This module builds on the fundamental reporting and writing skills learned in year one and applies them to a range of more complex journalistic tasks. Students will learn to write longer stories, including features, and structure them to hold the attention of their readers. They will learn how to critically assess and manage sources of information, including verifying information sourced online, managing data resources, and working with anonymous or vulnerable sources. Students will build their personal portfolio of impactful, original journalism through the assessments in this module. It also prepares students to take professional exams in news writing and ethics
Total Contact Hours: 88
Private Study Hours: 212
Total Study Hours: 300
BA (Hons) Journalism – compulsory module
Main assessment methods
Data journalism story – 40%
Coursework Feature (2,000 words) - 40%
Timed newswriting test (90 minutes) – 20%
Reassessment methods
Like-for-like
Baker, J (2021) Essential Journalism, Routledge
Bernstein, C and Woodward, B (2005), All The President's Men. London: Bloomsbury
Brooke, H (2006), Your Right to Know, London: Pluto
Randall, D (2021), The Universal Journalist, London: Pluto, 6th ed
Cameron, J (1967), Point of Departure. London: Panther Books
PIlger, J (2005), Tell Me No Lies. London: Vintage Books
Thompson, H S. (1967), Hell's Angels. New York, NY: Ballantine Books
Wolfe, T (1975), The New Journalism, London: Picador
See the library reading list for this module (Medway)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Continually reinforce and apply advanced reporting and writing with specific focus on the requirements of the industry and professional
training bodies
2. Understand the differences between news stories, features, opinion columns and reviews and be able to write any of these whilst applying
principles of accuracy and fairness.
3. Understand the basic principles of investigative reporting, including thorough research, following leads to a conclusion and treating
statements by vested interests with due scepticism.
4. Use a single reporting foray to supply more than one outlet, such as text, radio, TV or internet.
5. Apply media law and ethics theory in their reporting.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Gather, organise and deploy information in order to formulate arguments coherently and communicate them fluently.
2. Work to deadlines in flexible and innovative ways showing self-direction and self-discipline.
3. Consider and evaluate their work with reference to professional standards
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.
