Direct answer
Cardiff University’s MA International Journalism is a conversion course open to graduates of any discipline. The published entry standard is a UK 2:2 honours degree or an equivalent international qualification. The University also states that professional experience may be considered for applicants who do not hold a degree. The English language requirement is an IELTS overall score of 6.5, with no sub-skill below 6.0. Cardiff accepts a range of other English language tests and academic qualifications as equivalents. Required application documents include a degree certificate, transcripts, and an English language certificate. Applications normally close at the end of August but may shut earlier if all places are filled.
Because the course page does not publish a country-specific equivalency table for Chinese bachelor’s degrees, the precise grade or GPA that Cardiff treats as equivalent to a UK 2:2 for this MA is not stated on the supplied official pages. The University provides a general international equivalency guide, but its application to this programme must be verified live. The specific 2026/27 intake date is also not given on the current page.
What the official page establishes
The course page confirms several fixed requirements. The degree entry standard is a 2:2 honours degree in any subject, or an equivalent international degree. The course is a conversion programme, so no prior journalism knowledge is needed. The English language threshold is an IELTS overall score of 6.5, with 6.0 in all sub-skills. Cardiff University accepts various English language tests and academic qualifications as equivalents. The required application documents are a degree certificate or transcripts, and an English language certificate. The application window normally closes at the end of August, but the University warns that the course may close sooner if all places are filled.
What still requires live rechecking
Several details are not resolved by the supplied official evidence. The direct equivalency of a Chinese bachelor’s degree to a UK 2:2 honours degree for this specific MA programme is not detailed on the course page. The University’s general international equivalency guide exists, but its precise mapping for Chinese qualifications in the context of this course must be checked directly with the institution. The specific intake date for the 2026/27 academic year is not stated on the current page. Applicants should verify these points on the live Cardiff University website before relying on them.
Degree requirement and equivalency
Cardiff University requires a 2:2 honours degree in any subject, or an equivalent international degree, for entry to the MA International Journalism. The course is designed as a conversion programme, meaning applicants do not need any prior journalism study or professional background. The University also states that professional experience may be considered for applicants who do not hold a degree. This alternative route is mentioned on the official page, but the page does not specify the nature, duration, or level of experience that would be deemed sufficient. For Chinese applicants, the official page does not publish a direct equivalency between Chinese bachelor’s degree classifications or GPAs and the UK 2:2 standard. Cardiff University provides a general guide to equivalent qualifications for international students, but its application to this MA must be confirmed live. For more context on how degree classifications work in international admissions, see degree classifications and international equivalency.
English language requirements
The published English language requirement is an IELTS overall score of 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each sub-skill. Cardiff University accepts a range of other English language tests and academic qualifications as equivalents. The official page does not list every accepted test or the exact score required for each, but it confirms that alternatives to IELTS exist. Applicants who hold academic qualifications taught in English may also meet the requirement, though the specific criteria are not detailed on the course page. The required application documents include an English language certificate, which must be submitted alongside the degree certificate and transcripts. For broader context on how English language requirements fit into UK study applications, see UK study application costs and requirements.
Application documents and deadlines
Cardiff University lists two core application documents for the MA International Journalism: a degree certificate or transcripts, and an English language certificate. The page does not mention a personal statement, references, or a portfolio as required items for this course. Applications normally close at the end of August, but the University warns that the course may close earlier if all places are filled. No specific 2026/27 intake date is published on the current page. The rolling closure policy means that an early application may be advisable, but the official page does not guarantee that places will remain available until the advertised deadline. For guidance on how to navigate application timelines and avoid common pitfalls, see international student academic appeals and rankings.
Conversion course structure
The MA International Journalism at Cardiff University is explicitly described as a conversion course. This means it is designed for students who have not previously studied journalism at undergraduate level. No prior journalism knowledge or professional experience is required for entry. The course structure and module content are not detailed on the entry requirements page, but the conversion designation confirms that the programme starts from foundational principles. This feature makes the course accessible to graduates from any discipline who meet the degree and English language requirements. For information on funding options that may support study on a conversion programme, see scholarship portals comparison.
FAQ
What degree classification do I need for the MA International Journalism?
Cardiff University requires a UK 2:2 honours degree in any subject, or an equivalent international degree. The course page does not publish a specific equivalency for Chinese bachelor’s degrees, so the exact GPA or grade required must be checked through the University’s general international equivalency guide or by contacting the institution directly.
Can I apply without a degree?
The University states that professional experience may be considered for applicants who do not hold a degree. The official page does not specify what type or length of experience is acceptable, so applicants relying on this route should seek confirmation from Cardiff University.
What English language tests does Cardiff accept?
The published requirement is an IELTS overall score of 6.5, with 6.0 in all sub-skills. Cardiff University accepts various other English language tests and academic qualifications as equivalents. The full list of accepted tests and their required scores is not provided on the course page and should be verified on the University’s main English language requirements page.
When is the application deadline?
Applications normally close at the end of August. However, the University warns that the course may close earlier if all places are filled. No specific 2026/27 deadline is stated on the current page.
Do I need journalism experience to apply?
No. The MA International Journalism is a conversion course, which means no prior journalism knowledge or professional experience is required.
What documents do I need to submit?
The required application documents are a degree certificate or transcripts, and an English language certificate. The official page does not list a personal statement, references, or a portfolio as required items.
Official sources
The information in this article is drawn from the Cardiff University MA International Journalism course page, which sets out the entry requirements, English language standards, application documents, and deadlines. The University also provides a general guide to equivalent qualifications for international students, referenced on the course page. All details should be verified against the live Cardiff University website, as requirements may be updated.
- Cardiff University MA International Journalism course page
- Cardiff University international equivalency guide