Media Law and Regulation (M3104)

15 credits, Level 6

Autumn teaching

On this module, you’ll explore media law and regulation, considering the development of the news media and its regulation. Through an analysis of relevant domestic and international law and regulation, you’ll look at how control and regulation of the news media has developed over time.

You’ll explore:

  • theories of free speech
  • the tension between protection of privacy, reputation and freedom of expression.

This module is interested in all types of news and social media, including:

  • broadcast
  • video-on-demand
  • print and online
  • AI-based technologies.

You’ll also look at the professional work of media lawyers and journalists. You’ll critically examine the development of media law and policy in a social, economic and political context.

Teaching

9%: Practical (Workshop)
91%: Seminar

Assessment

50%: Coursework (Test)
50%: Written assessment (Essay)

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 150 hours of work. This breaks down into about 26 hours of contact time and about 124 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2025/26. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

Courses

This module is offered on the following courses: