Music Journalism

Music journalism is a specialist discipline that applies the craft of journalism and the critical art of music writing to one of the most culturally rich and emotionally powerful of human creative practices. Music journalists document and interpret musical culture, reviewing albums and live performances, profiling artists and scenes, investigating the music industry, and situating musical developments in their cultural and historical contexts. The discipline requires both a genuine love of and knowledge about music and the professional skills of journalism: clear and engaging writing, the ability to meet deadlines, the capacity to interview subjects and extract revealing quotations, and an editorial understanding of what makes a piece of writing work.

At the University of Chester you will study this three-year full-time programme, which includes a year abroad, giving you the opportunity to experience music culture and journalism in a different national context. Chester's programme combines the study of music, including its history, contexts, and analytical dimensions, with journalism training in writing, editing, interviewing, digital media, and the commercial realities of the media industry. You will engage with popular music history and contemporary scenes, develop critical writing skills through regular practice and feedback, and build the portfolio of published or publishable work that is essential for launching a career in music journalism.

The typical entry tariff is 104 points.

Graduates from music journalism programmes work as music journalists, critics, bloggers, podcasters, music editors, arts publicists, record company communications managers, music event promoters, and arts administrators. Many graduates build portfolio careers that combine regular freelance journalism with other roles in music or communications. The year abroad is particularly valuable for developing the international perspective that the music industry increasingly demands.

Further study in journalism, media, music, or cultural studies is taken by some graduates who wish to deepen their specialist knowledge or move into broadcasting or cultural management.