Ready to expand your career?
Master of Journalism studies will give you the opportunity to dive deep into long form journalism investigations that truly make a difference. It’s perfect for career journalists and journalism degree holders who want to move their work up to the next level. This is your chance to dig into a story that you’ve always wanted to pursue in depth, with all the coaching and technical support you need to realize your dream project. You will graduate with greatly enhanced research skills, stronger big-picture analytical abilities and the experience of conducting a major journalism project of your choice from start to finish.
You will learn enhanced research methods and a deeper understanding of journalistic practice, as well as advanced skills in broadcast or print/online journalism. No matter which medium you choose to concentrate on, experienced supervisors will work with you one-on-one to guide your story-telling abilities.
Learning is wrapped around your major project, which you submit in the form of a brief proposal when you apply to the MJ program. A project can be a broadcast documentary, a series of print articles, an online project, a photo-journalism series, a book chapter, or other form of in depth journalism.
In the Fall semester, you will learn and practice research methods by developing your initial proposal into a detailed project outline. You will also spend time studying the history and practice of journalism, and discussing current events, at a higher level than undergraduate studies.
In the Winter semester, you will further explore your project and advance your skills through elective journalism courses. Examples are magazine writing and video documentary courses. In most cases, you will be working alongside fourth-year undergraduates, with additional learning tailored to your needs.
During one of your three semesters, you must also take a graduate-level elective outside the School of Journalism that is geared toward your project topic.
Students finish the Winter semester with their project fully researched, planned, and ready to roll. The Spring/Summer semester is dedicated to production and post-production, as well as travel for interviews, if required. The program is completed by the end of August, with the convocation ceremony held in October.
Students must meet the minimum eligibility requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research.
Fall Semester
JRN 799 Journalism Ethics and Professional Standards Review (0)
This online course tests students’ understanding of ethical/legal standards in Canadian journalism. Topics include plagiarism, libel, information rights, publication bans, ethical interviewing, Indigenous protocols, protection of sources, use of images, due diligence, and other foundational standards of practice in a Canadian context. Successful completion is required in the first semester of program.
Prerequisites: Full or provisional acceptance into the Master of Journalism program.
JRN 800 Research Methods in Journalism (3)
This course is designed to explore different research approaches useful for graduate journalism students. Students will get acquainted with qualitative, quantitative and applied journalistic methods, and will work toward development of a project proposal. Permission of the Department is required.
JRN 810 (310) A Critical History of the Media, Journalism and Social Regulation (3)
This course provides a critical introduction to the history of mass media and journalism. Students will examine some major milestones and issues in the construction of media cultures, the ongoing invention of journalism and the struggle for a democratic public sphere.
JRN 880 Critical Approaches to Media and Journalism Studies (3)
This course surveys a range of theoretical approaches to the field of mass communications, popular culture and journalism. A mixture of lecture, roundtable discussions, media screenings, on-line discussion forum and student presentations. Permission of the Department Head is required to register.
Winter semester
JRN 818 Master's Workshop on Journalism Projects (3)
Students will circulate and present the advanced journalism project proposals they finalized in the fall term. Each weekly workshop will focus on one or two projects and will be conducted under the supervision of the presenting student's faculty supervisor(s). All school faculty and students will be encouraged to attend and participate.
Choice of:
JRN 801 (401) Advanced Print (3)
Focuses on specialized reporting of news and current affairs, writing of opinion pieces and editorials. Students are expected to bring an analytical approached to the course following the internship experience, monitor major print media coverage of particular issues, and research and investigative stories independently.
JRN 802 (402) Advanced Broadcast and Current Affairs (3)
Advanced study and practice of current affairs, news gathering, writing, and reporting for the broadcast media. Students are expected to bring an analytical approach to the course, monitor major broadcast media coverage of particular issues, and research and investigate stories independently.
Choice of a second journalism elective, according to availability
JRN 811 (411) Documentary Theory and Production (3)
An introduction to the theory and practice involved in radio/TV documentary documentaries. The genre is examined from historical and contemporary perspectives. Working in small groups, students are responsible for the delivery of a substantial documentary.
JRN 812 (312) Photojournalism (3)
A detailed examination fo the photojournalist's role in the news gathering process. A focus on communicating through imagery and the power of visual story telling, with emphasis on practical techniques and problem solving.
JRN 813 (413) Magazine and Literary Journalism (3)
An intensive writing seminar/workshop with focus on developing the creative voice and how to apply literary conventions to journalistic writing. A detailed examination of the roots of New Journalism, creative non-fiction, literary journalism, self-directed journalism and freelance environment.
JRN 815 (415) International Media (3)
This study of the role of media in the process of globalization and development, with a focus on learning journalistic skills and practices accepted in and by the media of different countries, and reportage of world event and issues in media outside North America.
JRN 819 (419) Alternative and Community Journalism (3)
An examination of the emergence of the citizen journalist within the context of global media, with a focus on the connection to social movements and social change. Emphasis on alternative and community media in theory and practice, with hands on learning experiences provided.
JRN 880 Critical Approaches to Media and Journalism Studies (3)
This course surveys a range of theoretical approaches to the field of mass communications, popular culture and journalism. A mixture of lecture, roundtable discussions, media screenings, on-line discussion forum and student presentations. Permission of the Department Head is required to register.
JRN 881AA-ZZ Selected Topics
Courses designed to address selected topics in journalism.
All semesters
JRN 902 Professional Project (9)In consultation with a supervisor, students will complete a substantial work of public affairs journalism that will advance Canadian journalism practice. Projects are carried out with the intention of publishing, broadcast, or other forms of public dissemination and must adhere to professional standards and ethics. Outside elective (3)
One elective outside the School of Journalism must be taken during the course of study. It may be taken during any one of the three semesters. The elective should be chosen in consultation with your supervisor or the School of Journalism Graduate Studies Coordinator.
General
Can I complete my graduate program part-time?
Students in our graduate program must maintain continuous full-time registration in our programs as per the Master of Journalism Degree Requirements. Students must be available to attend classes and meet with their supervisors.
Can I work while I complete my program?
The School of Journalism graduate program is intense and much study and production time outside of classes is required to succeed. We highly recommend that you work no more than 16 hours a week in your first two semesters and less in the third semester.
Is there a paid internship with a media company?
No. Internships are for undergraduate and bridging students only.
How long does it take to complete your program?
The typical completion time is one year for practical based projects. A thesis project can take anywhere from one to two years depending on the topic.
How often do you have intakes of new students?
The School of Journalism has one intake per year. Students are only admitted in the Fall of each year.
How much is the cost of tuition and fees for your graduate programs?
Details about tuition and fees for national and international students can be found on the FGSR Tuition and Fees page. For the project-stream MJ program, students generally take 9 credit hours in the Fall semester, 12 credit hours in the Winter semester, and 9 credit hours in the Spring/Summer semester.
Is funding available for graduate students?
Funding is available through scholarships, and graduate teaching assistantships. There are Journalism entrance scholarships available for qualified applicants, however the amount we have to allocate varies from year to year. Many of our students are successful in securing funding from external sources, such as the funding Tri-Council.
Is there any focus on Indigenous perspectives and issues?
Incorporating Indigenous values and perspectives is a special focus of our school, through cultural teachings, classroom discussion and community-based learning and storytelling. More information can be found on our About page.
Admissions
Can I only apply if I have an undergraduate degree in journalism and experience as a working journalist?
If you have either an undergraduate degree in journalism, or experience as a working journalist, you meet the basic criteria for one of our entrance streams. We offer three streams directly into our Masters program, all with different requirements: Direct Entry, Continuing Studies and Mid-Career. You can find detailed information about our entrance options on the FGSR program page to help you determine which is the appropriate option for you.
Are there other options if I don’t qualify for any of the three streams into the Masters program?
Yes. You may apply to our bridging program. It is an intensive preparatory year for students who have an undergraduate degree, but not in journalism. It gives you all the base skills you need to successfully create a graduate-level journalism project in the second year of studies, and to thrive as a professional journalist on graduation. It’s also an excellent choice for international students who may have a degree in journalism, but would like experience in a Canadian context, including a 13-week internship in a Canadian newsroom. You may apply to the Masters program once you have completed the first four months.
I am an international student. Can I be considered for admission?
Applicants who have completed degrees in journalism outside of Canada are welcome to apply for admission to our programs. You may be required to demonstrate English language proficiency; please see the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research international students webpage on eligibility to learn more about applying as an international student. See links on this page for international minimum admission standards .
Applying
Can I send my CV and other materials directly to the School Journalism?
No. All application material must be submitted through the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research. Comprehensive application procedures information can be found on the FGSR Application Procedures page. Comprehensive application process information can be found on the FGSR Online Application Process page. If you wish to discuss your project proposal before you apply, then contact the School of Journalism and a faculty member will be in contact.
What is the deadline for applying?
There are a few key dates. International students are encouraged to apply by February 15 in order to allow time to complete the visa application process. Please contact the Graduate Coordinator if you plan to apply after the deadline.
How do I send in documentation?
All documents can be uploaded through the websites below with two exceptions. Transcripts and reference letters. You can upload unofficial transcripts but official transcripts must then be sent directly to FGSR from the University you attended. Reference letter information is below.
What is the best way for referees to submit reference letters on my behalf?
Information about reference letters can be found on the FGSR Letters of Reference page.
I have submitted my application and have a question about it.
Applications are processed by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (FGSR), so all inquiries about application materials or the status of your application should be directed to FGSR. FGSR provides instructions on how to check if your application has been received and is acknowledged as complete.
Do I have to arrange for supervision before I apply?
No, if you are accepted into our program, you will be assigned a supervisor based on your project topic and medium chosen. However, it is recommended that you identify a potential supervisor in the applicant’s statement portion of your application. Although subject to change, you can read about faculty member’s areas of expertise and research interests. Note: not all faculty are able to supervise. You also have the right to request a change of supervisor, however a change is dependent on faculty supervision levels.
Careers in journalism
What kind of employment does your Masters degree lead to?
Our graduates are working as broadcast, print and multimedia journalists, as news anchors, investigative reporters, documentarians, producers, directors, camera operators, editors, etc. Others are in the communication and public relation fields. On average 90% of our graduates obtain salaried employment within a year.
Master of Journalism students typically arrive mid-career, and either return to their workplaces with enhanced skills and experience or take the opportunity to strike out on a new journalism or communications path. An MJ also opens the door to PhD studies or a career teaching journalism, being the minimum requirement for faculty positions at universities.