About Automotive Journalism MA in Coventry University

If you have a passion for cars and communication, this course can help you turn that passion into a career. Most of our graduates find jobs in automotive media, for example at Autocar, EVO, Top Gear, Car Throttle, Pistonheads and What Car? Others manage PR for automotive companies such as Mercedes-Benz, Tesla and Continental.

Endorsed by the Guild of Motoring Writers, the course capitalises on our strong industry links: motoring publishers like Haymarket, Dennis and Bauer; motoring journalist groups like the Guild and the Midland Group of Motoring Writers; and successful local car producers such as Jaguar Land Rover and Aston Martin. It was developed and is delivered in partnership with experts from the automotive publishing industry. 

The course combines journalism theory, practical skills and study of motoring and the automotive industry. You will be taught by Andrew Noakes, an award-winning motoring journalist, author and editor, alongside a team of specialist tutors each of whom has considerable practical journalism experience. As well as web, audio and video content, you will get the chance to write and design your own magazine, Automotive, which is published online and in print form.

Why Coventry University?

An award-winning university, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible experience. We continue to invest in both our facilities and our innovative approach to education. Our students benefit from industry-relevant teaching, and resources and support designed to help them succeed. These range from our modern library and computing facilities to dedicated careers advice and our impressive Students’ Union activities.

Course information

From the outset, this course aims to immerse you in the world of automotive journalism and equip you with the skills needed to become an automotive journalist.

Our students have found themselves invited on a press launch to write about new cars, reporting from press day of the Geneva motor show for a unique live blog or writing articles on motoring issues and motorsport for our in-house Automotive magazine and website.

Automotive manufacturing, a $1trillion global business employing more than 50 million people, is experiencing far-reaching change. Issues over environmental sustainability and climate change, changes in vehicle use and ownership models and trends towards electric and autonomous vehicles are all discussed during the course. Journalism is also experiencing a revolution with the emergence of digital platforms and the gradual decline of print readerships. As a result it is a fascinating time to be involved in automotive media.

We aim to provide you with the essential knowledge and practical skills required for a successful automotive journalism career. You will get used to working with multiple forms of media – generating traditional print, audio and video content, all the while embracing new technologies and creating parallel digital content, including social media, blogs and web-based content.

You will learn the key techniques required in automotive media. These include how to work with press offices to obtain vehicles for testing, and then how to evaluate and describe vehicles for specific audiences. We also consider other forms of automotive journalism including news writing, interviewing, motorsport reporting and writing about classic vehicles and automotive history.

Scholarships

For information on our scholarships, please see Fees & Funding

Career prospects

This course is designed to prepare you for specialist positions as a reporter for consumer and business-to-business automotive websites, or as a writer for automotive marketing and public relations.

The course aims to give you the skills and knowledge needed for success in these roles, and makes you stand out among a large number of applicants for these jobs.

As Autocar’s Steve Cropley puts it: “How badly do you want to get into automotive journalism? If your answer is “very”, one route stands out: joining Coventry University’s one-year master’s degree course. It’s the world’s first and only such avenue dedicated solely to automotive journalism… more than 60% of our graduates have found jobs and those are far better odds than you’ll find using other routes.” 

The depth of your general journalism knowledge also opens up a far broader range of positions in media outlets, broadcasting organisations, newspapers and publications, as well as opportunities in emerging digital media.

Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career and giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The University's Careers and Employability team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.

Where our graduates work

Graduates have secured jobs with Autocar, Autocar China, Autocar India, Top Gear, Pistonheads, CAR Magazine, EVO, Car Throttle, Auto Express, Road and Track, Motorsport News, Auto Trader, What Car?, cardesignnews.com and many other automotive media.

Others have gone into automotive PR with Mercedes-Benz, Tesla and Continental, while other graduates have entered the motor industry in marketing roles with Audi and Jaguar Land Rover.

English as a Foreign Language This course requires IELTS of 7.0 overall (or evidence of equivalent English language skills). Pre-sessional English is available if required.

Our International Student Hub offers information on entry requirements for your country, as well as contact details for agents and representatives should you need more advice.

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