Program Overview
Understanding Journalism Ethics
Online course description
This open online course has been designed to introduce you to some of the important debates on journalism, its standards and its roles in society today. It is intended as an educational resource that covers a range of key topics within journalism, including its evolution and history, the philosophies and principles underpinning journalism and some of the key controversies that have added to journalism’s colourful history and legacy.
The course is intended for those who would like to know more about the role that journalism plays in society and how this developed over the years. As a learner on the course, you will interrogate some of the important foundational principles and practices of journalism as well as reflect on some challenging debates surrounding the work of journalists and those who work in the news.
The course stems from, and responds to recent research which signals the need for greater awareness of journalism’s ethical and normative parameters and a necessity of enhanced media literacy more generally. Though you will not learn how to become a journalist by doing this course alone, you will learn more about how and why journalists undertake the work that they do and gain useful critical media literacy skills in the process.
The course also draws insight from a range of perspectives of stakeholders within and around the industry, including the Ethical Journalism Network, the National Union of Journalists, the press regulators IPSO and IMPRESS, advocacy groups such as Migrant Voice, Trans Media Watch and reform organisations such as the Media Reform Coalition and of course you will get insight from journalists and journalism scholars themselves.
Who is this course for?
- The news media in the UK
- Journalists’ approach to news gathering and story telling
- Ethical standards and the regulation of journalism in the UK
- The history and development of journalism in the UK
- The variations of journalism as a broad topic area
- Journalism as a precursor to undertaking further study in the subject
Structure, certificates and assessment
Throughout the learning process you will be awarded a Digital Open Badge for completing each unit. These are internationally recognised by many employers and educational institutions and will allow you to display your study achievements, even if you only wish to complete a specific unit.
Upon finishing the course, you will be issued an E-Certificate featuring all earned badges and stating that you have completed the full course, so that you can add it to your CV or education portfolio.
An accredited provider of the CPD Standards Office
We are proud to be an accredited provider of the CPD Standards Office for our online short courses and free courses, demonstrating that they conform to CPD best practice and are appropriate for inclusion in a formal CPD record.
Course units
The course is made up of 3 units, each will require approximately 4 hours of study.
Unit 1 - Journalism and its Promise
This unit introduces you to some of the basic principles and concepts of journalism, as well as some of its history and development. Here, you will learn something about why journalism developed in the way that it did and the ideas that have underpinned it throughout its development.
Unit 2 – Broken Promises?
This unit examines where journalism might have failed to adhere to its core principles and objectives and highlights some of the key controversies within journalism that have occasionally cast a shadow over its performance. You will have an opportunity to examine the debate about press standards and look at some of the key controversies that has fed this debate. In addition, you will learn about press regulation and the importance of accuracy, as well as some of the threats that journalism and journalists face in the course of their work.
Unit 3 – How can journalism be improved?
This unit examines how we might improve journalism and address some of the challenges and obstacles that have, at times, hindered journalism’s obligation to fully serve the public. The unit draws on recent research into journalism ethics but also points to possible solutions to some of the current problems of journalism and public trust.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Explain what journalists do and why
- Critically reflect on the role that news media plays in our lives
- Engage with contemporary debates about press ethics and press freedom
- Consider the role that journalistic standards and ethics have on news
Course requirements
How to enrol
All of our free courses are delivered through an easy-to-use online learning platform, which you can enrol from directly.
What you will need
The course is free and widely available for anyone to take part in regardless of age, location or education status. You will need to agree to the terms and conditions before you start the course which will be available when you enrol.
However, there are some basic requirements. You will need access to the internet whether it is on your PC, tablet, mobile or other electronic devices, as well as a valid email address to register with our online learning environment in order to take part in the course.
Once registered, please be aware that all study for this course is online and so you will need to be able to engage with this via a personal device, preferably a computer or laptop, for the stated duration of the course.
The learning platform is compatible with screen reader technology to assist those with visual impairments.
Who will teach you
Professor John Steel
Programme leader
John is Research Professor in Journalism and his role is to support research activities across the School and wider university. He has interests in a variety of research areas including journalism ethics and regulation, political communication, media history and journalism education.
View full staff profile
Course policies
- Learner charter
- Terms and conditions
Program Outline
Outline:
The course is made up of 3 units, each will require approximately 4 hours of study.
- Unit 1 - Journalism and its Promise
- This unit introduces you to some of the basic principles and concepts of journalism, as well as some of its history and development.
- You will learn something about why journalism developed in the way that it did and the ideas that have underpinned it throughout its development.
- In addition, you will learn about press regulation and the importance of accuracy, as well as some of the threats that journalism and journalists face in the course of their work.
- The unit draws on recent research into journalism ethics but also points to possible solutions to some of the current problems of journalism and public trust.
Assessment:
Throughout the learning process you will be awarded a Digital Open Badge for completing each unit. These are internationally recognised by many employers and educational institutions and will allow you to display your study achievements, even if you only wish to complete a specific unit. Upon finishing the course, you will be issued an E-Certificate featuring all earned badges and stating that you have completed the full course, so that you can add it to your CV or education portfolio.
Teaching:
The course is delivered through an easy-to-use online learning platform. Professor John Steel, Research Professor in Journalism, is the program leader.
Other:
The course stems from, and responds to recent research which signals the need for greater awareness of journalism’s ethical and normative parameters and a necessity of enhanced media literacy more generally. Though you will not learn how to become a journalist by doing this course alone, you will learn more about how and why journalists undertake the work that they do and gain useful critical media literacy skills in the process. The course also draws insight from a range of perspectives of stakeholders within and around the industry, including the Ethical Journalism Network, the National Union of Journalists, the press regulators IPSO and IMPRESS, advocacy groups such as Migrant Voice, Trans Media Watch and reform organisations such as the Media Reform Coalition and of course you will get insight from journalists and journalism scholars themselves. The course is suitable for anyone who is interested in finding more about:
- The news media in the UK
- Journalists’ approach to news gathering and story telling
- Ethical standards and the regulation of journalism in the UK
- The history and development of journalism in the UK
- The variations of journalism as a broad topic area
- Journalism as a precursor to undertaking further study in the subject
University of Derby Summary
Overview:
The University of Derby is a public university located in Derby, England. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as short courses and research degrees. The university is known for its commitment to teaching excellence and its focus on applied research.
Services Offered:
The University of Derby provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
Student support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and study skills workshops.Campus and Facilities:
Modern facilities, including libraries, computer labs, and sports facilities.Fees and Finance:
Information on tuition fees, scholarships, and financial aid options.International Students:
Dedicated support for international students, including visa guidance and cultural integration programs.Employability:
Career development services, including job search assistance, internship opportunities, and employer networking events.Student Life and Campus Experience:
The University of Derby offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience, with a range of opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities, including:
Accommodation:
On-campus and off-campus housing options for students.Clubs and Societies:
A wide variety of clubs and societies catering to diverse interests.Sport at Derby:
Opportunities to participate in a range of sports, both competitive and recreational.Union of Students:
A student-led organization that represents student interests and provides support services.Key Reasons to Study There:
Teaching Excellence:
The university has been awarded Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), recognizing its commitment to high-quality teaching and learning.Applied Research:
The university is known for its applied research, which has a real-world impact on society and industry.Student Satisfaction:
The university consistently ranks highly in student satisfaction surveys.Vibrant Campus Life:
The university offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience, with a range of opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities.Strong Employability:
The university has a strong track record of helping students find employment after graduation.Academic Programs:
The University of Derby offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
BA, BSc, FdA, FdSc degrees in various disciplines.Postgraduate Programs:
MA, MSc, PhD degrees in various disciplines.Short Courses:
A range of short courses for professional development and personal enrichment.Other:
The university is committed to its civic mission and plays an active role in the local community. It has a strong focus on sustainability and social responsibility.
