MA Automotive Journalism

Program Overview

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The Automotive Journalism MA program at Coventry University equips students with the skills and knowledge to excel in the field of automotive journalism. Through hands-on experience, industry connections, and a focus on emerging technologies, the program prepares graduates for careers as automotive journalists, content creators, and public relations specialists.

Program Outline

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Automotive Journalism MA

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Degree Overview:

The Automotive Journalism MA course is designed for individuals with a passion for cars and communication who want to turn that passion into a fulfilling career. The program immerses students in the world of automotive journalism, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to stand out in a competitive field.

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Objectives:

• Develop the essential knowledge and practical skills necessary for a successful automotive journalism career.
• Gain experience in writing, designing, and producing automotive content for print, digital, and broadcast media.
• Become familiar with the automotive industry, including its history, culture, design, technology, and production.
• Understand the key challenges and opportunities facing the automotive industry.
• Develop critical thinking skills and the ability to analyze and evaluate automotive content.

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Program Description:

The program provides a focused route into jobs with brands in automotive media, offering a comprehensive understanding of automotive journalism and the skills needed to excel in this field. The course is led by an award-winning motoring journalist, author, and editor, supported by specialist tutors with extensive practical journalism experience in diverse areas like news, feature writing, video production, and virtual reality. (Staff are subject to change)

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Unique Features:

• Students have the opportunity to write, design, and produce their own automotive magazine, "Automotive", which is published online and in print.
• Access to industry-standard media production software and equipment, including professional-grade newsrooms and a state-of-the-art specialist TV studio, The Tank4.
• Strong industry connections, including media and motor companies, providing students with opportunities for internships and placements.
• Graduates have secured jobs with renowned organizations like Autocar, BBC Top Gear, Pistonheads, CAR Magazine, and more.

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Outline:

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Program Structure:

• Full-time (1 year)
• Part-time (up to 2 years)

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Course Schedule:

• Each module is taught over approximately 11 weeks.
• Formal teaching typically takes place over two full working days per week.
• Self-directed study is expected, approximately 25 hours per week, depending on individual modules.

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Modules:

• Journalism Practice, Law and Ethics (30 credits) - Fundamentals of journalistic practice, focusing on practical, creative, and technical skills.
• Public Relations (10 credits) - Principles and practice of public relations, including ethical considerations and legal aspects.
• Automotive Industry in Context (20 credits) - Critical understanding of the automotive industry, covering its technical, economic, cultural, and aesthetic aspects.
• Specialist Practice in Journalism and PR (30 credits) - Development of specialist knowledge and skills in chosen fields, expanding the depth of content creation.
• Advanced Journalism: Digital, Social, Mobile (20 credits) - Key skills of emerging forms of journalism, including new digital storytelling platforms, social media, and mobile journalism.
• Specialist Research and Analysis (10 credits) - Introduction to research tools and methods for undertaking independent research on identified themes and issues in specialist journalism and PR.
• Major Project (50 credits) - An original and intellectually critical extended piece of writing, dissertation, or practice project/portfolio with reflection.
• Creative Futures and Social Change (10 credits) - Explores the changing world of work and empowers students to thrive in a changing world and participate in creating a better future.
• Optional Professional Experience (semester 1) - Opportunity to apply for optional professional experience in the industry, extending the program duration to 16, 20, or 24 months.
This module incurs additional tuition fees.

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Assessment:

• Essays
• Presentations
• Reports
• Projects
• Coursework
• Individual assignments

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Additional Information:

• International experience opportunities are available for students to report from events like the Geneva Motor Show, Shanghai Motor Show, and Chinese Grand Prix.
Opportunities vary depending on event timing, availability, and visa requirements.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• Face-to-face teaching
• Individual and group tutorials
• Online classes and tutorials
• Emerging technologies may be used in student experience.

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Faculty:

• Andrew Noakes, course director, is an award-winning motoring journalist, author, and editor, with over 25 years of experience.
• Specialist tutors with extensive experience in digital media, emerging platforms, and news and features writing.

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Careers:

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Career Paths:

• Automotive journalist
• Content creator
• Social media manager
• Public relations specialist

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Graduate Employers:

• Autocar
• BBC Top Gear
• Car
• Classic Cars
• Car Throttle
• Honda
• Volkswagen
• SEAT
• Polestar
• Hyundai

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Other:

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Program Location:

• Coventry University (Coventry)

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Program Dates:

• September 2024
• January 2025
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Accreditation:

• Guild of Motoring Writers
• Midland Group of Motoring Writers

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Testimonials:

• "We had the opportunity to visit the Motoring Literary and Arts Festival at Silverstone.
It was an excellent opportunity to network and enhance one's resume."
• Bhavik Sreenath, Student, 2024
• "For anyone who loves both writing and cars, enrolling on the Automotive Journalism MA is a complete no-brainer.
Not only did it teach me some invaluable skills, but it also enabled me to build connections and secure a job which I could never have dreamt possible previously."
• George Hill, Graduate, 2021 (staff writer at What Car?
Magazine)

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Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

• UK, Ireland , Channel Islands or Isle of Man
£11,200 | £15,200 (with prof. experience) Not available
• EU
£11,200 | £15,200 (with prof. experience) per year with EU support bursary
• £18,600 | £22,600 (with prof. experience) per year without EU support bursary
Not available
• International
£18,600 | £22,600 (with prof. experience) Not available