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Master's Programme in Journalism Studies

The Master's Programme in Journalism Studies welcomes applicants who are interested in journalism as a field of research and hold a bachelor’s degree in the fields of social science, humanities or technical subjects.

Master's in Journalism
Foto: Jens Olof Lasthein

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.

  • Programme overview

    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.

    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.

  • How to apply

    You apply online and upload requiered documents, nothing to be sent to us via regular mail.

    What you need to have uploaded and in order

    (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  

     

    Below is described what you need to do and check but basically it comes down to three steps:

    1. Read the section How to apply
    2. Make sure your documents are in order - fill in the forms. See under Required supporting documentation below
    3. Apply and upload at universityadmissions.se or antagning.se

    When to Apply

    1st round: All applicants: ca October 15 - January 15
    2nd round: EU/EEA and Swiss citizens only: ca March 15 - April 15

    Admission Results

    1st round: Early April
    2nd round: Mid-July

     

    Selection process

    Additional eligibility criteria

    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.

    to universityadmissions.se

    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.

    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. 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!

    1. Letter of Intent in English use the template:-  Letter of Intent HMJOA (140 Kb)
    2. and upload to universityadmissions.se/antagning.se 
    3. An extended abstract of your undergraduate thesis or equivalent academic research paper in English use the template:- Extended abstract HMJOA (140 Kb)
    4. and upload to universityadmissions.se/antagning.se 


    Applicants with Foreign Study Merits
     

    Applicants with Foreign Study Merits must upload following documents

    1. Bachelor's degree certificate/diploma and transcripts from your undergraduate studies - instructions at universityadmissions.se >>
    2. Proof of English language skills - instructions at universityadmissions.se >>

    Applicants with Swedish Study Merits

    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

     

  • Contact

    Student Counsellor Journalism and Media and Communication Studies
    Student Affairs Office - Master Programme