Careers Information, Media & Verification

INFORMATION, MEDIA & VERIFICATION

Data Journalist career guide

Data Journalist uses evidence, statistics and reporting to tell accurate public-interest stories. A newsroom wants to explain changes in local bus services.

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UNDERSTAND THE WORK

What does a Data Journalist actually do?

Data Journalist uses evidence, statistics and reporting to tell accurate public-interest stories. The job is about understanding the problem before choosing tools: who needs the result, how will success be measured, and what could go wrong?

Imagine this workplace situation: A newsroom wants to explain changes in local bus services.

A good specialist does more than finish a task. They explain decisions, test their work and communicate what the evidence does—or does not—show.

Typical work and responsibilities

Find and check data sources.
Analyse and visualise findings.
Write clear reporting with context and caveats.

What makes the role different? Data Journalist primarily uses evidence, statistics and reporting to tell accurate public-interest stories. Related careers may use the same tools but solve different problems.

Skills worth developing at school

Research and statistics.
Visual storytelling.
Source verification.

Build your explanations and teamwork alongside technical knowledge. Being able to justify a choice is often as important as selecting the right software.

One misconception to avoid

A striking chart can mislead if the context or scale is wrong.

Investigate that limitation in a project: give yourself a test case, record the results and explain what you would do differently next time.

TRY THIS CAREER · 30–60 MINUTES

Your Data Journalist mini challenge

Create a headline and chart from a fictional public transport dataset, then write a fair caveat.

What should you produce?

A 200-word article with a sourced graph and limitations note.

Show your thinking: include a screenshot, table, sketch or short explanation, then record one improvement you would make after feedback.

For your portfolio: write three sentences describing the question you tackled, the evidence you gathered, and the limitation you discovered.

Routes into this career in the UK

Journalism, data, statistics and coding skills can combine in this path.

After GCSE, learners might consider sixth-form study, college, technical qualifications or appropriate apprenticeships. A-level subjects, employer requirements and entry thresholds vary: check the latest details for the specific course, employer and UK nation.

More specialised jobs may need a degree, a substantial portfolio or experience in a related role. This page explains possibilities, not a guaranteed path.

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Use official guidance to verify training opportunities and compare requirements with your interests.

Some emerging job titles do not have a dedicated official occupation page. Links may describe a closely related occupational family.

Continue learning with TutorSyntax

The wider TutorSyntax book series explores how these skills are used. Fact or Fake? — planned tutorsyntax title. Find connected activities, or start with the free teaching materials.

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COMMON QUESTIONS

Questions students ask about Data Journalist roles

Do I need to know how to code for this role?

It depends on the tasks and employer. For Data Journalist, start with research and statistics, then use the challenge above to identify whether programming, data tools, design or written evidence are most useful.

Can I start preparing while studying GCSE Computer Science?

Yes. You can practise research, problem-solving and explanation now. Try this page’s mini challenge, test your work and keep a short portfolio note. You do not need to decide on a single career while at school.

Is this an entry-level job?

Journalism, data, statistics and coding skills can combine in this path. Titles and seniority vary between employers, so read real vacancy requirements rather than relying only on the name.

Related careers to explore

Information, Media & Verification

Descriptions are educational guidance, not personal career advice or a promise of particular salaries or vacancies. Last editorial review: October 2026.