Computational and Data Journalism (MSc)
- Duration: 1 year
- Mode: Full time
Conversion course
This is a conversion course. Conversion courses allow you to study a subject unrelated to your undergraduate degree or current career, and support you with a change of career path.
Open day
Find out more about studying here as a postgraduate at our next Open Day.
Why study this course
An innovative degree focusing on the development of knowledge and skills through research-informed practical learning in journalism, data science, computer coding and digital development.
Industry leading
This innovative programme was the first of its kind in the UK when it was launched with support from industry bodies.
Combined expertise
This programme draws upon the distinctive strengths of two of Cardiff University’s leading Schools.
Hands-on journalism
The course has a strong focus on the practical application of the skills acquired to practice data-driven investigative journalism.
Broad skillset
Develop knowledge and skills in journalism, data analysis, computer coding and digital development.
MSc Computational and Data Journalism is a cutting-edge programme based at one of the UK’s leading Journalism Schools. It is jointly delivered by the School of Journalism, Media and Culture and the School of Computer Science and Informatics.
This programme provides the perfect vantage point from which to succeed in digital journalism and allows you to develop skills in both data journalism and newsroom development. No previous knowledge of computing is necessary, and the programme is open to graduates from any discipline.
It is ideal for recent graduates looking for specialist skills in digital journalism and coding that are proven to be in demand by leading organisations. We also welcome working journalists who want to develop their skills in this growing area of the industry.
As a hands-on programme, it focuses on the development of knowledge and skills through research-informed practical learning in journalism, data analysis, computer coding and digital development.
During this one-year, full-time Master's degree, you’ll benefit from a combination of lectures, seminars and workshops to develop your skills in an open, discussion-driven environment.
You’ll develop a solid foundation in journalism and computing, before specialising in your areas of interest and finally completing a practical and research-based dissertation project using the unique skills that you have acquired.
This programme is the perfect foundation for a career at the forefront of digital journalism. It has been designed to respond to a shortage in skills reported by employers and built to develop professional writing and editorial skills. In addition, it delivers specialist training to understanding data, coding and web application development.
Where you'll study
School of Computer Science and Informatics
Our degree programmes are shaped by multidisciplinary research, making them relevant to today's employers and well placed to take advantage of tomorrow's developments.
School of Journalism, Media and Culture
We provide a scholarly environment to help you acquire both the knowledge and skills needed to enter your chosen area of the media.
Admissions criteria
This is a conversion course. Conversion courses allow you to study a subject unrelated to your undergraduate degree or current career, and support you with a change of career path. No prior knowledge or degree in the subject is required.
In order to be considered for an offer for this programme you will need to meet all of the entry requirements. Your application will not be progressed if the information and evidence listed is not provided.
With your online application you will need to provide:
- A copy of your degree certificate and transcripts which show you have achieved a 2:2 honours degree in any subject, or an equivalent international degree. If your degree certificate or result is pending, please upload any interim transcripts or provisional certificates.
- A copy of your IELTS certificate with an overall score of 7.0 with 6.0 in all subskills, or evidence of an accepted equivalent. Please include the date of your expected test if this qualification is pending. If you have alternative acceptable evidence, such as an undergraduate degree studied in the UK, please supply this in place of an IELTS.
- A reference (academic or professional) which demonstrates your suitability for the programme. Ideally these should be obtained before you apply and will be required before we are able to make a decision on your application. References should be signed, dated and less than six months old at the time you submit your application.
- A personal statement of no more than 500 words which outlines your reasons for applying.
Application Deadline
We allocate places on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend you apply as early as possible. Applications normally close at the end of August but may close sooner if all places are filled.
Selection process
We will review your application, including your personal statement (to assess your suitability for and understanding of the programme), and if you meet all of the entry requirements, and places are still available, we will make you an offer.
Find out more about English language requirements.
Applicants who require a Student visa to study in the UK must present an acceptable English language qualification in order to meet UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) requirements.
Criminal convictions
You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.
If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:
- access to computers or devices that can store images
- use of internet and communication tools/devices
- curfews
- freedom of movement
- contact with people related to Cardiff University.
Course structure
This is a year-long, full-time course. It is taught through a mix of formal lectures, demonstrations, and practical exercises as well as individual and team projects but always with a focus on applying the skills in the real world.
The course is structured in three phases – foundation, application and specialisation, dissertation - to support you in the development of skills and knowledge in the key aspects of the course.
You will initially gain a solid foundation in journalism and computing before specialising in your areas of interest and finally, completing a practical and research-based dissertation project using the unique skills that you have acquired.
Foundation phase
The first semester teaches you the basics of computing: learning how to program in Python, and how to create rich interactive web applications using HTML, CSS and JavaScript.
Alongside this, modules focusing on Data Journalism and the key issues of reporting ethics and the media introduce the journalistic skills required by the industry.
The first semester is supported by a series of 'lab' seminars, hosted by the programme leaders, where you will be able to solidify your skills in both computer science and journalism, and experiment on side projects in a safe environment.
Application and specialisation phase
The second semester presents a chance for specialisation, with the ability to select optional modules focused on your own specialist interests.
Additionally, a core 'Digital Investigation' module will see you working as a data team to complete a 'real-world' project, either an investigative data journalism piece, a software development project, or a combination of the two
Dissertation phase
Finally, your dissertation will allow you to hone your research and development skills and complete a project that displays your computational and data journalism skills to prospective employers.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2024/25 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2024.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Computational Thinking | CMT119 | 10 credits |
| Fundamentals of Programming | CMT120 | 30 credits |
| Reporters and the Reported | MCT509 | 10 credits |
| Digital Investigation | MCT542 | 20 credits |
| Data Journalism | MCT559 | 10 credits |
| Dissertation Project | MCT543 | 60 credits |
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Human Centric Computing | CMT206 | 20 credits |
| Data Visualisation | CMT218 | 20 credits |
| Social Computing | CMT224 | 20 credits |
| In the Editor's Chair | MCT588 | 20 credits |
| Reporting Business, Finance and Economics | MCT589 | 20 credits |
| Citizen Media: Digital Storytelling | MCT590 | 20 credits |
| Communicating Causes | MCT591 | 20 credits |
| EMERGING JOURNALISM | MCT592 | 20 credits |
| Datafied Society | MCT593 | 20 credits |
| Media, Science and Health | MCT608 | 20 credits |
The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.
Learning and assessment
How will I be taught?
You will be taught through a variety of formal lectures, practical exercises, and individual or group projects which replicate an industry environment.
You will benefit from a dedicated programme of seminars to complement your skills and understanding across the two different disciplines and to bring together the issues arising from the existing teaching modules.
You will also attend a cross-computing/journalism set of workshops and seminars, which support early application and development of the skills developed through each of the subject areas.
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed through a wide range of formative and summative assessments throughout the course. These range from practical class room activities to academic essays and examinations.
How will I be supported?
You will be allocated a personal tutor in both the School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies and the School of Computer Science & Informatics to support you during your studies. They will be available to help and support your academic and pastoral needs, and will be available when needed to discuss progress and provide advice and guidance.
You will be supported by the Student Support services in the school and through wider university resources.
You will have regular tutorials with the programme directors as well as the opportunity to meet with module leaders on request.
Feedback
Feedback is provided at each assessment point for summative assessments, formative feedback is provided in practical sessions and throughout teaching.
What skills will I practise and develop?
Knowledge and Understanding
On completion of the course, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the main principles and theories that are applicable to the practices of digital journalism and computer science
- Show knowledge of contemporary issues and thinking to which data journalists and developers have had to respond over the period of study
- Identify and utilise the main research methods relevant to addressing the themes and case studies presented in the course
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge and critical understanding – displaying originality, depth and insight – of an area relevant to the field of Computational Journalism in your final dissertation project
Intellectual Skills
On completion of the course, you will be able to:
- Identify, synthesise and critically analyse literature which underpins the study of the issues facing data journalism and the interface with computer science
- Analyse issues and problems arising in data journalism and computer science using appropriate theories, concepts and techniques to arrive at solutions
- Complete a dissertation project, which combines an understanding of journalism or media issues and applies computer science techniques to deliver an editorial outcome. These include: designing the project, collecting relevant data and information and presenting the material in a logical and coherent manner.
Application of Knowledge and Practical Skills
On completion of the course, you will be able to:
- Identify, prepare and use relevant information for data journalism employing computer science techniques
- Utilise data resources (including analytics and databases) in addressing journalistic problems and issues
- Analyse problems facing different branches of journalism and the interface with computer science and propose solutions: for example the transition of print publications onto digital platforms and growing consumer demand for visualised information
- Identify, analyse and devise strategic approaches to political, social and ethical issues affecting media performance, such as concerns around data privacy, pluralism and trust
Transferable Skills
On completion of the course, you will be able to:
- Communicate relevant theories and principles, in writing and orally, in an effective and engaging manner
- Engage in team working and make a positive contribution to the development of innovative editorial content through the use of data analysis and the application of computer science and digital technology
- Effectively use a full range of IT resources, including the internet, electronic journals, databases, word processing, spreadsheets and social media platforms
- Identify the challenges in data science and analysis and the presentation of information for public consumption
- Identify media industry trends and display awareness of the need for and techniques for achieving innovation in the face of rapid technological and market change
Tuition fees for 2024 entry
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas.
Learn how we decide your fee status
Fees for home status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £10,950 | None |
Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland
If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss national, your tuition fees for 2024/25 be in line with the overseas fees for international students, unless you qualify for home fee status. UKCISA have provided information about Brexit and tuition fees.
Fees for island status
Learn more about the postgraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
Fees for overseas status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £23,450 | £2,500 |
More information about tuition fees and deposits, including for part-time and continuing students.
Financial support
Financial support may be available to individuals who meet certain criteria. For more information visit our funding section. Please note that these sources of financial support are limited and therefore not everyone who meets the criteria are guaranteed to receive the support.
Additional costs
Living costs
We’re based in one of the UK’s most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
Funding
Career prospects
The skills taught by this MSc are in demand with employers. Students from the course have gone on to work as data journalists with national news organisations. Students on this programme have also included working journalists looking to specialise in this important area of growth within the media.
“The new course in computational journalism looks like a great initiative and will no doubt equip graduates with a deeper understanding of technology that will be invaluable in their future careers. Media organisations need close liaison between editorial and technology teams, and this course can really focus graduates on helping to bridge what can be a dangerous divide.”
Peter Clifton, Executive Editor, MSN UK (Microsoft) now editor-in-chief Press Association
“Finding and making best use of data to discover and tell stories is a key skill for any news organisation, and we need people who can combine digital and data skills with a journalistic grounding and ability, so this course looks very promising.”
Steve Herrmann, Editor, BBC News
“If you arrive in the newsroom with journalism skills on top of … an understanding of programming and how to use a spreadsheet – that is something really, really valuable."
Marianne Bouchart, ex-Bloomberg News now Global Editors Network
Studying in Welsh
Next steps
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Related searches: Journalism, Language and communication, Computer science, Coding, Digital journalism
HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2021. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data. Data is from the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.
