A journalism college is launching the UK’s first online teaching course for community journalism in April.

Cardiff University has announced it will offer a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) which offers practical skills and insight into the journalism sector.

The MOOC is aimed at people interested in creating their own community news service as well as those wishing to study the new media sector.

It provides an overview of both emerging theory and of practical skills, ranging from digital publishing and community building to more traditional core journalism techniques.

Professor Richard Sambrook, who is leading the course, said: “I’m delighted Cardiff University is offering this open course on community journalism – helping build and sustain new models of local news.

“Cardiff is proud to be the UK’s oldest and most experienced School of Journalism and home to the UK’s first academic centre for community media.”