Syria, the EU debt crisis, banks in turmoil, the Diamond Jubilee – news is everywhere.

In the modern 24/7 world we are never far away from what’s going on.

At the touch of a button – or a screen – we can find out what’s happening in the four corners of the globe.

But can we be sure our news is trustworthy? Do we really know those pictures we see on our TV screens are people shooting at who the reporter says they are shooting at? Is the Leveson Inquiry really about media ethics or the latest instalment in a power struggle between the media and our politicians?

A new course at University Campus Suffolk (UCS) is set to challenge students to look closely at the world of journalism.

The MA Journalism course – the first of its kind in the region – has been launched at the Ipswich-based university.

Supported by Archant Suffolk – the parent company of the Ipswich Star and our sister paper the East Anglian Daily Times – the MA Journalism course is already open for enrolment and will welcome its first students in September.

Chrissie Harrington, head of school of arts and humanities at UCS, said the post graduate course will focus on the theory and practice of journalism in the modern age.

She said: “The course looks at issues of trust, for example how can we trust our news in the light of contemporary digital technologies.

“We are very excited by the new course, it is a real breakthrough for UCS and there is lots of potential for anybody doing this course.”

Supported by Archant Suffolk, Ipswich Town Football Club as well as the BBC and ITV, the course will be taught either full or part time.

Chrissie said: “The course also encourages research and investigation and we are expecting that people will come to this course with a wide range of skills and experience.”

Professor David Gill, head of the division of humanities, said: “In the post-Leveson world people will need to be able to trust what they read and know that the stories they read have been gathered in an ethical and responsible way.

“The MA in journalism is a practically-orientated programme aimed at equipping students with all the skills necessary to start amd develop a career in journalism.”

Students will be able to use the university’s studio, recording and editing suite facilities during their studies.

Ipswich Star editor Nigel Pickover said the newspaper will welcome and support students keen to find out more about the profession.

He said: “Journalism is the best and most exciting career in the world and we are delighted to be supporting this new course.

“We look forward to working closely with our colleagues at UCS as we nurture and train the next generation of journalists.”

n For more information about the course visit www.ucs.ac.uk