Certificate in Data Journalism and Ethical Use of AI in News Media

This intensive professional development programme prepares participants to work at the intersection of journalism, data analysis, AI-assisted reporting, and media ethics. Across 12 weeks, participants progressively build a complete newsroom project — from identifying a story opportunity, through data acquisition, cleaning, analysis, and visualisation, to AI-assisted drafting, ethical governance, verification, and ultimately publishing a verified, AI-governed investigative output.

Delivered by LSMM over 12 weeks, with two classes of three hours each per week (six hours of guided learning weekly), the programme combines theory, hands-on labs, and independent applied work. Each week’s output feeds directly into the next, culminating in a capstone investigation that participants present to an editorial panel in Week 12.

The 12-week structure reflects the nature of investigative journalism itself: stories are built progressively, evidence accumulates over time, and ethical judgement develops through repeated practice. A condensed format would not allow the depth of source verification, data preparation, and editorial reflection that this discipline requires.

CPD Programme (72 Hours )

Duration:
Option 1: 4 Hours x 3 Days x 6 Weeks
Option 2: 6 Hours x 3 days x 4 weeks

Apply data journalism principles

Explain the evolution of data journalism, understand how AI is transforming newsroom operations, and identify the characteristics of evidence-based reporting.

Source and verify data

Locate trustworthy datasets, assess source quality and provenance, and establish rigorous documentation practices for journalistic evidence.

Prepare and analyse data

Clean and prepare datasets for investigation, detect inconsistencies and errors, and apply analytical techniques to identify publishable stories.

Design visual and interactive stories

Apply visual hierarchy and information design principles to create accessible, engaging data visualisations and interactive journalism formats.

Use AI responsibly in editorial work

Apply generative AI tools for editorial tasks such as drafting and summarisation, while maintaining editorial control, transparency, and human oversight.

Navigate media ethics and governance

Apply ethical frameworks to AI use in journalism, draft newsroom AI policies, and design governance structures for responsible editorial operations.

Defend against misinformation

Identify deepfakes, manipulated evidence, and false narratives, and apply fact-checking and verification workflows to protect information integrity.

Conduct investigative journalism

Apply investigative methodologies including pattern recognition, timeline construction, and cross-source analysis to build and launch newsroom investigations.

Publish and engage audiences

Apply audience-centred publishing strategies, adapt content across platforms, and use engagement metrics to inform editorial decisions.

Produce a complete investigative output

Independently produce, verify, and present a complete data-driven investigation including a visual package, editorial statement, and AI disclosure.

Working journalists
Media professionals
Communications practitioners
Content producers

Application process

Submit Your Application: Submit your application online via our application form on the website
Application Review: Your application and supporting documents will be reviewed within one week of receipt
Receive Your Offer: Upon a successful assessment, you will receive an acceptance letter.
Accept the Acceptance Letter: Review the acceptance letter, sign it, and send it back to LSMM admissions.
Fee Deposit: Deposit the fee as per the payment schedule
Induction: You will be informed about the commencement of your cohort and induction date. Attend the induction session and start the programme.

For More Information

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Ofqual Regulated Qualifications

Programmes regulated by OFQUAL (The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation, Govt of UK), ensuring recognised UK standards and international credibility

Flexible Study Options

Study online, blended, or part-time with flexible schedules including weekend and evening classes designed for working professionals and adult learners.