From the first press to pod and video casting – students gain an oversight of the development of journalism in Britain from the 15th century to the 21st. They study government’s repeated efforts to control and censor journalism and gain an understanding of the relationship between the development of democracy and the growth of the news industry.

Good, accurate reporting is at the heart of quality journalism. It is a fundamental skill without which the social purposes of free speech and publication cannot be served. Students learn where facts come from and how quotes are obtained. They learn the language of news and begin to appreciate the ingredients necessary for fair, comprehensive and balanced reporting.

An introduction to British politics describing the design and operation of Britain’s key local and national political institutions. Teaching examines the extent to which they provide for accountable and representative government and examines the crucial role played by media reporting of politics.

Students are introduced to the craft and processes of radio and television journalism and develop a critical understanding of established techniques. They begin to develop awareness of how broadcast techniques may be applied to online journalism.

Conveys a clear understanding of the working of the courts in England and Wales and enhances appreciation of the laws governing reporting. Students learn about contempt, defamation and copyright law. They learn how individuals, institutions and government use the law to obstruct the work of journalists and consider the ethical constraints on journalism. Who makes decisions about what we read, hear and watch? Who should make such decisions?

Builds on the skills taught in Reporting and Writing 1, blending instruction in the craft and intellectual substance of journalism through teaching of skills including feature writing and investigative journalism. The module includes tuition on law concerning crime reporting and court reporting.

Media power and media consumption in Britain since 1945. Students gain a critical appreciation of the changing structure of press and broadcasting power. Issues considered include: ownership and influence, where people get their news, fragmentation and the rise of citizen journalism.

Lectures supported by seminars and workshops help students to build on their skills in audio, visual and online journalism. They record interviews, discussions and debates, learn to make news and current affairs packages for broadcast and acquire skils in live broadcasting.

Through newsroom workshops and assignments students apply the multimedia skills acquired in stages 1 and 2 in a live, multimedia newsroom environment. They cover running stories under pressure, learn the relationship between reporting and sub-editing and explore the different roles of editor, reporter, commentator and producer. Responding to the local, national and international news agenda they produce newspaper and web pages, radio and television bulletins etc.

Students develop their interest in a specific area of journalism by compiling a detailed piece of work presented as an extended example of newspaper/magazine journalism or a broadcast documentary for radio or television. Both print and broadcast options must also be presented in an online format.