MA Journalism

"What I enjoyed most about the course was how collaborative it is across all forms of journalism. As someone who was on the MA Journalism course, which is geared towards those of us who want to write for newspapers or digital outlets, I often wondered whether I would get the chance to explore broadcast journalism... and in many ways, I did! I was able to learn vital basic skills such as how to take a good photograph, how to use photoshop, ways to film and edit video and how to make a podcast.I have also made friends for life throughout both courses, and I love how collaborative the Sheffield news days are. Print, radio and television come together as one to work on stories which is a wonderful sight to see. Sheffield has managed to create what you see and experience in a real newsroom."

"I feel as though I owe everything to Sheffield, and that is the truth. The opportunities you receive through the university are unmatched, and the teaching is at an impeccable standard. For example, without the Alumni Mentor programme, I would not have met my supportive mentor. He has helped guide me through any questions I had about the industry and gave me confidence and words of wisdom when I needed them the most. He nudged me to apply for the job I currently have now, and when I did not believe I was good enough, he always believed I was. I owe a lot to my mentor for the support he has given me through this year and beyond, but also to the department of Journalism Studies for offering this outstanding support. The University has been there for me through both my highs and lows, and the department there genuinely cares about your wellbeing, and they want you to succeed!"

Gina completed the MA Journalism course in 2022 and is currently working as a Trainee Reporter at Mail Online.

Rising star Jessica Murray received a Scott Trust bursary enabling her to study for our MA Journalism degree. After graduating in 2019 she joined The Guardian, where her stories have already led the front page.

"I currently work as the Guardian’s Midlands correspondent based in Birmingham – I’m the reporter responsible for monitoring and covering news stories across central England. It’s a fantastic patch to cover with a diverse range of stories to get stuck into. My day-to-day tasks involve using my contacts and social media to find stories, putting together pitches, writing news stories to deadline and also generally helping to cover national issues from a Midlands perspective.

"Prior to this I worked as a general news reporter for the paper, covering a huge range of stories and doing some liveblogging, after coming through the Scott Trust Bursary scheme which helped me get onto the Sheffield Journalism MA course in the first place.

"The skills I learned at Sheffield have been invaluable in my career so far. I often turn to Mark Hanna’s media law handouts when I’m covering a court case, which I wouldn’t be able to do at all without my shorthand. My confidence in building contacts and my understanding of what makes a good news story are grounded in my time at Sheffield and have formed the foundation of everything I have gone on to do since.

"There’s no better way of learning how to be a journalist than just going out and doing it, and that’s exactly what you’ll get on the Journalism MA course. The staff have loads of industry experience and there’s a really strong focus on making sure everyone gets a job at the end of the course. Plus Sheffield is a brilliant city full of interesting and friendly people (and lots of great pubs) – it’s a fantastic place to start your career in journalism.

"Just come prepared with lots of ideas and ready to get stuck in – and lots of notepads for shorthand practice!"