Journalism Innovation and Leadership programme at University of Lancashire – FAQs

How will the programme benefit my career?

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.

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:

  • 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.
  • A letter from your employer confirming you use English professionally in your workplace. This must be verified during the interview with the programme team.

What is the application process?

For guidance on how to secure your place and apply for a scholarship, click on this link. 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, including short-term study and Tier 4 visas, from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). For further advice or support with your Tier 4 visa application, please contact: PBSHelp@lancashire.ac.uk

How much are tuition fees?

Tuition fees for 60-credit part-time postgraduate certificate course are £3,150 (UK/EU/INTL). Tuition fees for second year 120-credit part-time MA course are £6,300 (UK/EU/INTL). UK alumni of our undergraduate degree courses qualify for a 20% discount on fees.

The sponsorships for the 2025/26 academic year were provided by Arc XP, FT Strategies, Bright Sites, the Journalism Charity, Chrysalis, The Media Lab, and Tickaroo. These sponsors funded 16 awards, each covering the equivalent of one year’s postgraduate tuition fees in the UK (up to £3,150). The awards are open to news media professionals working both in the UK and internationally.

Scholarship applications, which should only be made after applying to the course via the university application portal, are available from the course team at JILeaders@lancashire.ac.uk

Deadline for scholarship applications is 17 November 2025.

Prospective participants who are shortlisted will be invited to online interviews via Microsoft Teams. Interviews will be conducted throughout November, with scholarship decisions anticipated by early December 2025.

There are no specific scholarships available for the MA stage of the programme. However, we encourage you to check the university website for information on other funding options.

For further details on fees, funding, and financial support available to postgraduate students at the University of Lancashire, please visit: Fees and Finance at University of Lancashire.

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.

Year 1 is divided into two blocks: Journalism Leadership and Journalism Innovation. These are delivered through weekly online seminars and three intensive study weeks, two of which can be attended in person at the University of Lancashire’s campus in Preston. For detailed scheduling information, the 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.

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.

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, such as the BBC, Business Day (SA), Financial Times, Google, S&P 500 Market Intelligence, and The Guardian.

What have participants said about the course?

Silence Mugadzaweta, Digital and Online Editor at Alpha Media Holdings Zimbabwe:
“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.

Maeve Connolly, Deputy Digital Editor, Irish News:
“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.”

Ed Walker, former Audience and Content Director, Reach Plc:
“You have a safe space to explore what the future of journalism looks like. It’s a rapid-fire look at the media landscape – from big to small, new to old, and everything in between.
“The course is also about you. It’s about establishing where you stand, pausing to reflect on how far you’ve come, and working out what’s next.”

I still have questions, how can I find out more?

Contact Dr François Nel at fpnel@lancashire.ac.uk or the course team at JILeaders@lancashire.ac.uk for any questions from potential applicants.

We will also be inviting all enquirers to informal online Q&A sessions with members of the course team, board, and alumni. You can register your place below:

JILeaders Applicant Information Session 1 and Q&A (PG Cert 2026)
Monday, Sep 15, 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM

JILeaders Applicant Information Session 2 and Q&A (PG Cert 2026)
Monday, Oct 06, 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM

JILeaders Applicant Information Session 3 and Q&A (PG Cert 2026)
Monday, Oct 20, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

JIleaders MA 2026 Q&A
Friday, Oct 31, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM