8 Best Free Journalism Courses (October 2024)

By oshodi marvellous
17 Min Read
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In today’s information age, journalism remains a cornerstone of our society, providing us with vital insights, uncovering truths, and shaping public discourse.

Whether you’re a budding journalist seeking to embark on a career in reporting or an individual simply interested in honing your storytelling skills, the world of free journalism courses offers a treasure trove of opportunities to explore and expand your knowledge.

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In this era of digital media, where information is at our fingertips, we’ve compiled a curated list of the best free journalism courses that will empower you to navigate the dynamic landscape of news reporting, storytelling, and media ethics.

These courses not only provide a window into the world of journalism but also equip you with the tools needed to navigate this ever-evolving field. Join us on this educational journey as we discover the best resources available to foster your journalistic ambitions.

Best Free Journalism Courses

When it comes to sharpening your journalistic skills without breaking the bank, the world of free journalism courses offers a wealth of opportunities.

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Whether you aspire to become a professional journalist or simply want to enhance your storytelling abilities, these courses are a valuable resource.

From learning the fundamentals of news reporting to exploring the ethical considerations of modern journalism, these free courses provide an accessible pathway for anyone interested in the world of media and reporting.

So, embark on this educational journey and discover the best free journalism courses to help you thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of journalism.

List of Best Free Journalism Courses

  • Top Journalism Courses from Udemy
  • University Journalism Degrees & Certificates Online from Coursera
  • University Journalism Courses from edX
  • Bob Woodward Teaches Investigative Journalism from Masterclass
  • Diploma in Journalism from Alison
  • Distance Learning Courses from The London School of Journalism
  • Introduction to Journalism (FutureLearn) from Archived
  • Journalism Certificate from UCLA Extension

Best Free Journalism Courses

The following are a few of the free journalism courses that we discovered to be of the greatest quality.It is suitable for anyone who has an interest in this subject area.

1. Top Journalism Courses (Udemy)

This platform will accommodate you in every way possible if you are interested in launching a career in this area and honing your existing talents at the same time.

In this section, you will be given the opportunity to understand the fundamental strategies, principles, and tactics. The books “Dan Rather on Journalism and Finding the Truth in the News,” “How to Become a Journalist,” “Pro-iPhone Video Editing Course,” “How to Write a Great Copy for Online Media,” and “Professional Techniques” are just few of the titles that have become quite popular.

Begin your trip by selecting the lesson you want to learn by using the various filters this website provides. You will be well on your way to finding solutions to difficulties and taking on more difficult lessons if you participate in hands-on exercises and receive advice from specialists.

Highlights

  • The classes cover each concept with demonstrations and examples as well as with an emphasis on the key factors.
  • The hands-on lessons allow you to improve your writing and communication skills.
  • Incorporate the expert advice and best practices and incorporate them into your learning.
  • The assessments and assignments come in handy for brushing up your concepts and measuring your grasp on the topics covered.
  • Lectures + Downloadable Resources + Full Lifetime Access
  • The study material and videos can be accessed for a nominal fee.

Duration of Course: This course is designed to be completed at the student’s own pace.

Overall Rating by Students: 4.5 out of 5

2. University Journalism Degrees & Certificates Online (Coursera)

Coursera provides you with over 35 different possibilities, ensuring that you will be able to improve your skills in the field of journalism regardless of your current level of expertise.

The programmes are broken up into three distinct categories according to their respective levels of difficulty: beginner, intermediate, and advanced.

You won’t just be able to finish off your required homework with these classes; you’ll also be able to put what you’ve learned into practise in real-life situations.

Report the news is one of the most popular options available on the internet. Other popular categories include skills for active citizens, transmedia storytelling: narrative worlds, emerging technologies, and global audiences, and journalism, the future, and you.

Highlights

  • Get acquainted with the necessary general jargon as well as practical ones.
  • The introductory lessons provide an overview of the content of the lectures and show how to make the most the experience.
  • Lots of exercises for understanding the problems from implementing in different situations to cover issues of different levels of complexity.
  • The flexible deadline allows you to learn at your convenience.
  • Complete all the exams and graded assessments that follow the lessons to earn the course completion certificate.

Duration of Course: This course is designed to be completed at the student’s own pace.

Overall Rating by Students: 4.6 out of 5

3. University Journalism Courses (edX)

This e-learning platform offers a selection of online courses provided by prestigious academic institutions worldwide. Acquire knowledge pertaining to investigative journalism and its consequential influence on societal transformation.

The courses will additionally facilitate the initiation of one’s professional journey and the establishment of a robust knowledge base.

Several notable options are English for journalists, the narrative surrounding misinformation, comprehending news content, and global investigative journalism.

Highlights 

  • Explore traditional and non-traditional methods such as gonzo and citizen journalism in this line of work.
  • The platform consists of individual courses, micromasters program and more.
  • Work on the quizzes and assignments to assess your grasp on the topics covered.
  • The interactive lessons make learning a fun experience.
  • The study materials, videos, and exercises are available for free and the certification can be added for an additional fee.

Duration of Course: This course is designed to be completed at the student’s own pace.

Overall Rating by Students: 4.6 out of 5

4.Bob Woodward Teaches Investigative Journalism (Masterclass)

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the field of journalism and its various dimensions by examining case studies and engaging in interviews facilitated by the esteemed Bob Woodward.

Within the span of 24 lessons, Bob will explicate the intricacies of his individual encounters as a journalist, elucidating his methods of procuring material, corroborating facts, and sourcing reliable outlets to construct a robust narrative.

This course aims to provide instruction on interview preparation and execution based on factual principles. By acquiring skills in the art of crafting and refining narratives, individuals can gain proficiency in the process of publishing their work and derive valuable insights from any errors encountered along the way.

Highlights 

  • Various techniques to gather facts and information for a story
  • Get sources for story development and documentation and building a relationship with sources
  • Learn from Bob’s interviews and the tactics of reporting to get a story
  • Understand how Bob went about his groundbreaking case – Watergate scandal
  • Develop your techniques for getting a storyline and investigating on it

Duration of Course: This course is designed to be completed at the student’s own pace.

Overall Rating by Students: 4.5 out of 5

5. Diploma in Journalism (Alison)

If one seeks to acquire knowledge about the process of becoming a journalist, gaining an understanding of a journalist’s daily routine and discerning the criteria for a story to be considered newsworthy, this is an appropriate source of information. This programme addresses these inquiries in addition to others.

This instructional resource provides guidance on the ethical obligations and societal obligations that journalists must uphold, as well as the appropriate methods for incorporating factual information and viewpoints into high-quality articles.

Additionally, it offers strategies for mitigating conflicts of interest in journalistic practise. Upon completion of the courses, you will own a distinct advantage over your competitors.

Highlights 

  • Learn about the types of journalists along with their roles and responsibilities in the newsroom.
  • Discuss the main criteria for a news story and manage the workflows.
  • Go through the digital challenges and describe digital security principles.
  • Cover the history of newspapers and the development of magazines.
  • The program is available for free.
  • Learn to write editorials and feature news stories using idea generations, objectivity, angles, key points, and structures.
  • Assessments + Certification + Lectures

Duration of Course: 10 to 15 hours

Overall Rating by Students: 4.4 out of 5

6. Distance Learning Courses (The London School of Journalism)

The journalism programme at this educational institution offers a diverse range of writing subjects, encompassing areas such as thriller writing, English for business, freelance feature writing, travel and sports journalism, internet journalism, news journalism, and media law.

This platform offers a range of programmes designed to enhance the skills and abilities of individuals aspiring to pursue a career in journalism. Additionally, it provides opportunities for individuals to develop their writing and communication skills across several media formats.

Highlights

  • Learn to handle different formats of communication and deliver as per demand by understanding what matters to your readers.
  • The certifications incorporate reading, writing and revision assignments along with the lectures.
  • Understand the techniques and check your grasp on them in the accompanying quizzes and class projects.
  • Get advice on the length of your writing content based on the occasion and requirement.
  • Write an eye-catching headline and content that resonates with your target audience and aligns with the classic frameworks.

Duration of Course: This course is designed to be completed at the student’s own pace.

Overall Rating by Students: 4.4 out of 5

7. Introduction to Journalism (FutureLearn) (Archived)

This certification programme offers an opportunity to acquire knowledge on fundamental ideas and ongoing discussions within the field of journalism. Participants will also get the chance to simulate the position of a journalist within the framework of a developing news story.

This resource is primarily targeted towards persons who possess an interest in acquiring a more comprehensive comprehension of the subject matter and the associated tasks performed within it.

In addition to imparting essential concepts, the lectures also provide an insider’s perspective on the professional realm of journalists and editors.

This programme effectively incorporates a diverse range of learning activities that serve to introduce key concepts, challenge preconceived notions, foster comprehension, and refine newly acquired skills, thereby meeting or exceeding anticipated outcomes.

Highlights

  • Cover the six topics – what makes a good news story, writing news, writing features, opinion writing, politics and investigate journalism.
  • The fictitious scenario of the case study makes the learning a fun experience as it will engage the participants in tasks and discussion that reflect real-life situations in this field of work.
  • Continuous support from the instructors.
  • Several esteemed journalists from around the world will feature each week and discuss key topics in relation to their work.

Duration of Course: 6 weeks, 4 hours per week

Overall Rating by Students: 4.4 out of 5

8. Journalism Certificate (UCLA Extension)

Acquire the necessary skills necessary for achieving success in the modern multimedia industry. This programme provides individuals with the necessary knowledge that will be beneficial in their professional endeavours within this field.

In addition to this, participants will have the opportunity to receive instruction from highly skilled educators who possess extensive expertise in the contemporary media landscape.

This course is suitable for individuals with various backgrounds and interests, including aspiring journalists, experienced individuals seeking to enhance their skills, public relations and media professionals aiming to acquire storytelling and digital skills, as well as nonfiction writers interested in developing newswriting techniques.

Highlights

  • Hone essential research, interviewing and storytelling skills.
  • Develop writing and communication skills that appeal to your audiences across various streams of media.
  • Explore digital reporting and multimedia production.
  • Master investigative reporting techniques.
  • Learn media law and ethics fundamentals.

Duration of Course: This course is designed to be completed at the student’s own pace.

Overall Rating by Students: 4.4 out of 5

Wrapping up

The availability of the best free journalism courses has democratized the pursuit of excellence in media and reporting.

These courses not only offer a comprehensive understanding of the field but also empower individuals to voice their perspectives and contribute to the world of journalism.

As we navigate an era of information abundance and complexity, these resources serve as beacons of knowledge, fostering critical thinking, ethical reporting, and storytelling prowess.

Whether you’re an aspiring journalist, a curious individual, or simply someone seeking to stay informed, these courses provide the tools and insights needed to thrive in the ever-evolving realm of journalism.

So, seize these opportunities, embark on your educational journey, and let your passion for truth and storytelling shine through in the world of journalism.

 

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