UK · Master's
Cardiff University
MA International Journalism
Cardiff University
Course Overview
Cardiff School of Journalism, Media and Culture is the UK's most-cited journalism research school and consistently ranked top 3 in the UK for Communication and Media Studies in the QS World Rankings by Subject. The MA International Journalism is fully NCTJ-accredited and designed for working journalists or graduates moving into global news organisations. Modules include international newsgathering, conflict and humanitarian reporting, data journalism, news law and ethics, plus a 60-credit final-project (long-form documentary, investigative project, or extended dissertation).
Sri Lankan applicants — particularly working journalists at Daily News, Sunday Times, Daily Mirror, Newsfirst Sri Lanka, plus BBC Sinhala / Tamil and Al Jazeera English string-correspondents — choose Cardiff for the international focus and the explicit South-Asia / development-journalism research strength. The MA is a top Chevening target — the FCDO frequently funds working Sri Lankan journalists to Cardiff. Returnees take Senior Editor / Bureau Chief posts at major Sri Lankan outlets or move into Reuters / AP / AFP Colombo bureaus.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle Bachelor's degree (any discipline) — minimum Second Class Upper (2:1 / GPA 3.3+).
- check_circle Working journalism experience (1-3 years) is strongly preferred — published work makes the difference between offer and rejection.
- check_circle Personal statement (1,000 words) plus 2-3 recent published clips (or equivalent broadcast / digital portfolio).
- check_circle Two references (academic or professional).
- check_circle CV listing publications, beats covered, prizes.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 7.0 Overall (min 6.5 in each band) — higher than typical PG due to news-writing demands.
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 100 Overall (min 23 in each section).
- check_circle PTE Academic: 65 Overall.
- check_circle Waived if your Bachelor's was taught and assessed entirely in English at a recognised institution.
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (£) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (full programme) | £26,000 | Rs. 10,400,000 |
| Living Expenses (12 months, Cardiff) | £11,000 | Rs. 4,400,000 |
| Student Visa & IHS Fee | £1,250 | Rs. 500,000 |
| Total Programme Investment | £38,250 | Rs. 15,300,000 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
Eligible for the 2-year UK Graduate Route. Cardiff MA Journalism graduates routinely move into Reuters trainee schemes, BBC, AFP, AP, plus international NGOs (Article 19, IFJ). Sri Lankan returnees take Senior Editor / Foreign Editor posts at Sunday Times, Daily News, Newsfirst, or move into stringer / staff-correspondent posts for Reuters Colombo, AP Colombo, AFP Colombo. UK starting journalist salary: £24,000-38,000.
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