Data journalism

Data is becoming central to journalism, as a foundation for developing and publishing stories and other information that exploit the advantages of the media and technologies available in an online environment.

Working effectively with data involves a sound grasp of the journalistic possibilities (which include interactive graphics and mapping). Alongside this, data journalists need to source, evaluate and prepare material for databases; appreciate how users experience interactive material; and understand the priorities of web developers and programmers.

Data journalism has its roots in longer-established areas of journalism, such as the use of freedom of information and computer assisted reporting - but opens up further scope by using the interactive technologies now available.

It also draws on the growing trends for authorities to provide open data, and for web-based services to offer access to application programming interfaces (apis). You will develop innovative ways of sourcing, reporting and presenting stories, through data-driven journalism and non-linear storytelling.

You will also learn techniques for visualising and presenting data (including databases, mapping and other interactive graphics).