Masters in Investigative Journalism

Wits Journalism offers a Masters degree in Investigative Journalism which allows mid-career journalists to develop and hone their knowledge of and skills in Investigative Reporting. The programme combines our Masters degree, aimed primarily at journalists with two to five years of experience, with the resources in our Investigative Journalism Workshop (IJW).

The IJW runs a number of activities to encourage in-depth reporting and the use of the latest investigative skills (such as computer-assisted reporting). This includes the annual Power Reporting Conference, which brings together journalists from all over the world and continent to share their experience and knowledge, and the Taco Kuiper Awards and Grants. The IJW's Justice Project works with students and interns to investigate the country's justice system. Students in this Masters programme will have the opportunity to work on this and other hands-on investigations.

The Masters consists of four modules and those doing Investigative Reporting will do the following:

Reading the Media: This is a core theoretical course done by all our Masters students, giving students a solid background in media studies relevant to their profession. This course runs in the first semester each year – the next start date is February 2012.

Investigative Journalism A (IR1): This course will involve reading and discussion on the role of investigative reporting and its history and ethics, as well as contemporary investigative skills, such as internet searching, using data bases and making freedom of information requests.

Investigative Journalism B (IR2): This is a research-based course. Students will undertake a supervised investigation and develop skills in advanced investigative techniques.

Investigative Journalism B course outline

Research Report (50% of mark): Candidates will have to produce a research report under supervision. This will focus on an aspect of investigative journalism and could involve the development and analysis of the investigative project undertaken in Investigative Journalism B.

The course can be done full-time over 18 months or part-time over two-years. Applicants must have our Honours Degree in Journalism or equivalent, or an Honours degree in any field and at least two to five years professional experience.

Course Coordinator: Margaret Renn, Taco Kuiper Visiting Fellow in Investigative Journalism, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.