[EADC]

Okay, I scarcely know where to begin with this so I'll just lay out some facts and we'll go from there. I've just graduated with a degree in Law with French Legal Studies from Glasgow Uni, achieving a 2:1.

I'm now looking at Master's courses but here's where things get hazy. I'm interested in both international affairs from a human rights/security angle and journalism, which would seem to go hand in hand but I'm not so sure. There's a course in International Development and Humanitarian Emergencies at LSE which looks good, and I'm particularly taken by their interdisciplinary approach. Similarly, there's a Human Rights course at UCL which also looks great. As well as this, I'm pretty interested in the Department of War Studies at KCL and think each of the Master's offered there would attract and hold my interest. Finally, there is a course at the University of Essex for an LLM in International Justice and Humanitarian Law. This probably looks the most interesting but I'm aware how ultra-competitive Essex would be for this course and I don't know how keen I am carrying on down a strictly legal route when I don't want to be a lawyer. Should I be focussing my Master's on finding jobs from a policy perspective?

So this is where I need advice. I'm currently taking a year out to find a job and earn some money but I'm almost certain I want to go back and do a Master's. But I'm not sure which one. I would love to work in a humanitarian organisation, but I would also love to work as a journalist, perhaps a foreign correspondent (KCL courses have a module in war reporting).

I guess what I'm asking is the best way to achieve this. Could I do these courses and still pursue a career in journalism? Or am I better going to Cardiff/Sheffield and gaining a journalism postgrad? I know a lot of this depends on me making a solid decision on whether to go down the humanitarian/journalism route, but I'd like some advice on doing either from anybody who can help.

Thanks in advance.

[Hurricane_Kat]

This topic isn't my forte, however I have heard it said many times that its far better to have studied a topic of interest to you, then enter into the media using that topic. For an example... If I wanted to be an environmental correspondant, would I choose studying geography, or journalism? You want to be a real expert on your TOPIC, rather than how to do your JOB. They train you in that when you get the job! I know your example here isn't quite as clear cut, but I wouldn't focus on studying journalism. Study the topic you want to be involved in, then learn tips on communicating about it on the side.

I really hope that made enough sense! Again, not an expert, but I've heard this advice many times. The media like to employ experts in certain areas, rather than experts on 'how to be a journalist'. It also keeps your options a bit more open

[EADC]

Yeah, thanks for that reply Kat, appreciated. I think you're right. I'm not particularly interested in studying the actual art of journalism, I think I'd prefer to broaden my knowledge base with further study on the humanitarian/security side of things and then if that leads to a job in journalism, so be it!

[Norton1]

(Original post by EADC)
Yeah, thanks for that reply Kat, appreciated. I think you're right. I'm not particularly interested in studying the actual art of journalism, I think I'd prefer to broaden my knowledge base with further study on the humanitarian/security side of things and then if that leads to a job in journalism, so be it!

The crucial thing with a Masters is to know why you're doing it. If you can't make up a plan detailing where you want to be and how your masters will get you there I'm not sure there's all that much point. I'm also somewhat wary of doing these international save the world law masters, I mean it's nice but how many jobs are there in it?

I'm aware it's probably not what you want to hear but when I was considering my masters the person I still think gave me the best advice was the woman questioning why I was doing it. Incidentally, you've moved quick , from graduating last week to a masters!

[flying plum]

I would do a masters in int law if you're interested, rather than journalism. However, as someone who did the course you mentioned at ucl, and failed to get a place at lse, try to use your year out to get done work experience in you field. Do a part time internship or something. Lse like experience before you apply, plus stellar grades, and you will find it hard to get a job - at least, this was my experience of the NGO sector, perhaps diff for journalism - without experience.


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[Hurricane_Kat]

(Original post by EADC)
Yeah, thanks for that reply Kat, appreciated. I think you're right. I'm not particularly interested in studying the actual art of journalism, I think I'd prefer to broaden my knowledge base with further study on the humanitarian/security side of things and then if that leads to a job in journalism, so be it!

Best of luck to you!