Course Overview

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 program 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.

Graduates can pursue a career in professional journalism - especially current affairs journalism and long-form reporting in print and online - the media, public relations, NGOs, and law, particularly in the areas of human rights, civil liberties, and corruption.

Other possible professions include public relations officer, market researcher, and writer.

Jobs gained by some of our journalism graduates:

• 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

We offer a comprehensive Careers Service - Birkbeck Futures - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education, and future ambitions.

General Eligibility

A second-class honors 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.

Part Time Work Details

20 hours of work permit weekly for international students.

Language Requirement

• If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests.