This personal development programme encourages you to think deeply about the issues shaping journalism today – and their implications for tomorrow – by learning from industry leaders, researchers, and fellow participants.
You will develop practical skills to identify opportunities and obstacles to innovation, manage complex projects, and lead high-performing teams. Throughout the programme, you are encouraged to link your work to your organisation’s strategy and ongoing success in a way that builds your confidence and supports your career.
One of the programme’s key strengths is its network of board members, visiting industry experts, graduates and participants. In addition to being allocated an industry mentor, you will become part of a community of journalism leaders.
How will the programme benefit my employer?
Throughout the programme, you will develop skills and ways of thinking that will help you become a more effective leader within your organisation, whether you are already in a senior role or a manager looking to take the next step.
You will learn how to challenge organisational effectiveness and develop practical strategies to drive transformation, while supporting both yourself and your team to become more resilient.
Insights from visiting industry experts will help you use data to understand your audience in greater depth and develop new business and revenue models in an increasingly complex and competitive market.
You will explore diverse approaches to innovation, such as human-centred design and design thinking, to unlock new revenue streams, audience engagement, and market opportunities. By the end of the programme, you will also understand how to lead innovation initiatives that respond to changing demands both within and beyond your organisation.
What types of media do participants come from?
Our programme participants are founders, editorial, commercial and product executives from across the sector, representing some of the world’s most recognised news providers, such as BBC, Bloomberg, ITV News, Liverpool Echo, National World, Metro, The Mirror, Reach Plc, Reuters, CNBC, Al Mamlaka TV (Jordan), Fiji Sun, The Financial Gazette (Zimbabwe), The Nation (Kenya), and News24 (South Africa).
We also have participants from new and emerging independent news industry organisations, including The Ferret (Scotland), Food for Mzansi (South Africa), Indigo Media (Georgia) and (EMEA). The diversity of perspectives and experiences ignites dynamic discussions, encourages innovative thinking, and fosters a truly collaborative learning environment.
Entry and Application
What is the application process?
For guidance on how to secure your place and apply for a scholarship, please visit our How to Secure Your Place page. Applicants should apply via the Journalism Innovation & Leadership page on the University of Lancashire website.
As part of the application, you will need to submit:
– A 250-word statement outlining your daily duties, how the programme relates to your career, your goals for the course, and how you plan to apply your learning in context
– A detailed CV
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview. We welcome international students — prospective students should seek up-to-date advice on visa requirements from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). For further visa support, contact PBSHelp@lancashire.ac.uk.
What qualifications and experience do I need to apply?
We welcome applications from experienced practitioners working within or alongside the media industry. Entry to the programme is normally subject to the following conditions:
– A strong interest in the challenges facing journalism and its leaders.
– Typically, an undergraduate degree in journalism or a related media subject (2:1 or above), or evidence of substantial professional journalism/media industry experience (normally five years).
– Appropriate computer literacy and reliable internet access.
– English language proficiency for international applicants.
English Language Requirements: International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through one of the following:
– A letter from your employer confirming you use English professionally in your workplace. This must be verified during the interview with the programme team.
– An IELTS score of at least 7.0 overall, with no component below 6.5, taken within two years prior to the course start date.
– A degree taught in English.
Fees and Funding
How much are tuition fees and what funding is available?
Year 1 – PG Certificate
£3,150
60 credits · UK/EU/International
Year 2 – MA
£6,300
120 credits · UK/EU/International
UK alumni of our undergraduate degree courses qualify for a 20% discount on fees.
Scholarships 2025/26 16 awards were provided by Arc XP, FT Strategies, Bright Sites, the Journalism Charity, Chrysalis, The Media Lab, and Tickaroo — each covering up to £3,150 (one year’s PG fees). Open to UK and international applicants
Scholarship deadline: Monday, 16th November 2026. Applications should be made after applying to the course via the university application portal. Email JILeaders@lancashire.ac.uk for scholarship applications. Interviews via Microsoft Teams throughout November; decisions anticipated early December 2026.
There are no specific scholarships for the MA stage. However, other university funding options may be available — visit Fees and Funding for details.
Course Structure
How is the course structured?
Participants can choose to complete a Postgraduate Certificate in one year or continue to earn a Master of Arts in Journalism Leadership over two years.
JN4527: Research for Media Work JN4526: Extended Applied Learning Project
Our solutions-based approach means that you will be offered a range of assessments that allow you to demonstrate your ability to apply critical insights to professional practice. You will normally have individual and group tasks during the intensive blocks followed by an Applied Learning Project that gives you a chance to provide immediate value to your organisation. Each year there is the option to attend Intensive Study Blocks face-to-face. There are no traditional exams in this course. For detailed scheduling, the 2027 year planner is available here.
How much time will I need to dedicate to the programme?
The programme’s flipped learning approach requires participants to prepare for each weekly seminar by completing readings and other tasks. Typically, participants should allow around six hours per week for preparation, alongside completing several written assessments throughout the programme.
Designed for working professionals. The programme is structured so you can study alongside full-time employment. All weekly seminars are delivered online, and the intensive study weeks are planned well in advance so you can manage your schedule.
How will I be assessed?
There are no traditional exams in this course. Assessment is based on several Applied Learning Projects, which require you to apply what you have learned to real-life situations within your organisation.
Mentoring
How does the mentoring scheme work?
Participants have the opportunity to be matched with a senior industry mentor from our global network of alumni and industry partners. These include senior executives with experience at some of the world’s most recognised media brands:
BBC
Business Day (South Africa)
Financial Times
Google
S&P 500 Market Intelligence
The Guardian
Testimonials
What have participants said about the course?
“The JILeaders programme prepares innovative transformation leaders who will champion digital transformation in newsrooms and the industry. I am gaining new perspectives on leadership, innovation, and journalism. What makes this programme unique is being paired with a mentor who guides you and helps you understand your capabilities. The programme is flexible and allows networking with journalists from different parts of the globe – an important recipe for sharing ideas and understanding what’s happening in different markets in the industry”.
– Silence Mugadzaweta Digital and Online Editor at Alpha Media Holdings Zimbabwe
“Not only have we learned from the wealth of experiences shared by our fellow students, but we have also had the privilege of participating in workshops and listening to inspiring talks and motivating pep talks from the industry’s finest on topics such as digital transformation, AI, innovation, leadership, sustainability, engagement, resilience, and diversity”.
– Maeve Connolly Deputy Digital Editor, Irish News
“Embrace it: every single aspect. It is intensive, but that’s exactly the point: to build your leadership and innovation skills, enhancing and enriching our newsrooms. You can never start your work too early. This is a rare opportunity to look at the bigger picture and create real impact on our journalism”.
– Dan McLaughlin Podcast Producer / Editor and Journalist for Reach, PG Cert Class of 2025
More Questions
I still have questions, how can I find out more?
Contact the team directly or join one of our upcoming online information sessions:
