LT237-6-AU-CO:
Advanced Media Law and Ethics
2023/24
Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Undergraduate: Level 6
Future
Thursday 05 October 2023
Friday 15 December 2023
15
26 September 2023
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
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In this module, students complete their studies (begun in Year 1) of the principal areas of the law relating to journalism and prepare for three separate NCTJ examinations in: Essential Media Law and Regulation (EMLR), Court Reporting (MLCR) and Broadcast Regulation (BReg). Students also expand their exploration of the wider constraints affecting journalism, voluntary and otherwise, including the Ofcom Broadcasting Code, the Editors’ Code of Practice, and other expressions of responsible, ethical practice.
This module aims to build upon and expand the knowledge acquired by students in their previous year of study of Media Law to the point at which they are able to successfully sit the three abovementioned industry-accredited examinations. This advanced-level course is designed to provide students with a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the legal and ethical complexities surrounding editorial decision-making and the media industry more broadly.
By the end of the module, students will be expected to:
- be able to demonstrate an advanced understanding of the English legal system and the interconnections between legal disciplines affecting the work of journalists; be able to demonstrate a robust understanding of the English legal system and the operational dynamics of court proceedings;
- be well-prepared to sit the relevant industry-accredited examinations, showcasing effective communication and application of media law concepts and in-depth awareness of the ethical considerations within the journalistic profession;
- be able to show critical thinking and advanced analytical skills by applying legal reasoning to complex media-law related scenarios;
- have furthered their practical experience through continued court/ inquest visits, after which they will have compiled comprehensive court reports (either independently or as part of a work experience programme), showing a high level of professionalism and an advanced understanding of journalistic ethics.
The subjects covered include the English legal system; contempt of court; anonymity and reporting restrictions (e.g., on grounds of ethics, age, sexual offences or jigsaw identification etc); defamation; copyright; confidentiality; disclosure of journalist sources; privacy; taking photographs or filming in public places; status, responsibilities, powers of media regulatory bodies, including journalism/ publisher codes of practice and the Ofcom broadcasting code.
The module is taught through lectures (which provide students with an overview of the subject and place the course material in context) and seminars (which extend learners’ knowledge of the topics covered in lectures through in-depth discussion of key issues and current debates). Seminars also provide participants with the opportunity to practice essential academic and professional skills, e.g., arguing logically, problem-solving etc.
The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's
reading list.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
No
No
No
No external examiner information available for this module.
Available via Moodle
No lecture recording information available for this module.
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The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications and module directory.
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