Master's Programme in Media Development Programme description

The media field is developing at a rapid pace. New media, platforms and forms of communication are introduced, old ones are changing, or disappearing. The structural conditions for media practices such as journalism, communication work, non-fiction and other media production are changing, due to technological and economic developments.

The master's programme in media development provides the necessary in-depth knowledge, specific skills and new competencies to better understand, analyze and practice various tasks and professions in the media field. The "media field" includes journalism, communication, non-fiction and other media production.

The programme consists of three fields of study: journalism, media and communication, and non-fiction. The fields of study have a common orientation towards development, which is understood to be:

• Development in the media field at a structural level, including political, economic, social, cultural and technological developments (historical and in the present/future, nationally and internationally)
• Development of new genres, formats, work areas and working methods in the professions and practices of the media field (historically and in the present/future).
• Development in an educational sense: the students develop their own media productions and academic projects where it is the actual development process that provides learning (process-oriented learning / project-based pedagogy)

The programme emphasizes practical production and facilitates cooperation with the sector. Students are encouraged to develop practical and/or analytical projects together with partners in the media field, both in individual courses and in connection with the master's thesis, which constitutes the main specialization in the field of study. At the same time, the program provides specialized insight into scientific methods, as well as advanced knowledge of philosophy of science and research ethics.

The master's programme is interdisciplinary, and is based on humanistic and social science approaches.

The students achieve the degree Master of Media Development. It will be stated in the diploma which field of study the candidate has chosen.

Journalism

Internationally, the journalism profession has in recent decades undergone a development and academicization that is expressed in the media industry, in research and in new educational offers at master's and PhD level. The field of study journalism is both practical and research-oriented, and represents an important contribution to the industry and to journalism research through emphasis on innovation, development and a combination of theoretical and practical knowledge. 

Media and communication

Media, information and communication technology constitute significant cultural, social and political resources in society and are important frameworks for the exercise of many different professional and professional functions. Within media and communication, there is a great technological development and it is a field that is constantly changing. The field of study is both practical and research-oriented, and represents an important contribution to the industry through emphasis on innovation and a combination of theoretical and practical knowledge for research in the field of media and communication.  

The field of study includes theoretical, analytical and practical-aesthetic approaches to the field of media and communication. The study provides an opportunity for in-depth study of cultural, social, technological and political aspects of new and traditional media expressions, where emphasis is placed on the students acquiring knowledge of and ability to reflect on different media's uniqueness, use and social significance. Throughout the course of study, emphasis is placed on creativity, innovation and development. The field of study offers teaching in more specialized subjects, with emphasis on media design, media production and project development, strategic management of organizational communication, media use, user participation, digitization and media and the importance of the communication field in society.

Non-fiction

Quality-assured non-fiction is a cornerstone of the democratic public. It contains a multitude of genres and publication channels, from journalism to the research monograph, from the essay to the website. The field of study shall provide students with knowledge of the field of non-fiction and its development in a Norwegian and international context. The student develops knowledge and skills in academic writing, as well as about the most relevant methods in the subject, both for research assignments and production assignments. The methods must be able to be used actively both in own non-fiction work and in research on non-fiction. During the study, students must have acquired broad knowledge of the field of non-fiction both in Norway and internationally, including genre theory, which is very important both theoretically and as a skill. They must also have solid skills in source criticism and relevant qualitative and quantitative methods, and they must be able to prepare longer texts within the subjects the study provides. After completing their studies, students must have broad competence in non-fiction and in the development of non-fiction.

Relevance to working life and further studies

Working life in the media field is characterized by little stability, loose boundaries between different professions, a large degree of interdisciplinarity and a constant need for new knowledge, skills and competencies in step with the technological and economic development of the field. The need for education at master's level is therefore increasing, and in-depth knowledge and skills in and about "development" are central. Developments in the media field also create a need for the formulation of new policies and for new competence in public administration related to media regulation, media information, media analysis, media use and other relevant areas. The master's program in media development will educate students who are well suited for work in public administration related to such areas. The major changes by and in the media field combined with the media's significance for the public and thus for the development of democracy and society, creates an increased need for research on changes in the media field's social significance. The master's program in media development is also relevant for further studies at PhD level in media studies and other, relevant subject areas.

The fields of study journalism and media and communication

Admission takes place in accordance with regulations on admission to studies at OsloMet - the metropolitan university. The basis for admission to the fields of study journalism and media and communication is a bachelor's degree, a master's degree or equivalent degree with a professional specialization in journalism, photojournalism or media and communication of a minimum of 80 credits.

Field of study non-fiction

Admission takes place in accordance with regulations on admission to studies at OsloMet - the metropolitan university. The basis for admission to the field of study non-fiction (Master in media development) is a bachelor's degree, a master's degree or equivalent, as well as two years of relevant practice.

Relevant practice means, for example, information and communication work, dissemination, journalism, publishing work, research, teaching, research work and experience as a non-fiction writer. It is possible to combine different forms of relevant practice.

Relevant practice is documented with certificate (s) from the employer (s), publications, ev. confirmation from publisher / journal / other publishing or quality assurance institution. Freelancers must document an income from relevant practice corresponding to a total of 4G full-time, or equivalent income part-time. 

The scope of produced non-fiction text is at least 200 pages of text or 400,000 characters at intervals, published by ordinary publishers or in ordinary journals, or at other institutions that have similar quality control.

Common to the fields of study

For admission to all three fields of study, an average grade of C or better (converted to 2.5 or better) from the academic basis is required. Additional points (maximum 1 point) are awarded for relevant education in the humanities, social sciences or science beyond the minimum requirement. Additional points (maximum 1 point) are awarded for relevant professional practice in addition to the minimum requirement. Relevant professional practice is professional practice as a journalist in print media, radio, television or web editing. For 50 per cent of the study places, there is competition only on the basis of grade points. The ranking of applicants is regulated by regulations on admission to studies at OsloMet - Metropolitan University.

By completing a master's degree in media development, the candidate is expected to acquire theoretical and research-based knowledge of the media field's structural conditions, practices, professions and development both historically and in the present. Furthermore, the candidate is expected to acquire specialized skills within the field of study, as well as in research methods and dissemination. The candidate is also expected to be able to have the necessary knowledge, skills and competencies to develop independent projects within the field of study, as well as to critically evaluate their own and others' work and the field's development.

After completing the program, the candidate must have the following total learning outcomes defined as knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

In general, for all fields of study in the master's program in media development, the candidate:

• has in-depth knowledge of media structures, actors and development nationally and internationally.
• has in-depth knowledge of research methods, research ethics and theory of science
• has knowledge of media research's different traditions and theories nationally and internationally
• has developed a critical media understanding and insight into societal challenges.

Within the field of study journalism, the candidate must acquire:

• in-depth knowledge of various theories related to the development of journalism, such as theories of various media systems and media platforms, genre and discourse theory, globalization theories, democracy theory, professional theories, or theories of technological development and innovation.
• in-depth theoretical insight into both national and international processes that shape journalism and how journalism affects society
• in-depth knowledge of the development of specific journalistic methods, genres and disciplines, such as climate journalism, foreign journalism, investigative journalism or literary journalism
• in-depth knowledge of various quantitative and qualitative methods in journalism research
• advanced knowledge of academic issues and journalistic texts based on the history of journalism, contemporary development, uniqueness and place in society

Within the field of study in media and communication, the candidate must acquire:

• in-depth knowledge of various theories related to the development of the media and communication field, for example theories of various media systems and media platforms, media management, strategic communication, media design and production, user participation, interpretive theories or theories of technological development and innovation.
• in-depth theoretical insight into processes that shape development in the media and communication industry and how it affects society
• in-depth knowledge of the development of specific media and communication methods, genres and / or strategies

Within the field of study non-fiction, the candidate must acquire:

• in-depth knowledge of academic writing - theory, genres, genre development and history in-depth knowledge of non-fiction as a field and institution
• in-depth insight into the relationship between subject matter and dissemination (research communication, textbook, research journalism, popularization, the biography genre)
• in-depth insight into how the media and publishing industries and the journal field work, and what professional writing entails in practice.
• in-depth knowledge of the boundaries between journalism and other non-fiction, and how these boundaries have developed and are evolving both nationally and internationally

Skills

In general, for all fields of study in the master's program in media development, the candidate :

• can develop innovative media projects
• can develop a research project and apply relevant theory
• can apply relevant research methods with a high degree of independence
• carry out an independent, limited research or development project of a practical and / or theoretical nature under supervision and in accordance with current research ethics norms and source criticism

Within the field of study journalism, the candidate must be able to:

• orientate oneself independently and critically within journalistic and media professional literature and find relevant material for a research project
• develop journalism at a practical and / or academically advanced level and thus guide other colleagues in the field
• conduct comparative studies of journalism in different media, and of journalism before and now
• identify both analytical and practical needs for development in journalism and in editorial environments

Within the field of study in media and communication, the candidate must be able to:

• orientate oneself independently and critically within media and communication subject literature and find relevant material for a research project
• develop media and communication projects at a practical and / or academically advanced level and thereby guide other colleagues in the field conduct comparative studies of different media and communication practices, both before and now
• identify both analytical and practical needs for development in the media and communications industry

Within the field of study non-fiction, the candidate must be able to:

• prepared good and publishable non-fiction texts through process-oriented writing apply the most relevant methods in the subject, both for research assignments and production assignments
• apply source criticism to one's own and others' work provide and receive guidance in groups, both to raise awareness of one's own writing process and development, and to be able to guide others.
• orientate oneself independently and critically within media subject literature and find relevant material for a research project
• draw their own conclusions and discuss these critically on the basis of a large amount of material

General competence

In general, for all fields of study in the master's program in media development, the candidate:

• can reflect critically and ethically on developments in the media and the public both nationally and internationally.
• has the ability to work interdisciplinary can analyze and handle a research material critically and has the ability to think and reflect independently - also around his/hers own research role and profession
• is able to analyze professional, professional and research ethics issues

Within the field of study in journalism, the candidate must have:

• competence in presentation of both academic and journalistic material, and have developed the ability to give and receive constructive criticism and feedback
• developed his journalistic skills through increased knowledge of the subject's research area and own practice
• competence for innovation and to apply their knowledge and skills in new areas of journalism
• ability to see new issues in journalism so that the candidate can ask original and fruitful questions

Within the field of study in media and communication, the candidate must have:

• competence for innovation and to apply their knowledge and skills in new areas within the media and communication field
• developed skills in media production and communication practices through increased knowledge of the subject's research area and own practice
• ability to see new issues in the media and communication field so that the candidate can ask original and fruitful questions
• competence to enter the role of a professional in the field of media and communication at an advanced level.
• ability to reflect critically and ethically on the role that media and communication play in a societal perspective

Within the field of study non-fiction, the candidate must have:

• competence in the presentation of both academic and practical non-fiction material, and have developed the ability to give and receive constructive criticism and feedback
• competence for innovation and to apply their knowledge and skills in new areas of non-fiction
• developed her skills in non-fiction production through increased knowledge of the subject's research area and own practice
• ability to see new issues in the field of non-fiction so that the candidate can ask original and fruitful questions.

The study is normally taken as a full-time study of two years, spread over four semesters or as a part-time study over four years, spread over eight semesters. Because working life in the journalism, non-fiction and media and communication industries is characterized by a large degree of interdisciplinarity and constant changes in which competencies and skills are in demand, the study is structured so that students have great freedom to a) choose subjects across the three fields of study: journalism, media and communication and non-fiction, and b) to choose subjects in other master's programs at higher education institutions in Norway or internationally. For the same reason, the master's theses are 60 credits, which gives students a lot of flexibility and freedom of choice in what they want to immerse themselves in.

The master's program consists of two compulsory courses of 10 credits that are common to all fields of study. The field of study non-fiction also has one compulsory course of 10 credits, because it to a lesser extent than the other two is based on a professional community created through joint bachelor education. All other courses are optional and can be chosen across the fields of study, but a student must 1) take a minimum of 10 credits within the field of study in addition to the master's thesis, which amounts to 60 credits and 2) take at least one course (10 credits) taught in English. Some courses have prerequisites, which are stated in the course plans.

Some courses have prerequisites, which are stated in the course plans.

Field of study journalism

The field of study journalism has the following content and structure:

• Compulsory introductory course in media development and media research (10 credits, common to all three fields of study in the master's program)
• Compulsory introductory course in research method (10 credits, common to all three fields of study in the master's program)
• Courses in the field of study journalism (minimum 10 credits)
• Courses in the fields of study media and communication and / or non-fiction, as well as any courses from other master's programs (up to 30 credits)
• Master's thesis in the field of study journalism (60 credits)

The compulsory courses in media development and media research and introduction to research methods total 20 credits. The courses are normally taken in the first semester of the full-time study (possibly the first and third semesters for part-time). The field of study journalism offers the following elective courses (all of 10 credits), of which students must choose at least one:

• Arctic Lenses: Global Warming and Journalism
• Språk og diskurs i journalistikken
• Investigative Journalism and Cross Border Cooperation
• Journalism, Innovation and Social Media
• Global Journalism, Conflict, Safety and Peace

Several of the courses are only offered every other year, but each semester one or two of the optional courses in the field of study are offered. In addition, the student can choose one or two courses from the fields of study media and communication and / or non-fiction in the program per semester, a total of up to three courses (30 credits) per semester, or courses at other master's programs at OsloMet or other educational institutions nationally or internationally after approval by the Department of Journalism and Media Studies.

Field of study media and communication

Field of study media and communication has the following content and structure:

• Compulsory introductory course in media development and media research (10 credits, common to all three fields of study in the master's program)
• Compulsory introductory course in research method (10 credits, common to all three fields of study in the master's program)
• Courses in the field of study media and communication (minimum 10 credits)
• Courses in the fields of study media and communication and / or non-fiction, as well as any courses from other master's programs (up to 30 credits)
• Master's thesis in the field of study media and communication (60 credits)

The compulsory courses in media development and media research and introduction to research methods total 20 credits. The courses are normally taken in the first semester of the full-time study (possibly the first and third semesters for part-time). The field of study media and communication offers the following optional courses (all 10 credits), of which students must choose at least one: · 

• Media design, production and project development ·
• Strategic leadership in organizational communication ·
• Media use and user involvement

Some of the courses are only offered every other year, but each semester one or two of the courses in the field of study are offered. In addition, the student can choose one or two courses from the fields of study journalism and / or non-fiction in the program per semester, a total of up to three courses (30 credits), or courses at other master's programs at OsloMet or other educational institutions nationally or internationally after approval by the Department of Journalism and Media Studies.

Field of study non-fiction

Field of study non-fiction has the following content and structure:

• Compulsory introductory course in media development and media research (10 credits, common to all three fields of study in the master's program)
• Compulsory introductory course in research method (10 credits, common to all three fields of study in the master's program)
• Compulsory introductory course in non-fiction (10 credits)
• Other courses in the field of study non-fiction or courses in the fields of study media and communication and / or journalism, possibly courses in other master's programs (30 credits) · 
• Master's thesis in the field of non-fiction (60 credits)

The compulsory courses in media development and media research, introduction to research methods and introduction of non-fiction amount to a total of 30 credits. The courses are normally taken in the first semester of the full-time study (possibly the first and third semesters for part-time). Field of study non-fiction offers the following optional courses (all of 10 credits): ·

• Literary journalism ·
•  Media history · 
• Science and the media

Some of the courses are only offered every other year. Instead of, or in addition to, these courses, students can choose courses from the fields of study journalism and / or media and communication, or from other master's programs at OsloMet or other educational institutions nationally or internationally after approval from the Department of Journalism and Media Studies.

The form of teaching in most subjects is a combination of lectures, seminars, group work, work with practical and theoretical assignments / productions, and presentations. Traditional lectures are supplemented by forms of work and teaching where student-active forms of learning are planned with emphasis on discussion, collaboration and fellow student response. A significant degree of self-study and self-effort must be expected Forms of work and teaching for each subject are selected on the basis of what can best lead to the expected learning outcome. 

Achieved learning outcomes of lectures will be to be introduced to important areas of knowledge and gain an understanding of the core areas of journalism, non-fiction and / or the media and communication subjects in general. Achieved learning outcomes of seminars and group work with supervision and problem solving will be the ability to orientate independently within a professional material, show the ability to innovate and reflect on one's own practice, be able to present own research in an understandable way, and show the ability for critical and constructive analysis of others' media productions and research.

Individual supervision will be the central form of work for the development of the master's thesis. Achieved learning outcomes of individual supervision will be to be able to carry out an independent, limited research or development project within the field of study in line with current research ethics norms, and be able to analyze academic and research ethics issues. 

During the work on the master's thesis, students are encouraged to establish colloquium groups. Learning outcomes of such colloquium groups will be to be able to critically discuss with fellow students' own conclusions on the basis of a large amount of material and through constructive feedback stimulate each other to further develop the task.

The master's program places considerable emphasis on the development of knowledge and skills through process-oriented project work, either individually or in groups. Several individual subjects, as well as the work on the master's thesis itself, provide opportunities for project work in collaboration with actors in working life, and especially the media companies represented in the department's two industry councils, for journalism and media and communication.  

The syllabus is in Norwegian and English. Some subjects are taught in Norwegian, but an approximately equal proportion of the subjects are taught in English. Good English skills will therefore be an advantage.

Students can apply for an exchange one semester (up to 30 credits). Exchange is possible primarily in the 2nd semester for full-time study, but exchange in the 3rd semester will also be possible, if the student chooses to postpone courses for this semester. The study is based on a large degree of freedom of choice, and the two compulsory courses are in the 1st semester (for full-time study). 

To meet the requirement of a minimum of 10 credits in the fields of study in addition to the master's thesis (60 credits), the student can, for example, take one course in the field of study in the 1st semester in addition to the two compulsory courses, and then travel on exchange and take 30 credits. other educational institution in the 2nd semester.

The study program proposes that the students are to a large extent responsible for their own learning development towards the work on the master's thesis. The relevance of exchange stays for the master's thesis will therefore be decisive in the assessment of applications for exchange. The Department of Journalism and Media Studies has agreements within the Erasmus program and the Nordplus program, and students can also apply via OsloMet - the metropolitan university's agreements outside Europe. International perspectives are also safeguarded by the fact that several of the learning outcome descriptions at both program and course level are oriented towards international conditions, and by offering a number of courses in English. Both Norwegian and foreign students participate in these courses, and the students use experiences from their respective home countries in the pedagogical program.

Some of the courses include work requirements that must be approved before the student can sit for the exam in the course. This can e.g. be submissions, project assignments, oral presentations or group work. Work requirements are described in more detail in each syllabus. The work requirements help to support the course's learning outcomes, both in that the students are trained through the actual work with these assignments and in that the work requirements often ensure that the students acquire skills and knowledge that are not tested during the exam itself.

Assessment and grading are in accordance with the provisions on assessment in the Act of 1 April 2005 no. 15 On Universities and Colleges and Regulations on Studies and Examinations at OsloMet - the metropolitan university. The forms of assessment vary from subject to subject and include written assignments, production assignments, semester assignments, home exams and oral exams. 

Some of the courses, including the master's thesis, have an oral assessment in addition to another form of examination. Oral examination will function as a supplement to the second form of examination in that it is possible for the student to elaborate on the second answer and show the ability for critical thinking and reflection. The master's thesis is an independent research project related to a self-chosen topic. The examination form is either a dissertation or a practical assignment in combination with a theoretical reflection note, as well as an oral examination.

In several of the courses, the student can choose between two different examination forms, either a theoretical written assignment or a practical assignment. In the latter case, the assignment consists of a production assignment with an accompanying reflection note. For those students who choose a practical variant of the master's thesis, it will usually be an advantage to choose practical assignments in individual subjects to develop the ability to produce in parallel with exercising critical reflection on their own work based on the subject's scientific theories and methods.

Use of sources / source references

It is expected that the master's students already have basic knowledge of the use of sources / source references and the use of quotations. OsloMet takes cheating very seriously, and it is important that students are familiar with the rules that apply to avoid being suspected of cheating / attempted cheating in connection with thesis writing. On this website you will also find important information about cheating https://student.OsloMet.no/retningslinjer-fusk-eksamen.

Censorship and use of supervision sensor

The Department of Journalism and Media Studies normally uses both internal and external examiners. The use of an examiner is described in more detail in the individual syllabus. In addition, the Department of Journalism and Media Studies has a supervisory examiner who will supervise the study program, cf. Regulations on studies and examinations at OsloMet and Guidelines for the appointment and use of examiners at OsloMet.

Assessment terms

A graded scale with five steps from A to E for passing and F for failing is used as the assessment expression. For assessments that end with an oral test, the grade for the second assignment can be adjusted up or down one grade. In order to be able to sit for the oral exam, the second part of the exam must be passed. Censorship can be appealed in accordance with the Universities and University Colleges Act § 5-3. We reserve the right to make changes to the program plan, as a result of e.g. regulatory changes. Changes in the syllabus also occur, and we recommend that students wait to buy textbooks until they have spoken to the individual subject teacher / course coordinator. The syllabi are adopted for one academic year at a time, so that it will be the latest syllabus that applies to the next ordinary examination and subsequent re-sit examination (new / postponed examination).