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MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
News Writing
Reference CB2272 Version 4
Created February 2024 SCQF Level SCQF 8
Approved June 2018 SCQF Points 15
Amended April 2024 ECTS Points 7.5

Aims of Module
To apply theoretical news values and the language of news in news gathering and news writing for converging multimedia platforms in print, broadcast and online journalism to a professional competence.

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1 Demonstrate critical understanding of news language in a converging journalism industry.
2 Apply news values to specific media platforms.
3 Evaluate a range of source material across a range of news gathering assignments.
4 Engage with professional practice in writing news for broadcast, online and print.

Indicative Module Content
Writing is a core skill for all journalists. This module applies technical mechanics of news gathering and news writing. It provides a practice-based approach to requirements, standards and practices in interviewing, researching material, structuring and presenting news copy for multimedia platforms.Students will be engaged with UNESCO’s Education for Sustainable Development Systems Thinking, Critical Thinking, Self-awareness and Normative competencies, as they analyse complex systems, question norms, practices and opinions, reflect on their own values and perceptions, and consider conflicts of interest and contradictions in the production and consumption of news.

Module Delivery
This module will focus on practical workshops designed to develop high quality writing. The programme will be supported by weekly lectures and visiting speakers from the news industry.

Indicative Student Workload Full Time Part Time
Contact Hours 36 N/A
Non-Contact Hours 114 N/A
Placement/Work-Based Learning Experience [Notional] Hours N/A N/A
TOTAL 150 N/A
Actual Placement hours for professional, statutory or regulatory body    

ASSESSMENT PLAN
If a major/minor model is used and box is ticked, % weightings below are indicative only.
Component 1
Type: Coursework Weighting: 100% Outcomes Assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4
Description: Portfolio Assessment: A range of written, broadcast, or digital artefacts produced collaboratively and/or individually. Detailed assessment instructions will be provided in the module guide which is updated each year to reflect changing industry requirements.

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
The calculation of the overall grade for this module is based on 100% weighting of C1. An overall minimum grade of D is required to pass the module.
Module Grade Minimum Requirements to achieve Module Grade:
A The student needs to achieve an A in C1.
B The student needs to achieve a B in C1.
C The student needs to achieve a C in C1.
D The student needs to achieve a D in C1.
E The student needs to achieve an E in C1.
F The student needs to achieve an F in C1.
NS Non-submission of work by published deadline or non-attendance for examination

Module Requirements
Prerequisites for Module None.
Corequisites for module None.
Precluded Modules None.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 BRIGHTON, P. and FOY, D., 2007. News values. London: Sage
2 CRAIG, R., 2004. Online journalism: reporting, writing and editing for new media. Southbank, Victoria, Australia: Thomson Wadsworth.
3 EVANS, H. and CRAWFORD, G., 2000. Essential English for journalists, editors and writers. 2nd ed. London: Pimlico.
4 HICKS, W. et al., 2016. Writing for journalists. 3rd ed. London: Routledge.
5 KOLODZY, J., 2006. Convergence journalism: writing and reporting across the news media. Oxford: Rowman and Littlefield.
6 McKANE, A., 2013. News writing. London: Sage.
7 RANDALL, D., 2016. The universal journalist. 5th ed. London: Pluto Press. ebook

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