A high level of media literacy is essential for professionals working in the sector. Developing the ability to meaningfully assess and evaluate professional, organisational, and social consequences of journalism production is central to supporting journalists in the sustainable and ethical application of their craft. Additionally with the level of audience engagement with journalists is important to be able to articulate and justify practices in the context of increased public media literacy programmes. In this theory-based module students will engage with weightier and more complex issues that supports their critical thinking and research in their practice. The purpose of the module is to develop journalism students' ability to link the conceptual and ethical concerns in journalism with their practices and to evaluate their outputs in refence to evolving industry standards. This module equips students with the resources and develops practices they need to produce a high-quality long form journalism as well as a master's dissertation, to develop critical thinking and research skills and orientate emerging early career journalists into a highly dynamic sector. More broadly this module facilitates broader contributions to field of news media and adaptation to emerging paradigms, practice and technological change. Intellectually is introduces the process of deeper critical thinking and analysis of news production practices, encourage informed and ethical decision making and broadens students' media horizons. It enables students to engage with the broader news media sector including media management, advocacy, regulation, research, information disorder and datafication.

This module focuses on the critical issues and contemporary debates in journalism and media sector. Through the critical analysis and discussion of key concepts, texts, case studies students will develop a comprehensive appreciation for the theoretical underpinnings that shape the practices and process involved in journalism production, distribution, and reception. Students will be deeply engaged with the ethics of journalism and learn how to apply and debate ethical considerations in relation to their own and other journalist's practices. Critically students are equipped to articulate their own work processes and practices in a robust and grounded manner. Students taking this module will learn the core concepts in journalism education including agenda setting, news values, framing, gatekeeping, organisational cultures, and audience studies as well as emerging concerns such as information disorder, data driven news, artificial intelligence and the emergence of alternative media. It will explore the impact of digital journalism on cultures, societies, and democracies. Additionally, students will evaluate the concepts of the freedom of the press in a grounded manner and debate key ethical considerations such as objectivity, privacy, accuracy and fairness in representation. Practically this module is the foundation to the development of a master's level dissertation in Journalism.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Identify relevant critical concerns in the process of production across different news media. Articulate the ethical considerations and justify decisions in reference to ethical and professional codes of practice. Evaluate the impact of journalism practices and outputs on democracies, societies and across cultures. Demonstrate a high degree of media literacy as well as the capacity to enhance public media literacy and purposeful engagement. Plan and resource media research projects and prepare the theoretical component of dissertations

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Demonstrate ethical responsibility and an ability to reflect on the real-life dilemmas faced by journalists. Articulate values in journalism across different levels and across different journalism cultures. Demonstrate an understanding of journalisms role in democracy and the responsibilities, public interest, and the civic role of journalism. Demonstrate consideration of representation, diversity and inclusion in practices and product.

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This module is underpinned by a belief in the value of co-operative professional development. Participants engage in active and critically reflective discussion across disciplines. They explore the theoretical and practical principles related to journalism and journalism theory, and their application in their preparation for journalistic practice. As such, the primary focus of face-to-face sessions is structured reflective discussion and tasks around journalism theory, political theory and the history of journalism, from the perspective of journalistic practitioners. Students independent learning time is dedicated to preparing for classes as directed, completing online courses such as Digital Storytelling and Data Storytelling on LinkedIn Education, engaging in personal development to achieve working knowledge of different software platforms, such as Tableau, as well as writing practice through Poynter Writing Courses. (Graduate Attribute: Curious). Participants engage by articulating their views on journalistic ideology and ethics that have been tacit hitherto, and are encouraged to objectively critique and rationalise these ideologies (Graduate Attribute: Articulate). By exploring and discussing a diverse range of issues in journalism theory collaboratively, participants share practices, and develop their knowledge of a distinct sphere of academic research (the scholarship of Journalism) inherently connected to their journalistic theory (Graduate Attribute: Agile). Delivery of the module relies on the application of open educational practice principles (Graduate Attribute: Responsible) and is structured around a series of learning activities that are based on the principles of building pedagogical patterns and a community of inquiry approach. The in-class and online activities allow participants to actively engage in reflective practice and discussion. The module has a very practical approach, while ensuring that participants gain theoretical insights. This is an active learning environment. Students will engage with simulations to learn the application of concepts in real life situations. Students will be engaging in 'role playing' to gain insight into a range of perspectives in journalistic process such as impacted audience members, regulators and editorial; preparing debates and meditation between actors in scenarios based on recent real life events in journalism (Graduate Attribute: Responsible). Assessment involves research projects to understand the role of journalism in politics and society. The module consists of a two-hour lecture where students will be introduced to key concepts of journalism theory including the interaction of journalism with the political sphere. Through participatory activities students will have the opportunity to discuss in depth the key concepts introduced at the lecture and to generate a greater understanding of media content and wider media landscape. Students will be set tasks such as analysing media content, analysing journalistic sources and analysing language used in journalistic copy. Preparatory readings will include the contemporary research findings as well as seminal texts. In combination, these elements are a powerful means of enriching the teaching and learning environment, which has positive implications for the overall learning experience.