JOU7015 - Public Affairs

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the structures and processes of local government in the United Kingdom.
Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the structures and processes of central government in the United Kingdom.
Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the structures and processes of main public bodies in the UK and mechanisms for journalists to hold them to account

Content:

Content for this module follows the NCTJ Diploma syllabus for Essential Public Affairs.

Public Affairs examines the structure, finance operation and responsibilities of local and central government, as well as the history of European government and looks at constitution in the UK, the monarchy, issues of devolution and the electoral system. It also looks at the workings of key frontline services, including the NHS, education, social services, planning and environmental bodies, highways, transport and the emergency services. This module includes a visit to observe a council meeting.

Learning and Teaching Information:

This module is taught via a series of interactive lectures. These comprise theoretical lectures alongside an emphasis on key case studies and debate around public affairs-related issues.

The module offers mock examination opportunities, alongside formative exercises, scrutinising key public affairs scenarios.

It culminates in a collective visit to a Council meeting where students can gain first-hand experience of how to source stories and collate and develop news content from such events.

Interactive Lectures
Hours: 25
Intended Group Size: Cohort + BAs

Council visit
Hours: 5
Intended Group Size: Cohort

Guided independent study
Hours: 120

Further details relating to assessment
Theexamis setand administered by the NCTJat first sit.Students are offered an internal exam at resit. The format of the resit exam will be open book using Morrisons reference text which students may bring to the exam.

Students undertake a mock exam and formative exercises in class.

Please see Module Handbook for full details.

Module must be passed for PSRB reasons.

Assessment:

001 NCTJ Public Affairs exam; 1 hour 45 mins; end of semester 1 100%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Leigh Purves
Level - 7
Credit Value - 15
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 7PGS1

Click here to go back to previous page