setting. The programme also provides the student with a foundation for doctoral studies in journalism.

Qualification

Title of qualification:

Degree of Master of Arts (60 credits) in Journalism

Filosofie magisterexamen med huvudområdet journalistik

Qualification stipulation:

A Master’s degree may be awarded after the student has completed a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism or the equivalent, and completed course requirements worth 60 points as part of the Master’s programme. These course requirements must include and independent project (dissertation) worth at least 15 points in the main field of study.

Programme design

The programme covers two semesters.

The first semester includes two courses: one about the role of journalism and its position in various types of media systems, and one about the role of journalism in mediatised international conflicts.

The second semester focuses on research design, theory development and the writing of an individual master’s project.

In its entirety, the programme focuses on issues relating to journalism from a global perspective, with a particular emphasis on press freedom and democracy.

Compulsory courses

  • Comparative Journalism Studies, 15 credits
  • Journalism and International Conflicts, 15 credits
  • Master’s Project in Journalism, 30 credits

A student on a study programme is guaranteed a place on the compulsory courses or on the specializations/courses within the programme. (For entry requirements, see, Other Stipulations.)

Optional courses

A student is guaranteed a place on a range of courses equivalent to a full workload. There is no guarantee that a student is offered a place on his/her first choice of course. For entry requirements, see course syllabus.

A student is guaranteed a place on a range of courses equivalent to a full workload. There is no guarantee that a student is offered a place on his/her first choice of course. For entry requirements, see course syllabus.

Degree project

The student completes and autonomous work in the form of a scholarly essay or a journalistic project in combination with a reflective report, supported by the relevant literature. The Master's Project in combination with the modules Research Design and Advanced Theory and Method comprise in all 30 credits.

Credit transfer for prior studies

A student has the right to have prior learning assessed for accreditation within the study programme.

Other stipulations

A student has the right to have prior learning assessed for accreditation within the study programme.

For entry requirements for courses within a study programme, see course syllabus.