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Postgraduate Journalism Routes UK

MA programmes, NCTJ accreditation status, funding options, and the Reuters Institute Fellowship — everything you need to choose and fund a postgraduate journalism route in the UK.

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Who postgraduate study is for

A postgraduate journalism qualification is most valuable for graduates from non-journalism disciplines who want to enter the profession, for career changers who need a structured learning environment, and for journalists from overseas who want UK-recognised qualifications and industry connections.

The critical decision is whether the programme is NCTJ-accredited. Many employers — particularly regional and national newspapers — expect the NCTJ Diploma. If the MA does not carry NCTJ accreditation, you may need to sit NCTJ exams separately, which adds time and cost.

For experienced journalists, the Reuters Institute Fellowship at Oxford is a different proposition: it is a mid-career research opportunity rather than a vocational qualification.

What NCTJ accreditation means for an MA

  • NCTJ accreditation means the programme has been assessed against NCTJ standards and students can sit NCTJ exams as part of the course.
  • Most NCTJ-accredited MAs embed the NCTJ Diploma — meaning graduates leave with both the MA degree and the NCTJ Diploma.
  • NCTJ accreditation is renewed periodically — check the NCTJ website for current accredited postgraduate courses.
  • BJTC accreditation (for broadcast-focused programmes) is separate from NCTJ accreditation — some programmes hold both.
  • Non-accredited MAs may still be excellent programmes — but check with target employers whether the NCTJ Diploma is required.

Selected UK MA journalism programmes

This is a selection of established programmes — not an exhaustive list. Always check current accreditation status and NCTJ's website for the full list of accredited postgraduate providers.

City, University of London — MA Journalism

NCTJBJTC

One of the most established UK journalism postgraduate programmes. NCTJ and BJTC-accredited. Strong industry connections. Specialist pathways in broadcast, data, and political journalism.

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Cardiff University — MA Journalism, Media and Communications

NCTJ

Part of one of the UK's oldest journalism schools. NCTJ-accredited Diploma embedded in some pathways. Strong research environment and Welsh media connections.

Programme details →

University of Sheffield — MA Journalism Studies

NCTJ

NCTJ-accredited. Strong data and investigative journalism focus. Home to the Centre for Freedom of the Media.

Programme details →

University of Leeds — MA Journalism

NCTJ

NCTJ-accredited with strong Northern England industry links. Options in broadcast and digital journalism.

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Goldsmiths, University of London — MA Journalism

No NCTJ

Strong academic reputation, particularly in critical and cultural approaches to journalism. Not NCTJ-accredited — students seeking the Diploma should take it separately.

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University of Strathclyde — MSc Investigative Journalism

NCTJ

Scotland-based, NCTJ-accredited. Specialist investigative focus including data, OSINT, and legal risk management.

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Funding and bursaries

Charlton Hill Foundation

Bursary

Students from under-represented backgrounds on NCTJ-accredited courses.

Apply / details →

Scott Trust Foundation Bursary

Bursary

Financially disadvantaged students on NCTJ-accredited courses. Administered through NCTJ.

Apply / details →

John Schofield Trust

Award / mentoring

Early-career journalists, particularly those interested in broadcast or public-interest journalism.

Apply / details →

Reuters Institute Fellowship (Oxford)

Fellowship

Mid-career journalists from any country for a term of research at Oxford.

Apply / details →

NUJ Hardship Fund

Financial support

NUJ members facing financial hardship, including those undertaking approved training.

Apply / details →

NCTJ Diversity Fund

Bursary

Students from groups under-represented in journalism, on NCTJ-accredited courses.

Apply / details →

Related guides

CareersMA Journalism Programmes UKRead →CareersJournalism Degree vs NCTJRead →TrainingCertification Pathways UKRead →CareersNCTJ Diploma GuideRead →TrainingNCTJ Readiness Self-TestRead →BlogJournalism Courses UK GuideRead →

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Frequently asked questions

Is an MA journalism degree worth doing if I already have a non-journalism undergraduate degree?
For many career changers and graduates from non-journalism disciplines, an NCTJ-accredited MA is the most structured and employer-recognised route into the profession. It provides the media law and public affairs knowledge required by employers, practical skills training, and — if NCTJ-accredited — the Diploma qualification embedded in the degree. The value depends heavily on the specific programme and whether NCTJ accreditation is included.
What is the Charlton Hill Foundation and who can apply?
The Charlton Hill Foundation provides bursaries to support students from under-represented backgrounds pursuing journalism training in the UK. Applications are typically open to students enrolled in NCTJ-accredited courses. The Foundation aims to increase diversity in the journalism profession by reducing financial barriers to entry. Check the NCTJ website for current bursary details and application deadlines.
What is the Scott Trust Bursary?
The Scott Trust Foundation provides bursaries to support journalism students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds who are studying on NCTJ-accredited courses. The Scott Trust is the owner of Guardian Media Group — the bursary reflects its commitment to a diverse and independent press. Applications are typically administered through the NCTJ.
What is the Reuters Institute Fellowship at Oxford?
The Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at the University of Oxford offers a fellowship programme for mid-career journalists from around the world. Fellows spend a term at Oxford researching a topic of their choice under academic supervision. It is highly competitive and aimed at experienced journalists — not new entrants. The Institute also publishes widely-cited research including the annual Digital News Report.
What is the John Schofield Trust?
The John Schofield Trust provides financial support and mentoring to young journalists, particularly those interested in broadcast journalism or working in the public interest. The Trust offers bursaries and awards named after journalist John Schofield, who was killed while reporting in Croatia in 1995. Awards are typically aimed at journalists in the early stages of their careers.