Module Directory

This module provides an introduction to the workings of central and local government and social and political institutions at local, national and European levels, in the context of reporting the workings of government at all levels in an informed and engaging way.

It also contributes to the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism. At the end of the module you will sit the NCTJ examination in Essential Public Affairs.

The aim of the module is:

• To give you a knowledge and understanding of how government and society work, which will in turn enable you to find, assess, analyse and tell stories about government at all levels. Many of these stories will be found in published data. Their use plus that of the UK Freedom of Information Act will be addressed. It is an important prerequisite to one of the key responsibilities of journalism, that of holding power to account.

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Have a detailed understanding of how the machinery of government works, at all levels.


2. Have a knowledge of the public services and how they operate.


3. Have an understanding of the devolved UK and the relationships between the four nations of the UK.


4. Have an understanding of the relationships between local government, central government, the European Union, and international institutions such as the UN, NATO and the IMF.


5. Have gained practical experience of the workings of local government, attending and reporting on local council meetings.


6. Have been prepared to take the NCTJ Public Affairs exam, which is a key element of the NCTJ Diploma.

General Reading:

Morrison James (2017) Essential Public Affairs for Journalists, 5th edition, Oxford: Oxford University Press

Term 1 and Term 2

Your classes during these terms will take you through the details of how democracy works in action, the processes and decision-making powers of individuals, institutions and the nations of the United Kingdom.

The classes will cover: the British constitution; the role of the monarchy; Parliament, and how laws are made; the Prime Minister, the Cabinet, the legislative programme; the role of the Treasury; the role of the Opposition; coalition government; local government structure and workings; local, national and European elections; devolution-who exercises what powers; international relations and institutions; FOI and the right to know; holding government to account; spin, and how to recognise it; the European Union. All the above will be approached from the perspective of a working journalist. 

You will begin to attend and write reports on council and other meetings, and when these are associated with work experience, your reports may appear in print.

Term 3

During the summer term you will revise for and sit the external NCTJ exam in Essential Public Affairs.

This module will be delivered via:

• Weekly 2-hour seminar plus visits to councils and other relevant trips (anticipated teaching delivery).