MA Investigative and Human Rights Journalism (Online)
Online, United Kingdom
MA
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2027
TUITION FEES
GBP 25,320 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning
* for international | for home: £12,965 per year
Key Summary
About: This MA pathway in Global Journalism at SOAS University of London prepares students for investigative and human rights reporting. Led by Iain Overton, it teaches investigative research, ethics and safety, multimedia and data-driven methods, journalism’s democratic role and emphasizes reporting on the Global South, decolonized and feminist approaches. Teaching is hyflex through the VLE and includes a final investigative project, collaborative assignments (including work for Action on Armed Violence) and a two-week Photojournalism intensive in Dhaka.
Career Outcomes: Graduates move into investigative journalism, human rights reporting, freelancing, NGO communications, data journalism, and broader roles in communications, policy and research.
This pathway on the MA Global Journalism prepares students for careers in investigative journalism and human rights reporting. Led by Iain Overton, the course covers investigative research techniques, the ethical and safety challenges of human rights reporting, multimedia and data-driven investigation methods, and the role of journalism in democratic life.
The curriculum emphasises reporting on the Global South, decolonised and feminist approaches, and places under-represented and under-reported issues at the core of teaching. Teaching is delivered hyflex (synchronous on-campus and online) through the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and includes a final investigative project, collaborative assignments (including work for Action on Armed Violence), and intensive in-person modules (a 2-week Photojournalism intensive in Dhaka).
The MA Global Journalism is taught over two study sessions beginning in September and January, with a final project that runs throughout the year of study. We list core, compulsory and elective modules. Notes modules are indicative and subject to change. The final project includes collaborative assignments (e.g. with Action on Armed Violence) and an immersive supervised project.
If you have been a resident in England for 3 years, you may be eligible for a postgraduate loan. SOAS also provides a number of postgraduate scholarships. Contact the local British Council, British High Commission or British Embassy for local funding. Possible funding and sponsorship sources listed include UN agencies (UNESCO, FAO, UNDP, UNEP), bilateral aid agencies, the European Union, British Council, UK government departments, NGOs and charitable trusts.
The MA Global Journalism and its specialist pathways prepare students for freelance careers and journalism roles within conventional news organisations as well as roles in NGOs and campaigning organisations. Graduates also acquire crossover skills applicable to communications roles, human rights law, politics and other sectors.