Tiffin University

What you'll study

The programme combines core journalism fundamentals with specialised investigative skills. You will develop strong news judgement, ethical decision-making and legal awareness while learning practical techniques for long-form and multimedia investigations.

• Foundations of Reporting and Writing — news writing, headline and lede construction, interviewing and beats.
• Media Law and Ethics — libel, privacy, freedom of information, and ethical frameworks for investigative work.
• Investigative Reporting — methods for planning investigations, cultivating sources, verification, longform narrative and accountability journalism.
• Data and Computer-Assisted Reporting — data sourcing, cleaning, analysis and visualisation; use of spreadsheets, databases and basic scripting to find patterns and leads.
• Public Records and Freedom of Information — navigating public records, filing requests, and understanding government data systems.
• Multimedia Storytelling — producing digital packages that combine text, audio, video and interactive elements for online audiences.
• Feature and Longform Writing — structure and craft of extended narratives and explanatory journalism.
• Broadcast and Digital Reporting — fundamentals of audio and video production for investigative pieces.
• Practicum and Internship — placement with newsrooms, public radio, digital outlets or investigative non-profits to apply skills in real reporting environments.
• Capstone Project — a substantial, supervised investigative project that requires sourcing, verification, data analysis and multi-platform presentation.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school diploma or equivalent. Typical entry expectations include a solid academic record and evidence of written work or a portfolio that demonstrates communication skills. Practical experience such as school publications, blogs, volunteer reporting or related internships strengthens an application.

International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised testing or institutional evidence of language ability. Admissions may also consider letters of recommendation and a personal statement outlining interest in investigative journalism. Some applicants may be invited to provide writing samples or attend an interview.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of roles in journalism and related fields. Career paths commonly include:

• Investigative reporter or correspondent for local, regional or national news organisations
• Data journalist or computer-assisted reporting specialist
• Multimedia reporter, producer or digital editor
• Fact-checker, research reporter or desk editor
• Investigative roles in non-profit watchdog organisations and investigative centres
• Communications, public affairs or transparency roles in government and NGOs that require strong research and reporting skills
• Freelance investigative writer or documentary producer

Employers often include newspapers, online news outlets, broadcast organisations, investigative non-profits, and public interest media teams.

Why study at Tiffin University

Tiffin University offers a personalised learning environment with small classes and access to faculty who bring professional journalism experience into teaching. The programme emphasises hands-on learning through newsroom-style assignments, digital labs and supervised internships with regional media partners.

Students benefit from practical facilities for audio, video and digital production and focused guidance on legal and ethical aspects of investigative work. Career services and internship support help students build professional networks and transition into reporting roles or related careers in public-interest organisations.