Media and film studies

Law, Regulation and Governance B

Module code: P5062
Level 5
15 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Lecture, Seminar
Assessment modes: Computer based exam, Coursework

This module is in three parts.

In the first part, Governance, you learn about:

• British politics and how the UK is governed at national, local and international levels
• how laws are made and how the UK election system functions
• current political developments.

The second part, Regulation, covers the systems, based around codes of conduct, that regulate journalists.

The third section is Media Law. This knowledge is vital for journalists. It covers the legal constraints on what journalists may or may not publish or broadcast, e.g. defamation, court reporting restrictions and privacy.

Module learning outcomes

• Identify the main legal restrictions on media coverage and their potential impact.
• Describe the operation of industry regulators and evaluate their role in shaping media coverage.
• Develop a critical understanding of the structure, roles and processes of of governance and public administration within the UK, including the role of the devolved governments, the European Union and other international bodies.
• Display an understanding of the key national and international political issues and trends.
• Develop an understanding of the role of journalist in reporting national and international politics.