Competences, Technologies and Pedagogical Challenges in Data Journalism Training: An analysis of Spanish Universities

Abstract

This study analyses undergraduate data journalism education in Spain, aiming to identify competences, tools, and pedagogical challenges. Drawing on a content analysis of 106 degree curricula from the 2025/2026 academic year and a questionnaire answered by 75% of Data Journalism lecturers in Spain ( n = 9), it reveals a quantitative expansion of the discipline, with 16 universities currently offering a dedicated module with a tool-oriented approach. The most used tools are accessible and have a low technical threshold, whereas programming, statistical software, and artificial intelligence remain incipient. Although data journalism is consolidating, its development remains introductory, constrained by structural limitations and continuous updating.