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Postgraduate

MA Journalism: Arts and Lifestyle Journalism

Work by Rina Salee, BA (Hons) Illustration and Visual Media, UAL.
College
London College of Communication
Start date
September 2024
Course length
1 year 3 months full-time (45 weeks across a four-term model)

The MA Journalism: Arts and Lifestyle Journalism pathway supports you to explore creative disciplines and popular culture in areas such as art, food, fashion, music, photography, film and travel. You’ll learn how to tell stories about societal changes that reflect the ways in which we live, work and perceive ourselves.

Applying for more than 1 course

You can apply for more than 1 postgraduate course at UAL but we recommend that you apply for no more than 3. Find out more in the Apply Now section.

Why choose this course at London College of Communication

  • This is the only arts and lifestyle journalism course in the country. Rather than focusing on news journalism, you’ll study on a multimedia course that explores experimentation and creativity in the discipline.
  • We place emphasis on learning practical skills and developing a personal voice informed by reflection and critical theory.
  • You’ll have opportunities to develop your journalism and editorial skills by working on the Artefact multimedia brand.
  • Our graduates go on to work in established media for organisations such as The Guardian, Wallpaper, Hole and Corner, and Artnet. Others work for cultural institutions such as Somerset House, set up their own publications, or work successfully as freelancers.
  • As part of the Media School at LCC, you’ll belong to a community that also spans publishing, advertising, public relations, media communications and photography.

MA Journalism

MA Journalism offers three pathways: Audio/Video Journalism and Social Justice Journalism. It is part of the Journalism and Publishing programme.

Open Evenings

The next Open Evening for this course will be announced soon.

Course overview

MA Journalism: Arts and Lifestyle Journalism is a multimedia course with a strong industry focus that supports you to develop solid multiplatform journalism skills. 

You’ll explore journalism about creative disciplines and popular culture in areas such as art, food, fashion, music, photography, film and travel.

You’ll learn how to tell stories about societal changes that reflect the ways in which we live, work and perceive ourselves. 

What to expect

  • Guided by tutors with professional and multi-platform experience gained at national newspapers, digital channels and broadcasters such as the BBC and Sky, you'll develop key, practical journalistic skills, and learn how to apply them to your particular area of interest.
  • You'll receive specific teaching in your chosen pathway, but you’ll come together as a larger group at key moments in the course – for example, to work collaboratively with other students on our Artefact multiplatform brand comprising a print magazine, website, social media channels and an audio/visual platform. 
  • You’ll produce an individual, substantial piece or portfolio of journalism in a medium or media of your choice.   
  • With a commitment to practice as a basis for developing skills, our MA Journalism course reflects the contemporary environment of multi-platform journalism. Whichever pathway you choose to study, you’ll be supported to produce work in a range of styles and genres while building your employability. 

Industry experience and opportunities

You’ll have the opportunity to work on projects with industry partners, drawing on our close links with organisations such as The Guardian, Vice, Dazed and Women in Journalism. You’ll also be given guidance in freelancing and entrepreneurship and you will gain insights from guest speakers representing a range of national newspapers, magazines, broadcasters and websites.  

Mode of study

MA Journalism is in Full Time mode which runs for 45 weeks over 15 months. You will be expected to commit 40 hours per week to study. 

Course units

We are committed to ensuring that your skills are set within an ethical framework and are embedding UAL’s Principles for Climate, Social and Racial Justice into this course.

Multiplatform Journalism (20 credits)

This unit will introduce you to the core practical journalism skills of research, interviewing, reporting, and pitching, along with basic legal principles.

You’ll also develop skills in idea generation and development, primary and secondary research, understanding audiences and their interests through data and analytics, narrative, editing, and promoting work on social media. Throughout this unit, you’ll produce a portfolio of journalistic work for submission. 

Critical Perspectives: Arts and Lifestyle Journalism (20 credits) 

You’ll explore ethical, theoretical and contextual issues relating to Arts and Lifestyle Journalism including its definitions and possibilities, discussing how it could be a robust and potentially disruptive form of storytelling. 

Particular attention is given to issues of globalisation, consumption, representation, diversity, travel, aesthetics, and taste. You’ll also explore issues of creativity and experimentation in journalism, and discuss its position within the wider creative industries.  

Short-form Video (20 credits)

In this unit, you'll develop in-demand skills in mobile video journalism, learning how to shoot, edit and embed eye-catching short-form video for social media to build engagement with online audiences.

Arts and Lifestyle Journalism: Practice (20 credits) 

You’ll develop skills in a range of journalistic forms relating to Arts and Lifestyle Journalism, focusing on primary and secondary research, building narratives and promoting your work on social media.  

This will include reviewing, profile writing and reported features for print and online, and you’ll also be encouraged to experiment with creative approaches to your journalistic practice. 

Collaborative Unit (20 credits) 

This unit is designed to enable you to identify, form and develop collaborative working relationships with a range of potential partners. These could include other postgraduate students at LCC or UAL; postgraduate students at other Higher Education institutions; or external organisations such as cultural or community groups, NGOs, businesses or charities.  

The nature of this collaboration will involve working on a project with outcomes agreed by your tutors, and will take the form of group work that can happen within the College or digitally/remotely. 

Audience, Editing and Platform Management (20 credits) 

In this unit, you’ll develop skills in multimedia platform management through taught sessions from staff and industry professionals, and by working in one or more editorial roles on the Artefact multimedia brand, which includes a print magazine, a regularly updated live website, and audio, video and social media channels. You’ll also have the opportunity to develop your chosen specialism through your practice. 

Final Major Project (60 credits) 

You’ll put the skills and knowledge developed during the course into action.  

In the first part of the unit, you’ll develop ideas for your personal project and submit a written proposal for an individual journalistic product or portfolio in a medium or media of your choice that’s also relevant to your specialism. You’ll also produce a reflective report looking at your development as a journalist and the direction for your future career. 

In the second part of the unit, you’ll work with a supervisor to produce the project, which will be supported and evidenced by a reflective document. 

Learning and teaching methods

  • Lectures 
  • Seminars 
  • Workshops 
  • Tutorials 
  • Supervised practice 
  • Digital and online learning activities 
  • Reflections on practice 
  • Self-directed learning 
  • Presentations and pitches 

Online Open Day

(Recorded March 2023)

Course and Pathway Leader, Lucia Vodanovic, gives an overview of studying MA Journalism and the different pathways at London College of Communication.

Facilities

  • Student using the Screen Printing facility
    Libo Li working in Screen Printing Workshop, Postgraduate Diploma Design for Visual Communication. London College of Communication, UAL. Photograph: Alys Tomlinson

    Print and Finishing

    Discover our printing techniques, from Lithographic Printing to Print Finishing and Bookbinding.

  • Student reading a book in between two bookshelves in the Library
    Students in the Digital Space. London College of Communication, UAL. Photograph: Alys Tomlinson

    The Digital Space

    The Digital Space is an open-plan, creative hub with computers set up with specialist software.

  • A journalism student working in one of the audio studios.
    Image © Alys Tomlinson

    Journalism

    Journalism students have access to an onsite newsroom, media lab and audio studios.

Staff

Fees and funding

Home fee

£13,330

This fee is correct for 2024/25 entry and is subject to change for 2025/26 entry.

Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students on courses lasting more than one year. For this course, you can pay tuition fees in instalments.

Students from countries outside of the UK will generally be charged international fees. The rules are complex so read more about tuition fees and determining your fee status.

International fee

£28,570

This fee is correct for 2024/25 entry and is subject to change for 2025/26 entry.

Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students on courses lasting more than one year. For this course, you can pay tuition fees in instalments.

Students from countries outside of the UK will generally be charged international fees. The rules are complex so read more about tuition fees and determining your fee status.

Scholarship search

Entry requirements

In order to be considered, you would have achieved an Honours degree (preferably a 2:1), or equivalent professional qualifications with a minimum of three years relevant professional experience.

APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning)

Applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered in exceptional cases. The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:

  • Related academic or work experience
  • The quality of the personal statement
  • A strong academic or other professional reference
  • OR a combination of these factors

Language requirements

All classes are conducted in English. If English is not your first language, we strongly recommend you let us know your English language test score in your application. If you have booked a test or are awaiting your results, please indicate this in your application. When asked to upload a CV as part of your application, please include any information about your English test score.

  • IELTS 7.0 (or equivalent) is required, with 6.0 in each of the four skills.
  • If your first language is not English, you can check you have achieved the correct IELTS level in English on the Language Requirements page.
  • For further details regarding international admissions and advice please visit the International Applications page.

Selection criteria

Offers will be made based on the following selection criteria, which applicants are expected to demonstrate:

  • A well-articulated rationale for applying for the course that demonstrates an enthusiasm for Arts and Lifestyle Journalism, Social Justice Journalism or Audio and Video Journalism
  • A demonstrable capacity for intellectual enquiry and openness to new ideas
  • Evidence of understanding or experience of Arts and Lifestyle Journalism, Social Justice Journalism or Audio and Video Journalism that would indicate potential to successfully undertake the programme of study
  • An academic or professional background in a relevant area

Apply now

Application deadline

Deadline

Round 1:

13 December 2023 at 1pm (UK time)

Round 2:

3 April 2024 at 1pm (UK time)

Digital portfolio deadline

Round 1:

7 days after digital portfolio and/or video task request

Round 2:

7 days after digital portfolio and/or video task request

Decision outcome

Round 1:

End of March 2024

Round 2:

End of June 2024

Round 1
Round 2
Deadline
13 December 2023 at 1pm (UK time)
3 April 2024 at 1pm (UK time)
Digital portfolio deadline
7 days after digital portfolio and/or video task request
7 days after digital portfolio and/or video task request
Decision outcome
End of March 2024
End of June 2024

All applications received by 3 April will be treated equally. If there are places available after this date, the course will remain open to applications until places have been filled.

Read more about deadlines

Apply now

Application deadline

Deadline

Round 1:

13 December 2023 at 1pm (UK time)

Round 2:

3 April 2024 at 1pm (UK time)

Digital portfolio deadline

Round 1:

7 days after digital portfolio and/or video task request

Round 2:

7 days after digital portfolio and/or video task request

Decision outcome

Round 1:

End of March 2024

Round 2:

End of June 2024

Round 1
Round 2
Deadline
13 December 2023 at 1pm (UK time)
3 April 2024 at 1pm (UK time)
Digital portfolio deadline
7 days after digital portfolio and/or video task request
7 days after digital portfolio and/or video task request
Decision outcome
End of March 2024
End of June 2024

All applications received by 3 April will be treated equally. If there are places available after this date, the course will remain open to applications until places have been filled.

Read more about deadlines

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How to apply

Follow this step-by-step guide to apply for this course

Step 1: Initial application

You will need to submit an initial application including your personal statement and CV.

Personal statement advice

Your personal statement should be maximum 500 words and include:

  • your reasons for choosing the course
  • your current creative practice and how this course will help you achieve your future plans
  • any relevant education and experience, especially if you do not have any formal academic qualifications.

Visit our personal statement page for more advice.

CV advice

Please provide a CV detailing your education, qualifications and any relevant work or voluntary experience. If you have any web projects or other media that you would like to share, please include links in your CV. If English is not your first language, please also include your most recent English language test score.

Step 2: Digital portfolio

We will review your initial application. If you have met the standard entry requirements, we will ask you to submit a digital portfolio.

You’ll need to submit this via PebblePad, our online portfolio tool.

Digital portfolio advice

Your portfolio should consist of recent work that reflects your creative strengths.

It should:

  • be maximum 20 pages
  • include written or published work
  • feature examples of either journalism, blogging, academic essays or multimedia work
  • demonstrate your knowledge of the journalism sector and your awareness of the critical discussions relating to this field.

For more support, see our Portfolio advice and PebblePad advice.

Step 3: Interview

You may be invited to an interview following our review of your application. All interviews are held online and last 15 to 20 minutes.

For top tips, see our Interview advice.

You also need to know

Communicating with you

Once you have submitted your initial application, we will email you with your login details for our Applicant portal.

Requests for supplementary documents like qualifications and English language tests will be made through the applicant portal. You can also use it to ask questions regarding your application. Visit our After you apply page for more information.

Applying to more than 1 course

You can apply for more than 1 postgraduate course at UAL but we recommend that you apply for no more than 3 courses. You need to tailor your application, supporting documents and portfolio to each course, so applying for many different courses could risk the overall quality of your application. If you receive offers for multiple courses, you'll only be able to accept 1 offer. UAL doesn't accept repeat applications to the same course in the same academic year.

Visas and immigration history check

All non-UK nationals must complete an immigration history check. Your application may be considered by our course teams before this check takes place. This means that we may request your portfolio and/or video task before we identify any issues arising from your immigration history check. Sometimes your history may mean that we are not able to continue considering your application. Visit our Immigration and visas advice page for more information.

External student transfer policy

UAL accepts transfers from other institutions on a case-by-case basis. Read our Student transfer policy for more information.

Alternative offers

If your application is really strong, but we believe your strengths and skillset are better suited to a different course, we may make you an alternative offer. This means you will be offered a place on a different course or at a different UAL College.

Deferring your place

We do not accept any deferral requests for our postgraduate courses. This means that you must apply in the year that you plan to start your course and you will not be able to defer your place to start at a later date.

Application deadlines

For postgraduate courses at UAL there are 2 equal consideration deadlines to ensure fairness for all our applicants. If you apply ahead of either of these deadlines, your application will be considered on an equal basis with all other applications in that round. If there are places available after the second deadline, the course will remain open to applications until places have been filled.

Careers

Graduates of the course go on to work in a range of roles. Some become journalists across newspapers, broadcasters, online publications, or art, design, lifestyle and food magazines, or become editors for magazines and other publications.

Others take on communications roles for fashion and lifestyle brands or major art institutions, choose to set up their own publications, or work as freelance journalists across a range of different titles.

UAL Alumni Association

Our alumni association offers graduates support and a number of benefits.

Student Jobs and Careers

Find out how careers and employability helps our students and graduates start their careers.