A new graduate program, offered jointly with Dalhousie University, for journalists who want to stand out in a new media era.

“This program is a promising development for journalism in Canada. The profession and industry need a new generation of entrepreneurial journalists to innovate news organizations and business models. We also need investigative reporters who possess the new skills needed to bring this discipline into the digital age.”
-Craig Silverman, managing editor of PBS MediaShift and IdeaLab.

The Future of Journalism

The Master of Journalism program prepares leaders for the rapidly evolving news industry by focusing on new methods of journalism research, new multimedia story forms and emerging business models. It is a collaborative 10-month program offered by the University of King’s College and Dalhousie University that was developed in consultation with leading media organizations and independent journalists in Canada and abroad.

Students specialize in either investigative reporting or new ventures in journalism and come together for core classes in digital journalism and media innovation. Students spend six months in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and do a professional project off-campus in the final term. Whether you choose the hard-news Investigative Reporting Stream or the more entrepreneurial New Ventures Stream, your year will be both exciting and challenging.  

Multimedia Core

As in other King’s School of Journalism programs, your practice will build on a solid foundation of hands-on skills. All MJ students begin the program with training in multimedia reporting skills. You will learn (or learn more) about:  

• shooting and editing video and audio
• filing a mobile report from the field
• the use of social media
• content management systems for journalism
• data visualization techniques such as mapping, timelines and slideshows

Media Innovation

You will also learn how key innovations in technology, story forms and business models are changing the practice and profession of journalism. Courses will help you understand:

• how emerging business models affect content
• which news organizations will thrive and which won’t
• where the jobs will be in the next decade
• what skills will be required to lead the evolution of the industry

Choice of Specialization

Students build on the core curriculum in digital journalism and media innovation by choosing one of two specialized streams: Investigative Reporting or New Ventures in Journalism.

Investigative Reporting Stream

This stream focuses on deep investigative reporting skills that can be used in daily journalism as well as major projects. You will work to develop in-depth knowledge of how to gather and analyze large data sets; develop sophisticated data visualization techniques; use geocodes to tell stories, and more.  The program culminates in a professional project. Each student will work with a mentor who is a leading practitioner in the field. Students are encouraged to think about possible topics for this project well in advance.

The Investigative Reporting Stream is led by Assistant Professor Fred Vallance-Jones, a nationally-known, award-winning investigative reporter who is co-author of  Digging Deeper: A Canadian Reporter’s Research Guide and Computer-Assisted Reporting: A Comprehensive Primer.

Class Schedule – Investigative Reporting Stream

New Ventures Stream

The business of journalism isn’t just for big media companies anymore. This specialization is for journalists who want to develop a full- or part-time freelance journalism practice; launch an entirely new journalism outlet or create a new project within an established media organization. It is offered in conjunction with Dalhousie University Faculty of Management. The program culminates in a professional project. Each student will work with a mentor to develop a business plan and prototype for a new journalism venture. Students are encouraged to think about possible topics for this project well in advance.

New Ventures is led by Associate Professor Kelly Toughill (MBA, Queen’s), who is a nationally-known award-winning journalist with more than two decades of experience in the U.S. and Canadian newspaper industry.  

Class Schedule: New Ventures Stream

 
"It is very exciting and innovative. I’m especially impressed by the new ventures stream . . . Increasingly we need to develop greater entrepreneurial skills among journalists as we explore new websites and publications.” – Joe Hall, managing editor, The Toronto Star
 

General Program Information
 

Prerequisite

A Bachelor of Journalism or equivalent degree is required for admission to this program. If you don’t meet this qualification, consider the two-term Bachelor of Journalism degree at King’s.  In rare cases, an applicant with extensive journalism experience may enter the program without a Bachelor of Journalism degree. Please contact the King’s Registrar for more information.
 

Timeframe

The Master of Journalism is a limited-enrolment, 10-month program that begins in June.  You spend the summer and fall terms on campus.  During the final term you will work off campus completing your professional project and one online course.
 

Fees and scholarships

Tuition is $230 per credit hour, for a total of roughly $7,000 spread over three terms (summer, fall, winter). Students in the MJ are eligible for Canada and provincial student loan programs. Students will also be considered for one of two $2,500 scholarships dedicated to the Master of Journalism program. There is an additional fee for international students.

Applications

Applications to the Master of Journalism program are now being accepted. 

Journalism at King’s

In 1979, King’s introduced the only Bachelor of Journalism degree in the Atlantic Provinces. The School of Journalism’s commitment to innovation and journalistic excellence continues today; it is a leader in teaching digital multimedia journalism. King’s offers a four-year Bachelor of Journalism (Honours) degree and a one-year Bachelor of Journalism degree as well as the Master of Journalism program offered jointly with Dalhousie University.

This partnership unites Dalhousie’s strength in graduate education and its Faculty of Management with King’s highly-respected School of Journalism.

Halifax

If you live here already, you already know that Halifax, Nova Scotia, is a beautiful city, full of history and cultural activities.

If Halifax is new to you, you’re in for a treat. The on-campus portion of the Master of Journalism program begins at the same time as the summer weather and a long list of festivals. In the fall, you’ll still enjoy temperate weather and Nova Scotia’s world-famous fall colours.
 

For more information

If you have questions concerning your application or the program, please contact the Office of the Registrar by calling 902-422-1271 ext. 103 or by emailing admissions@ukings.ca. Or, you can reach King’s School of Journalism by calling 902-422-1271 ext. 159 or by emailing jour@dal.ca.
 

“Congratulations for the timely introduction of a program that will help equip the next generation of news innovators for the challenges ahead. This is a much needed addition to Canadian journalism education.” --Kathy Vey, editor in chief, OpenFile.ca

 Apply now.