FOI for Student Journalists (UK)

Case studies

Explore real FOI investigations by student journalists, step by step.

A close-up, photographic shot of a manila folder stamped “FOI RESPONSE” in crisp, dark ink, resting on a textured grey office desk. The folder is slightly open, revealing neatly clipped typed pages with visible but unreadable black text and a bold heading referencing a UK public authority. A classic black fountain pen lies diagonally across the folder, its metal nib catching the light. Cool, overcast natural light from a nearby window creates soft, realistic highlights on the pen and gentle shadows along the folder’s edges. The composition follows the rule of thirds, with a shallow depth of field softly blurring a background of stacked ring binders and a computer keyboard, evoking a professional, investigative atmosphere suitable for serious student journalism.
A wide, photographic interior of a modern university newsroom without people, featuring rows of sleek white desks each with dual monitors showing blurred article drafts, and corkboards on the walls covered in pinned printouts labelled “FOI data,” “case studies,” and “deadlines.” In the foreground, a large wall-mounted calendar is filled with colour-coded entries such as “submit FOI,” “review response,” and “appeal deadline.” Neutral overhead office lighting creates even illumination, while faint daylight from high windows adds soft, natural highlights. The mood is industrious and analytical, with clear lines and a clean, contemporary aesthetic. Captured at eye level with deep focus, the composition leads the eye from the calendar into the depth of the busy yet ordered space, reinforcing organised, methodical FOI work.

FOI case studies in action

See how real student journalists have used FOI to uncover stories on campus and beyond. Each case study walks through the request, response and published piece, then links you back to FOI Requests so you can try it yourself.

FOI Requests
A close-up, photographic shot of a manila folder stamped “FOI RESPONSE” in crisp, dark ink, resting on a textured grey office desk. The folder is slightly open, revealing neatly clipped typed pages with visible but unreadable black text and a bold heading referencing a UK public authority. A classic black fountain pen lies diagonally across the folder, its metal nib catching the light. Cool, overcast natural light from a nearby window creates soft, realistic highlights on the pen and gentle shadows along the folder’s edges. The composition follows the rule of thirds, with a shallow depth of field softly blurring a background of stacked ring binders and a computer keyboard, evoking a professional, investigative atmosphere suitable for serious student journalism.

Stories