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Postgraduate

MA Journalism: Arts and Lifestyle Journalism

Publication with pink and orange cover, with plant.
Work by Rina Salee, BA (Hons) Illustration and Visual Media, UAL.
College
London College of Communication
Start date
October 2023
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.

Applications closed 2023/24

We are no longer accepting applications for 2023/24 entry to this course. Applications for 2024/25 entry will open in Autumn 2023.

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. 

Contact us

Register your interest to receive information and updates about studying at UAL.

Contact us to make an enquiry.

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.

Fees and funding

Home fee

£12,700

This fee is correct for 2023/24 entry and is subject to change for 2024/25 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.

Home fees are currently charged to UK nationals and UK residents who meet the rules. However, the rules are complex. Find out more about our tuition fees and determining your fee status.

International fee

£25,970

This fee is correct for 2023/24 entry and is subject to change for 2024/25 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

We are no longer accepting applications for 2023/24 entry to this course. Applications for 2024/25 entry will open in Autumn 2023.

All applications will be considered by the course team who will consider key elements when making a decision on your suitability to join the course:

  • First, they will look at your qualifications and transcript (or projected results)
  • Secondly, they will review your personal statement and portfolio
  • Then they will consider your profile of work and your interview
  • There is no requirement for an academic or professional reference

Required information for postgraduate course applications

Before you apply, please take time to read the guidance below. You will be asked to provide the following items and upload documents when completing the online application form:

  • Personal details (including full name; date of birth; nationality; permanent address and English language level)
  • Current and/or previous education and qualification details
  • Employment history
  • CV
  • Personal statement

Extra information required for applications to this course

  • Portfolio

Deferring your place

This course accepts requests from offer holders to defer their place for one academic year. Deferral requests are granted on a first-come, first served basis until all deferral places are filled, or a deadline has been reached, whichever is sooner.

Read our Admissions Policy for details, and request your deferral by contacting us through the UAL Portal using the Contact Us button in your My Application(s) tab.

External Student Transfer Policy

If you are currently studying at another institution and have successfully completed 60 credits in the equivalent units/modules on your current PG course and wish to continue your studies at London College of Communication, you can apply to transfer.

The Admissions Tutor will consider applications on a case by case basis, subject to places being available. You must apply directly to the course via the course webpage as early as possible.

Further information about the external student transfer policy can be found on the Office for Students Information page.

CV

Please provide a CV detailing your education, qualifications and any relevant work or voluntary experience. If English is not your first language it is important that you also include in your CV details of your most recent English language test score.

Personal statement advice

The personal statement is a very important part of your application and should demonstrate to the course team that you are interested in Arts and Lifestyle Journalism and that you have thought very carefully about why you wish to study on the course.

Ensure that your personal statement it is well written, clear and free of any spelling mistakes.

It is your chance to impress the course team by showing a strong interest in the subject, demonstrating what you feel you would bring to the course, your appreciation of what the course can offer you and how you feel it might help you in the future. This can be demonstrated through work experience, previous studies and your personal experience.

Application deadline

19 December 2022 and 3 April 2023

Our equal consideration deadlines have now passed. This course will remain open to applications for 2023 entry until places have been filled. Please be aware that courses can close without notice.

We recommend you submit your application as early as possible to allow the Admissions team to resolve any initial queries about your application as quickly as possible.

When you'll hear from us

If this course requires a digital portfolio as part of the application process, you will be invited to submit this through UAL’s online submission tool, PebblePad. We will request this separately after initial processing of your application is complete. Once we request your portfolio, you will have 7 days to submit it.

Once you’ve sent in your application, this will be sent through to our course teams for review. Find out more about what happens after you apply.

We are no longer accepting applications for 2023/24 entry to this course. Applications for 2024/25 entry will open in Autumn 2023.

All applications will be considered by the course team who will consider key elements when making a decision on your suitability to join the course:

  • First, they will look at your qualifications and transcript (or projected results)
  • Secondly, they will review your personal statement and portfolio
  • Then they will consider your profile of work and your interview
  • There is no requirement for an academic or professional reference

Required information for postgraduate course applications

Before you apply, please take time to read the guidance below. You will be asked to provide the following items and upload documents when completing the online application form:

  • Personal details (including full name; date of birth; nationality; permanent address and English language level)
  • Current and/or previous education and qualification details
  • Employment history
  • CV
  • Personal statement

Please note: we will ask you for copies of certain documents (for example, English language qualification/certificate and copies of any previous UK study visas). Read our immigration and visa information to find out if you need a visa to study at UAL.

You can only apply to the same course once per year. Any duplicate applications will be withdrawn. Read the UAL international application advice for further information on how to apply.

Extra information required for applications to this course

  • Portfolio

Start your application now

There are 2 ways international students can apply to a postgraduate course:

The application form can be saved as you fill it out, so you do not need to complete it all at once. You will also have the chance to review all the information and make any necessary amendments before you submit the application form.

Deferring your place

This course accepts requests from offer holders to defer their place for one academic year. Deferral requests are granted on a first-come, first served basis until all deferral places are filled, or a deadline has been reached, whichever is sooner.

Read our Admissions Policy for details, and request your deferral by contacting us through the UAL Portal using the Contact Us button in your My Application(s) tab.

External Student Transfer Policy

If you are currently studying at another institution and have successfully completed 60 credits in the equivalent units/modules on your current PG course and wish to continue your studies at London College of Communication, you can apply to transfer.

The Admissions Tutor will consider applications on a case by case basis, subject to places being available. You must apply directly to the course via the course webpage as early as possible.

Further information about the external student transfer policy can be found on the Office for Students Information page.

CV

Please provide a CV detailing your education, qualifications and any relevant work or voluntary experience. If English is not your first language it is important that you also include in your CV details of your most recent English language test score.

Personal statement advice

The personal statement is a very important part of your application and should demonstrate to the course team that you are interested in Arts and Lifestyle Journalism and that you have thought very carefully about why you wish to study on the course.

Ensure that your personal statement it is well written, clear and free of any spelling mistakes.

It is your chance to impress the course team by showing a strong interest in the subject, demonstrating what you feel you would bring to the course, your appreciation of what the course can offer you and how you feel it might help you in the future. This can be demonstrated through work experience, previous studies and your personal experience.

Application deadline

19 December 2022 and 3 April 2023

Our equal consideration deadlines have now passed. This course will remain open to applications for 2023 entry until places have been filled. Please be aware that courses can close without notice.

We recommend you submit your application as early as possible to allow the Admissions team to resolve any initial queries about your application as quickly as possible.

When you'll hear from us

This course receives a high volume of applications. We need to make sure that we give all applications equal consideration, so the course team will review them in two rounds. This means that offers won’t be sent to successful applicants until after the relevant application deadline date. Outcomes for Round 1 will be released by 31 March 2022 and outcomes for Round 2 will be released by 30 June 2022.

Remember to check the outcome of your application in the UAL Portal. If you apply in Round 1 and don’t hear back from us, we will consider your application within Round 2.

Find out more about what happens after you apply.

After you apply

Communicating with you

After you have successfully submitted your application online, you will receive an email confirming your application and providing your login details for the UAL Applicant Portal.

Please add @arts.ac.uk to your contacts to ensure that you do not miss any important updates re: your application to UAL.

Please log into the portal, as this is where we will send you important updates and requests, and you can contact us with any questions you may have about your application.

What happens next

Portfolio

All applicants are asked to submit as part of their application an electronic portfolio of relevant written or published work (maximum 20 images/pages). The portfolio should include some examples of either journalism, blogging, academic essay, or multimedia work.

Applicants will need to demonstrate knowledge of the world of journalism and engage in critical discussion.

Applicants are usually interviewed by the course team before a place can be offered. Interviews will be held online, and details will be sent via the UAL Portal.

How we notify you of the outcome of your application

You will receive the outcome of your application through the UAL Applicant Portal.

Requesting feedback

This course receives a high number of applications. Unfortunately, we can’t provide feedback to everyone who is unsuccessful. We can only provide feedback after you’ve had an interview.

We are only able to provide feedback to you directly, or to someone you have told us in writing can receive it on your behalf. If you would like to request feedback  please contact us through the UAL Portal using the Contact Us button in your My Application(s) tab.

Successful applicants will be guided through the rest of our admissions stages and towards enrolment on the course.

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.