Portfolio of work (approx 2,500 words, 100% weighting)
This will include a specified number of articles which demonstrate the student's ability to produce content from a range of sources and interviews, and which demonstrates recognition of mixed media. Each article will normally follow a detailed brief provided, and will normally include a rationale, explanatory note (detailing evidence of the source, contact details), supporting documentation/evidence, and reflective evaluation. The portfolio will also contain an element of reflective evaluation.

Key Information Set:
100% Coursework

This module is designed to introduce journalism students to the basics of reporting in the current digitally-driven industry. Students will learn how to evaluate newsworthiness of content ideas, and they will be introduced to traditional and modern skills and techniques to gather information. It will provide them with knowledge to understand what makes something publishable and basic skills to carry out and use interviews. They will be taught the importance to a journalist of developing credible contacts and of accuracy and objectivity, as well as developing traditional content gathering techniques and using technology and social media effectively as a journalist, including the importance and emergence of mobile journalism. They will also learn fundamental digital skills such as effective blogging, basic html, Wordpress, SEO, Social Media, Google Analytics etc.

3 x lecture (2 hour) = 6 hours (semester 1)
Lectures will outline in basic terms the key principles of the role of a journalist, and outline the fundamental skills and knowledge required, which will be discussed and developed in more detail in following workshops.
9 x workshops (2 hours) = 18 hours (semester 1)
Practice-based workshops in which students learn through trying the basic techniques of content evaluation, gathering techniques, research etc. Workshops will cover a range of aspects, including sources and contacts; interviewing skills; content newsworthiness to particular audiences; using social media as a multi-function tool; mobile journalism; organisational skills; ethical awareness, research etc.
A minimum of 126 hours will be spent identifying and researching content ideas, interviewing and/or collating information, producing content, and developing/using professional social media channels

Key Information Set:
20% scheduled learning and teaching
80% guided independent study

Newsroom facilities – macs + relevant Adobe and other software programmes
Media store equipment
National and regional newspapers and magazines
The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available (where relevant) to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook

Websites
www.news.bbc.co.uk/news
www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk
www.ofcom.org.uk
www.nctj.com
www.newspapersoc.org.uk
www.guardian.co.uk/media

Belair-Gagnon, V (2015) Social Media at BBC News, Routledge
Bradshaw, P & Rohumaa, L (2011), The Online Journalism Handbook, Pearson
Cole, P & Harcup,T (2010) Newspaper Journalism, Sage
Fleming, Hemmingway, Moore and Welford (2006) An Introduction to Journalism, Sage
Frost, C (2011) Journalism: Ethics and Regulation, Pearson
Kelly, S (2015) The Entrepreneurial Journalist’s Toolkit, Focal Press
Lieb, T (2015) Editing for the Digital Age, Sage
McBride & Rosentiel (2013), The New Ethics of Journalism, Sage
McKane, Anna (2014) Newswriting, 2nd Edition, Sage

1. UNDERSTAND HOW TO CONDUCT A SIMPLE INTERVIEW FOR PRINT/ONLINE/BROADCAST AND ACCURATELY EDIT THAT MATERIAL FOR PUBLICATION.
[Knowledge and Understanding]

2. ASSESS WHAT MAKES SOMETHING NEWSWORTHY AND KNOW HOW TO USE THAT AWARENESS TO PRODUCE CONTENT THAT IS INTERESTING, ENTERTAINING AND INFORMATIVE.
[Problem Solving]

3. APPROPRIATELY RESPOND TO A SIMPLE BRIEF FROM A NEWS DESK.
[Application]

4. ANALYSE THE VALUE OF A STORY AND THE SOURCES AND TECHNIQUES USED TO CONVERT RAW COPY INTO CONSUMER-ADDICTIVE CONTENT.
[Analysis]

5. DEMONSTRATE THE IMPORTANCE OF INCORPORATING RELEVANT SOURCES FROM THE SELECTION AVAILABLE TO THE MODERN REPORTER.
[Learning]