International Master's Programme in Journalism, 60 credits

Validation

This programme syllabus was validated by the Faculty Board at Södertörn University on 2023-05-17 according to the stipulations in the Higher Education Ordinance.

Entry requirements

Bachelor´s degree and bachelor thesis in a social sciences or humanities subject or the equivalent, plus English 6 or equivalent.

Programme outcomes

On completion of the programme, students can:

Knowledge and understanding

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

Competence and skills

• demonstrate the ability to integrate knowledge and analyse, assess, and manage complex phenomena, issues and situations in the field of journalism research,
• autonomously identify and formulate issues relevant to journalism research, and use appropriate methods to undertake advanced tasks within predetermined time frames
• search for and critically evaluate information from different types of sources
• present and problematise their own conclusions and the arguments they are based upon, orally and in writing, in both academic and journalistic contexts

Judgement and approach

• adopt a critical and reflective approach to journalism and the problems of journalism research, particularly as regards professional roles, ethical issues and problems of press freedom and democracy
• reflect on and problematise journalism and power, and the role of journalism in various media systems
• demonstrate insight into the possibilities and limitations of scholarship, and journalism, their role in society and people’s responsibility for how they are used                 
• demonstrate the ability to identify their need for further knowledge and take responsibility for their scholarly development

Applicability

The programme provides students with advanced knowledge in journalism, with a particular focus on the international perspective, and provides a good basis for professional practice in Sweden or abroad, as well as being a foundation for doctoral studies in journalism.

Qualification

Title of qualification:

Degree of Master of Arts in Journalism, 60 credits

Filosofie magisterexamen med huvudområdet journalistik, 60 högskolepoäng

Qualification stipulation:

A one-year Master’s degree is awarded after the student has completed a Bachelor’s degree, and completed course requirements worth 60 credits as part of the Master’s programme. As part of these requirements, the student must have completed an independent project (dissertation) worth at least 15 credits in the main field of study.

Programme design

The programme covers two semesters.

The first semester includes two courses: one about the role of and conditions for journalism in various types of media systems, and one about the role of journalism in various types of conflicts within and between nations.

The second semester focuses on research design, in-depth theory and the completion of an independent project (dissertation).

In its entirety, the programme focuses on issues relating to journalism in a global perspective, freedom of the press and democracy, the role of the media in war and conflicts within and between nations.

Compulsory courses

• Comparative Journalism Studies, 15 credits
• Journalism and International Conflicts, 15 credits
• Master’s Dissertation 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.

Degree project

The student undertakes an independent project in the form of a scholarly dissertation. The dissertation and the modules in Research Design and Theory and Method comprise 30 credits in total.

Credit transfer for prior studies

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

Other stipulations

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