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London Metropolitan University

Can you use this in your coursework?: Online and print news

Can you use this in your coursework?

Why use newspaper articles?

Newspapers

Newspaper articles are not considered an academic resource. Their usefulness lies in the fact that they provide a first hand account of events as they unfold on a day-to-day basis. Depending on the quality of the newspaper some will offer editorial comment on a particular event over a few weeks.  

Newspapers whether in paper or electronic format are useful for current information and keeping up to date with daily local and international events. There are a variety of newspaper titles of varying content quality in publication in the UK.

Types of Newspapers

Newspapers are divided into quality newspapers (Broadsheets) such as "The Times", "The Independent", "The Financial Times" and "The Telegraph".  They provide coverage and analysis on national and international news.  Articles are longer than those in the "popular press" publications and provide editorial comment.  Other newspaper types in publication are known as "Tabloids" or defined as "popular press".  The well known UK tabloids are "The Daily Mail", "The Sun" and " The Mirror".

Stack of newspapers.Newspapers by 2HAPPY on Stockvault with a CC0 1.0 Universal License

Use in assignments where applicable to:

  • Show that you are keeping up to date with developments and news in your chosen area.

  • Use relevant news articles to pinpoint or highlight new developments and issues.

  • Demonstrate that you are aware that there are always changes and new developments and how they impact on the future.

  • Show that you have current knowledge of the area.

News paper with image of the Earth and the heading News.

News Cropped on Wikimedia Commons with a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Applying for a job?

  • Employers will want to see that you have an understanding of any impacts on an organisation's mission or performance.

  • Show that you are aware of any current political or economic issues that may affect its work.

  • The fact that you can display that you have some current knowledge of the area will enhance your credibility as well as showing your interest.

  • It will also help you reflect, think and ask informed and relevant questions at interviews.