Students from Leeds Trinity University’s MA Journalism programme are participating in a new Northern Big Story Week in collaboration with expert staff from The Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ) – a not-for-profit company who co-publish stories with major media outlets around the world.

The event, held at the University’s Main Campus in Horsforth, involves TBIJ staff leading a week-long series of talks and workshops designed to give student hands-on experience of investigative journalism including fact checking and public interest reporting techniques. The MA students will also work on live TBIJ projects and pitch their own stories throughout the week of learning from the experts.

Andrew Glover, MA Journalism Programme Leader, said: “The TBIJ pride themselves on holding power to account tackling big subjects through deep reporting that seeks to uncover the truth.

“I am thrilled this partnership has been agreed and formed and our students get privileged access to TBIJ staff as they pass on invaluable skills and techniques with a focus on community journalism.”

Rozina Breen, TBIJ’s CEO and Editor-in-Chief, said: “I'm delighted for The Bureau of Investigative Journalism to be working with Leeds Trinity University this week. Out-of-London journalism is vital for transparency and accountability at a local level and this partnership, led by Gareth Davies our Bureau Local Editor and Katie Mark our Deputy Editor, allows us to bring our deep, independent, investigative skills and specialisms to formidable and impassioned talent based in the north of England.”

Nathan Kelly, Head of School of Digital and Screen Media at Leeds Trinity, said: “This partnership with The Bureau of Investigative Journalism sees our MA Journalism programme continue to grow in profile. The course already boasts dual professional accreditation and a partnership with The Guardian. This new collaboration with TBIJ will further enhance the investigation and verification skills of our student journalists.”

The Northern Big Story Week is hoped to become an annual event in the Leeds Trinity University MA Journalism schedule. Plans for the two organisations include masterclasses and further collaborative projects, events and student opportunities.

Leeds Trinity’s MA Journalism programme provides students with all the skills needed to work across different platforms including online TV and radio. Students learn how to find and write news stories, interview and establish contacts. Hands-on camera, studio, editing and mobile journalism skills are also taught ensuring trainees are confident and competent on their industry work placements. Students also have access to the University annual flagship Journalism and Media Week where they have the opportunity to hear from and network with well-known broadcasters, journalists and industry leaders.

The University also has the rare advantage of dual accreditation by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) and the Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC). This highly regarded combination, along with the work placement and industry mentoring programmes, increases the opportunity to more doors opening to organisations including the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, The Bureau of Investigative Journalism and a whole network of local, regional and national newspapers and radio stations.

For more information about Leeds Trinity’s MA Journalism programme visit the course page on the University website.

Photo credit: Image 1, left to right: Rowan O’Connell; Phil Towers; Rozina Breen (TBIJ); Gareth Davies (TBIJ); Tanita Sims; Katie Mark (TBIJ); Xiao Xie; Jane Gregory; Mimi Ibrahim; Frankie Haresign.

Image2- Gareth Davies and Katie Mark from TBIJ