Ian Tapster

Mr Ian Tapster is a Principal Lecturer and Course Leader for BA (Hons) Journalism, BA (Hons) Journalism with Media Studies, and BA (Hons) Journalism with Creative Writing at the University of Portsmouth, within the Faculty of Creative & Cultural Industries and the School of Film, Media and Creative Technologies. He has been a full-time academic since 2008, bringing extensive industry experience from journalism and financial reporting.

His teaching focuses on politics, ethics, current affairs, and financial journalism, informed by a career that includes roles at the British Museum, the Financial Times, and as a founder of a financial analysis company. The journalism program he leads is twice awarded the best Journalism course by the NCTJ, emphasizing practical, industry-standard training in a simulated newsroom environment.

He has served on the Faculty Ethics Committee and delivers ethics modules to both undergraduate journalism and MSc Aquatic Biology students. His work bridges academic rigor with real-world journalistic practice.

Scientific Awards:

• Recognition as Course Leader of the NCTJ's best Journalism course (awarded twice)
• Institutional or teaching-related prize (one of two noted in profile)

Mr Tapster supervises no formally listed students, and no research publications are recorded. He remains an active educator and community figure, also serving as Chair of Trustees for a local amateur dramatic group.