Leadership
Journalism Innovation & Leadership Programme
Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Journalism Innovation and Leadership
This part-time, distance-learning programme equips media professionals worldwide with the practical skills, critical insights, and confidence needed to lead innovation in their organisations. Through interactive online sessions, applied learning projects, and intensive study blocks, participants benefit from tailored mentorship and join a global community of leaders. Completion in one year.
Master of Arts (MA) in Journalism Innovation and Leadership
Building on the PGCert, the MA includes an extended applied learning project (EALP) and research for media work modules. Participants work on real-world projects that drive innovation in their organisations. With expert supervision and mentoring, participants also engage with a diverse network of peers. This 18-months programme culminates in a 10,000-word report.
PhD by Portfolio
The MA offers a pathway to the PhD by Portfolio. After completing the extended ALP, participants can continue their academic and professional journey, focusing on industry-relevant projects. With mentorship from the course team and collaboration with the wider JILeaders community, candidates complete their doctorate in as short as 36 months, deepening their impact on the field.
Bespoke Courses, Research, and Events
In addition to our structured programmes, we offer tailored solutions designed to meet the specific needs of your organisation. We collaborate with emerging, local, and national news organisations to co-design and deliver bespoke workshops, courses, and in-house training. Whether online or in-person, these sessions are crafted to inspire and empower your teams, helping to develop the leadership and innovation skills that drive meaningful change.
We also offer opportunities for research partnerships and host events that bring together industry leaders and innovators to tackle the most pressing challenges facing the media industry today.
Empowering Diverse News Leaders to Innovate, Transform, and Thrive
Our Journalism Innovation and Leadership Programme offers a transformative experience for media professionals who are ready to lead and innovate in the fast-evolving world of journalism. This part-time programme fosters personal and professional development, empowering you to add immediate value to your organisation while accelerating your career growth.
What sets us apart is our commitment to diversity—not only in terms of participant backgrounds but also the varied operating contexts in which they work. From global media conglomerates to local startups, participants come from different countries, cultures, and professional environments. This diversity enriches learning, offering new perspectives on how to tackle shared challenges in the industry.
Why Choose Us?
Our flexible programme blends interactive online sessions with optional face-to-face study blocks, leading to a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) or Master of Arts (MA) degree from the University of Lancashire, home to England’s longest-running journalism programme established in 1962. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or an emerging leader, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to thrive in a diverse media landscape.
- Accelerate Your Career: Boost your leadership confidence and strategic insight to advance your career. Graduates have reported increased recognition and new career opportunities within their organisations.
- Deliver Immediate Organisational Impact: The applied learning projects address real-world business challenges, enabling you to drive innovation and add value to your organisation from day one.
- Learn from Global Experts: Benefit from the insights of top industry leaders with experience at the BBC, Bloomberg, Conde Nast, CNN, Food4Mzansi, FT Strategies, Irish News, ITV News, LadBible, Media24, News UK, Reuters and Schipsted, as well as academics at the forefront of journalism innovation.
- Tailored Mentorship: Be matched with an experienced industry mentor who will guide your professional growth.
- Diverse Network: Join a global community of leaders who work in a variety of media settings—from large international outlets to niche digital platforms—fostering collaboration and shared learning.
Who Should Apply?
This programme is ideal for media professionals who are eager to lead innovation and drive transformation in their organisations, whether they are working in established newsrooms or pioneering digital ventures. If you’re looking to enhance your leadership capabilities while learning from a diverse cohort with varied operating contexts, this programme is for you.
How Will This Programme Add Value?
To you:
- Diverse Leadership Development: Learn from the experiences of peers working in different regions and sectors, broadening your perspective and helping you adapt solutions to your specific context.
- Immediate Professional Impact: Gain practical, hands-on skills that can be applied immediately to improve your organisation’s performance and boost your career.
- Career Acceleration: Graduates frequently report greater leadership confidence, enhanced credibility with senior management, and new opportunities for advancement.
To Your Organisation:
- Drive Innovation: Lead your organisation through data-informed decision-making, human-centred design, and agile management techniques that drive real change.
- Lead with Diversity in Mind: Learn how to manage and inspire diverse teams, creating inclusive environments that foster creativity and innovation.
- Deliver Tangible Results: The applied learning projects ensure that your work has an immediate, measurable impact on your organisation’s success.
Programme Structure
The programme offers a clear pathway from a Postgraduate Certificate to a Master of Arts degree and the option to pursue a unique PhD by Portfolio. Combining intensive study blocks with applied learning projects, you’ll gain the leadership and innovation skills to tackle the unique challenges of your organisation.
Join Us to Transform Your Career and Your Organisation
The Journalism Innovation and Leadership Programme offers you the chance to grow as a leader, innovate within your organisation, and join a global, diverse community committed to shaping the future of journalism. With participants from varied backgrounds and operating in diverse contexts, you’ll leave the programme equipped with the insights and tools to lead effectively in a complex, interconnected world.
Sponsorship Opportunities: Journalism Innovation and Leadership Programme
The Journalism Innovation and Leadership Programme (JILeaders) is at the forefront of transforming the media industry by equipping future leaders with the necessary skills, knowledge, and connections to drive innovation and sustainability. With a proven track record of empowering media professionals globally, our programme fosters a community dedicated to advancing the journalism landscape. We invite you to join us as a partner, enhancing both the programme and your organisation’s commitment to media innovation through our tailored sponsorship packages.
Support diverse media professionals in the JILeaders programme with your donation to shape journalism’s future: https://www.lancashire.ac.uk/giving
For enquiries about our bespoke courses or Visiting Research Fellows Programme: FPNel@lancashire.ac.uk
For enquiries about our Journalism Innovation and Leadership programme: JILeaders@lancashire.ac.uk
Explore Further
Learn about the programme’s impact and details in our Programme Flyer and 2025 Impact Summary. Hear from James Smart (Class of 2025) and Jacqui Merrington (MA Class of 2024/25, PG Cert Class of 2023) about their transformative experiences.
JILeaders Programme Flyer 2027
Impact Summary 2025
Power of Performance 2025
These materials showcase the programme’s global reach, the diverse range of participant stories, and the measurable impact JILeaders has had on media organisations around the world.
Useful links
How to secure your place and scholarship for the Journalism Innovation & Leadership Programme
University of Lancashire’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy
Testimonials
“This journey wasn’t just about knowledge; it ignited a fire within me and polished my self-development skills. My confidence has soared, and I’m filled with a passion to share what I’ve learned. I’m ready to empower my colleagues and drive our team to new heights.”
Vimbiso
Matarise
Operations Manager,Jester Media Services, Zimbabwe
(PG Cert Class of 2023, MA Class of 2024-25)
“We at FT Strategies are immensely proud to partner with University of Lancashire and the JIL initiative. We believe the JIL course is fundamental to the upskilling and enrichment of media managers who will make a difference in the future of our industry. In particular, the commitment to draw together experiences of alumni, mentors and participants from the global north and south makes JIL a stand-out contributor to collaboration and co-operation across the globe.”
Lisa Macleod
Director and Head of EMEA,FT Strategies, Leader in Residence at the University of Lancashire
