Master's Programme in Journalism Studies
Foto: Jens Olof Lasthein
A theoretical and research-oriented two year programme
The Master’s Programme in Journalism Studies approaches the areas in Journalism Studies areas through a perspective of change, focusing in particular on the digitalization and democratic roles of journalism.
The program provides advanced theoretical and methodological knowledge preparatory for independent investigative and research work as well as advanced positions within the fields of journalism and media. The master’s programme is also preparatory for doctoral studies.
Write thesis in English or Swedish
Although the program is taught in English, Swedish speaking students can of course take the program, and also write the thesis in Swedish. To write in Swedish can be an advantage if conducting research with mainly Swedish sources and research area.
Not a practical program
Please note that this is an entirely theoretical and research-oriented program, and not a practical journalism program. A practically oriented journalism education is offered within the Swedish-language Bachelor of Arts Journalistprogrammet - kandidatprogram 180 hp.
The education fills a great need; Sweden needs competent analysts and researchers who can contribute knowledge about journalism in a changing media system / Professor Ester Pollack
More advanced education and research on journalism is needed because its prerequisites are linked to democracy and sustainability / Docent Maria Nilsson
Program begins Fall semesters
First semester - 30 credits
The first semester contains four 7,5 credit courses at 50% pace out of which three required program courses: an introduction to and overview of the research field of journalism studies, a specialized course focusing on media economics and editorial structures, and an introduction to methodology in journalism scholarship. An obligatory faculty level course on research ethics and scientific methods also is offered the first semester.
Second semester - 30 credits
The second semester includes two required specialization courses in journalism-studies totaling 15 credits and two optional courses totaling 15 credits - these two optional courses can be first or second cycle courses. This is also the semester for eventual exchange studies.
Third semester - 30 credits
The third semester focuses on research methodology, through two advanced Media- and Communication methods courses where one focuses on research design. The third semester also includes two optional courses totaling 15 credits - these two optional courses can be first or second cycle courses.
Fourth semester - 30 credits
The fourth and final semester is devoted entirely to the degree project, which encompasses an independent scientific work in the form of a master’s thesis.
Year 1
Program begins Fall semesters
First semester - 30 credits
The first semester contains four 7,5 credit courses at 50% pace out of which three required program courses: an introduction to and overview of the research field of journalism studies, a specialized course focusing on media economics and editorial structures, and an introduction to methodology in journalism scholarship. An obligatory faculty level course on research ethics and scientific methods also is offered the first semester.
- Introduction to Journalism Studies, 7,5 Credits
Introduction to Journalism Studies (JO7070) - The Economics and Organization of Journalism, 7,5 Credits
The Economics and Organization of Journalism (JO7071) - Methods in Journalism Studies I, 7,5 Credits
Methods in Journalism Studies I (JO7072) Scientific Methods and Research Ethics
, 7,5 hp Credits
Second semester - 30 credits
The second semester includes two required specialization courses in journalism-studies totaling 15 credits and two optional courses totaling 15 credits - these two optional courses can be first or second cycle courses. This is also the semster for eventual exchange studies.
- Elective Course of 7,5 Credits in main subject Journalism*
*Example of course given by us from Spring 2024: Journalism and Digital Platforms
- Elective Course of 7,5 Credits in main subject Journalism**
**Example of course given by us from Spring 2024: The Representational Power of Journalism
- Optional Courses of 15 Credits
Year 2
Third semester - 30 credits
The third semester focuses on research methodology, through two advanced Media- and Communication methods courses where one focuses on research design. The third semester also includes two optional courses totaling 15 credits - these two optional courses can be first or second cycle courses.
Fourth semester - 30 credits Master Thesis
The fourth and final semester is devoted entirely to the degree project, which encompasses an independent scientific work in the form of a master’s thesis. You get a supervisor and write the thesis and then defend the thesis at the end of the semester.
Independent project
Write thesis in English or Swedish
Although the program is taught in English, Swedish speaking students can of course take the program, and also write the thesis in Swedish. To write in Swedish can be an advantage if conducting research with mainly Swedish sources and research area.
You apply online and upload requiered documents, nothing to be sent to us via regular mail.
(templates you find under Required supporting documentation)
| International applicant | Swedish applicant |
| Letter of Intent | Letter of Intent |
| Extended Abstract | Extended Abstract |
| Degree Certificate | Check your merits are in order - antagning.se and student.ladok.se |
| Transcript of Records | |
| Proof of English Skills |
Application rounds
1st round: All applicants: October 16 - January 15
2nd round: EU/EEA and Swiss citizens only: March 15 - April 15
Admission Results
1st round: Early April
2nd round: Mid-July
The below links will only display results during open application rounds
universityadmissions.se >> (English)
antagning.se >> (Swedish, active March 15 - April 15 only)
All applicants
Make sure you include these two forms in your application
- Letter of Intent in English Letter of Intent docx, 141.2 kB.
- An extended abstract of your undergraduate thesis or equivalent academic research paper in English Extended abstract docx, 141 kB.
International Applicant
Applicants with International (non Swedish) Study Merits must upload following documents - use templates on this site.
- Bachelor's degree certificate/diploma and
- transcripts from your undergraduate studies - instructions at universityadmissions.se >>
- Proof of English language skills - instructions at universityadmissions.se >>
- Letter of Intent in English - use templates on this site. - Letter of Intent template docx, 141.2 kB.
- An extended abstract of your undergraduate thesis or equivalent academic research paper in English- use templates on this site.- Extended Abstract docx, 141 kB.
Swedish Applicants
Applicants with Swedish Study Merits must upload following documents - use templates on this site.
- Letter of Intent in English - Letter of Intent template docx, 141.2 kB.
- An extended abstract of your undergraduate thesis or equivalent academic research paper in English - Extended Abstract docx, 141 kB.
Most applicants with Swedish study merits (svensk gymnasieskola, högskola och universitet etc.) will have their merits retrieved automatically. Older merits may need to be submitted by post. Please review your merits and read more about how your merits are retrieved at www.antagning.se
Check if you got it all:
- Read the section How to apply
- Make sure your documents are in order - fill in the forms.
- Apply and upload at universityadmissions.se or antagning.se
Selection process
Degree Requirements:
Bachelor's degree of at least 180 ECTS credits or equivalent in a social science, humanities or technical subject.
Language Requirements
In addition to a relevant degree, applicants need to fulfil the requirements for English B/6. Please see universityadmissions.se for details on how to fulfil the English language requirements.
Selection
If the number of applicants exceed the number of seats, applicants will be ranked. Applicants will be selected based on the quality of their previous academic studies, dissertation project or sample of written academic work, Letter of Intent. All parts will be considered and weighed together into a comprehensive assessment of the applicant’s merits.
- The quality of the submitted text in regards to scientific writing, theoretical and empirical knowledge and the relevance of the research topic for the field of Journalism Studies.
- The combination of courses in different (or same) subjects included in the Bachelor’s degree and performances in these courses (grades). Of special significance are courses in Journalism Studies, Media Studies or equivalent.
- Letter of Intent
Required supporting documentation
Dear applicant, We use online application procedures. That means you have to upload the supporting documents as specified below. Do not send us documents via e-mail or regular mail. Thank you.
All Applicants
Make sure you include these two forms in your application!
- Letter of Intent in English use the template:- LETTER OF INTENT docx, 141.2 kB.
- and upload to universityadmissions.se/antagning.se
- An extended abstract of your undergraduate thesis or equivalent academic research paper in English use the template: EXTENDED ABSTRACT docx, 141 kB.
- and upload to universityadmissions.se/antagning.se
Journalism research at JMK deals with, among other things, the role of journalism in political communication, how it changes in the light of globalization, and how new digital media platforms change the conditions for how media companies and journalists work. Specific strong areas are also cultural journalism and photo journalism, which several researchers are currently working on.
Unique features in the program
The teachers, the academic opportunities and the study environment.
Opportunity to deepen knowledge of research methods and conduct own studies
The education offers students the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of research methods and conduct their own studies.
During the methods courses, the students get to translate their theoretical knowledge into practical investigations, and the goal is that we thereby create a common thread throughout the education and provide a good basis for really strong degree projects.
A welcoming study environment and Department
It is easy to get to know teachers and other students. There is a lot going on at JMK, with regular guest lectures and workshops with Swedish and international lecturers and researchers who visit the department.
Meet our teachers
Some of the teachers you will meet
Professor Christian Christensen
My research has focused on issues related to journalism and politics, whistleblowing, technology and power. My teaching includes classes on populism/nativism, journalism and new media and media theory.
Associate Professor Andreas Widholm
My research is primarily concerned with the democratic roles of journalism, and how the news media can be understood in light of social change. My teaching touches on these issues and I also enjoy teaching methodology.
Associate Professor Maria Nilsson
My research interests include photojournalism, images in editorial processes and ethical issues concerning the visualization of crises in a digital media culture. I currently teach media theory, media history, science writing and qualitative methods.
Application process Master's Programmes
For questions regarding the application process for our Master’s Programmes
Students Office Journalism
