Two exams weighted at 50% comprising of:
1] One two-hour examination in reporting the courts. The examination comprises short, essay-style answers based on questions derived from recent NCTJ examination practice.
2] A university exam for Public Affairs based on questions asked in the NCTJ exam.
[Learning Outcomes: 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9 & 10]

Portfolio weighted at 50% comprising:
Court and council stories, written to industry-standard (approx. 2,000 words or broadcast equivalent)
[Learning Outcomes: 2, 6, 7, 9 &10]

The content draws on topics treated in the level four modules Introduction to Media Law and NCTJ Law. Particular emphasis, however, is placed on the workings of the courts and the background knowledge a reporter needs successfully and safely to report court cases. Understanding of the restrictions placed on reports is of paramount importance (e.g. reporting youth courts, young persons in adult courts, sect. 4/11 orders under the contempt of court act, anonymity for victims of sexual offences, etc.).
Learning is underscored with a mandatory visit to a crown court with a requirement, based on the proceedings attended, to produce legally-safe copy either for print or broadcast media.

The Public Affairs theory content will be delivered primarily through lectures, seminars and workshops.
A programme of 24 x 90 minute lectures/seminars (36 hours) across both semesters will cover the key areas of how local and central government is run including discussions on the EU and devolution, this will prepare students for the NCTJ exam. Powerpoints, video, links to current affairs and in-class exercises will be used to enhance learning.
Both elements will be supported with specific revision sessions (approx 4 hours each) prior to NCTJ examination sittings. Self-directed study will include preparation for a seminar and practice at past NCTJ papers.

The practical side of reporting council affairs will be delivered via 12 x weekly workshops (1 hour) throughout semester one. Thereafter, students will carry out self-directed study in order to collate their portfolio.

One two-hour court reporting weekly lecture in semester one.
One three-hour visit to a crown court.
One-hour weekly workshops in semester one for practical council reporting.
For PA: one 90 minute lecture per week plus revision sessions (both semesters)
Reading and examination practice / revision to prepare for both the internal and external examinations.

Course book
Module notes (Blackboard)
Extra reading (Blackboard)
Specimen examination papers and revision tips (Blackboard)

Course book
Quinn, F., 2013. Law for Journalists. Pearson Longman, 4th edition.
Morrison, J, 2015. Essential Public Affairs for Journalists. Oxfod University Press, 4th edition

Other books
Dodd, M. and Hanna, M., 2012. McNae’s Essential Law for Journalists. Oxford University Press, 21st edition.
Benz, J., Mago, E. and Timmerman, J., 2014. Legal Guide to Broadcast Law and Regulation. National Association of Broadcasters, 6th edition.
Crook, T., 2010. Comparative Media Law and Ethics. Routledge.
Smartt, U., 2011. Media and Entertainment Law. Routledge.

Newspapers, periodicals, on-line
UK Press Gazette
The Guardian (investigative reporting on ethical issues)
The Daily Telegraph (coverage of national court stories)
The Sentinel (coverage of local court stories)
Staffs Live (coverage of local court stories)
The Times Law Reports (important legal cases, including libels).

Websites
www.ipso.co.uk (IPSO)
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/ (Ofcom)
http://www.crimereduction.gov.uk/hra.htm (Human Rights Act)
www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk (Reporting the press, incl. ethical and other issues)
www.cps.gov.uk (Crown Prosecution Service)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/journalism/ (BBC College of Journalists)

1. SHOW KNOWLEDGE OF THE OPERATION OF THE COURTS AND ITS RELEVANCE TO JOURNALISTIC WRITING [Knowledge and Understanding]

2. PRODUCE LEGALLY SAFE COURT REPORTS SUITABLE FOR PRINT, BROADCAST AND ON-LINE MEDIA AND BE ABLE TO APPLY THIS LEARNING TO MEET THE STANDARDS OF THE NCTJ EXAMINATION IN REPORTING THE COURTS [ Learning]

3. SEEK SOLUTIONS TO LEGAL ISSUES ARISING FROM REPORTING THE COURTS [Enquiry]

4. REFLECT ON PRACTICE AS A COURT REPORTER AND TO JUSTIFY DECISIONS YOU MAKE IN WRITING A COURT CASE IN THE WAY YOU DO [Reflection]

5. ANALYSE DEVELOPMENTS IN MEDIA LAW AND TO APPLY THIS TO CHANGING PRACTICE [Analysis]

6. PRODUCE A COURT REPORT IN A STYLE APPROPRIATE FOR PRINT OR BROADCAST MEDIA AND AS WELL AS FOR THE EXTERNAL, INDUSTRY-STANDARD NCTJ EXAMINATION IN REPORTING THE COURTS [Communication]

7. ADDRESS LEGAL PROBLEMS ARISING FROM COURT REPORTING AND TO KNOW WHERE TO TURN TO SEEK FURTHER GUIDANCE OR INSTRUCTION [Problem Solving]

8. UNDERSTAND THE FUNCTIONS AND OPERATION OF MODERN CENTRAL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT [Knowledge and Understanding

9. DEVELOP AN INSIGHT INTO A NUMBER OF KEY ISSUES THAT CENTRAL GOVERNMENT MUST DEAL WITH AT LOCAL AND NATIONAL LEVELS [Enquiry]

10. ANALYSE IN WRITING ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH GOVERNMENT IN RELATION TO KEY PERSPECTIVES [Analysis]