Advanced Diploma in Journalism

Purpose

Qualifying learners will be competent to operate efficiently, independently and professionally in a media environment as a specialist journalist, editor or media manager producing critical social, political and economic reportage.

The qualification is part of the Postgraduate study opportunities for Journalism learners. The Postgraduate studies are planned eventually to be at Masters and Doctoral level, of which the qualification is the first step. The qualification is market-related in high demand by both print newspapers and broadcasters.

Rationale

The qualification has been well supported by both learners and industry. It provides an opportunity for learners of the Diploma in Journalism to advance and upgrade their diplomas, while employed as journalists or other media positions. The qualification is in line with local, regional and national development imperatives, as well as with continental and international imperatives. The qualification is career-oriented, with several job opportunities becoming available with this qualification, in locally, regionally and nationally. A large number of past learners of the BTech qualification hold essential positions in all media in South Africa, including the leading print newspapers and SABC. The need for qualified media personnel is increasing, along with the proliferation of new radio stations and online news outlets.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution conducts Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in terms of the policy and guidelines of the institution to recognise other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. In cases where learners do not comply with the formal admission requirements, the institution applies its RPL policy.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Diploma in Journalism, NQF Level 6.

Or

• Diploma in Public Relations, NQF Level 6.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 7, 120 Credits

• Advance Research Methodology, 30 Credits.
• Specialist Reporting, 60 Credits.
• Editorial Management, 30 Credits.

1. Operate as a professional journalist to produce in-depth media products in a specialist field, demonstrating understanding of the discourse.
2. Produce a basic research project.
3. Apply editorial management techniques.

The following associated assessment criteria apply across all Exit Level Outcomes

• Demonstrate mastery of theory, concepts and issues in a specialist media field.
• Produce complex, contextualised, critically-sources content containing informed commentary and analysis.
• Write a proposal, identifying the critical questions, scope and method of investigation for a small research study in the field of journalism.
• Review and synthesise the relevant literature and media, collecting relevant data for a small research study.
• Apply research tools effectively to produce and present a small research study in the style of an academic dissertation.
• Use management and financial theory to plan for, produce, manage, promote, position and audit a publication programme from inception to distribution.
• Use media and marketing research to strategies product development.
• Demonstrate, discuss and critique, concepts, theory and practice in a specialist field of knowledge according to accepted academic criteria.
• Synthesise critically evaluated research into media content containing valid commentary and analysis.
• Define and present a research proposal correctly.
• Criticise, discuss and present the synthesis of existing literature and media relevant to the research proposal according to academic criteria.
• Collect and interpret relevant data is in terms of critical literature.
• Produce and present clear and acceptable communication of the research problem, its investigation, outcomes and recommendations.
• Present a business plan demonstrating mastery of positioning analysis, financial acumen and marketing strategy.
• Present a workable plan for daily management of a media product/organisation.

Integrated Assessment

- Formative assessment

• Written, oral tests and examinations.
• Continuous evaluation.
• Multiple-choice tests.
• Case studies.
• Open book examinations and tests.
• Theory exams and tests.
• Formal year-end examinations (open or closed book).
• Evaluation of production laboratory practice projects.
• Interdisciplinary projects.
• Group projects.
• Individual projects.
• Presentations.
• Demonstrations.

Summative Assessment

• Controlled projects.
• Research assignments.
• Panel assessment of year work.
• Peer assessment of year work.
• Panel assessment of assignments.
• Peer assessment of year assignments.
• Panel assessment of year work.
• Lecturer assessment of year work, tests, assignments and projects research.
• Final portfolios.