Diploma in Journalism Studies

Purpose

The Diploma in Journalism Studies comprises of a well-aligned combination of media studies, research, writing and editing skills, and industry-relevant laws and ethics. This qualification thus ensures that learners can enter any journalistic environment as well as allow for growth and career advancement in their chosen field. Through their studies, they will be adequately equipped to pursue a career in journalism. Learners are empowered to demonstrate focused knowledge and skills in the journalism field and possess the knowledge and the skills to apply this within a workplace context. Learners will gain an in-depth and specialisation o knowledge together with practical skills and experience in the simulated workplace context.

Successful learners will enter several career paths such as journalist, assistant, researcher, copy taster, sub-editor, writer, reporter, scriptwriter, desktop publisher and editor and to apply their learning to particular employment contexts from the outset.

Rationale

The field of journalism has become focused on the changes in society and its fundamental structures. South Africa encompasses a rich and deep history with the legacy of apartheid as well as the journey to democracy. Journalism and the role of journalists have become vital in the functioning of society in the sharing of information, based on ethical and accurate standards. Transparency and access to information are crucial to all South Africans. Journalists keep society informed and act as watchdogs of the government, other organisations and corporate society in general. Journalists provide the public with the information necessary for a functioning democracy and provide it in a manner accessible to all.

The focus of this qualification is to prepare learners with the knowledge and skills needed to enter the journalism industry, familiarise them with the industry and prepare them to follow a career in this field. This qualification will provide the required journalistic skills and knowledge that the current journalism industry requires. The specific selection of subjects in this qualification aims to prepare the learner to take up a position at the level of production assistant, researcher, copy taster, sub-editor, writer, reporter, scriptwriter, Desktop Publisher and Editor. The Department of labour listed the journalists, writers and editors as scarce skills List in 2012 and 2016.

By including subject matter related to journalism history, the culture of journalism, media law, ethics, and ethical journalistic practices, this qualification will provide learners with an understanding of the importance of factual and ethical reporting practices diverse environments. The qualification provides learners with access to higher education. Also, it provides an opportunity to enter into studies for an appropriate Advanced Diploma or a Degree, which will allow further specialisation in specific fields in this discipline.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution applies RPL to admit a cohort of learners who do not meet the admission requirements. The institution's policies govern the formal RPL process. RPL processes are qualification specific in that the criteria against which evidence of prior learning determined the learning customarily assumed to be in place for qualifications at the level concerned in the field concerned. The Credit Accumulation and Transfer, RPL and qualification completion policy governs the procedure. In addition to RPL, a Credit Accumulation and Transfer mechanism exists for access and advance standing for formal learning from a recognised, a registered and accredited institution on a registered and accredited qualification.

If a learner applies for an RPL admission, the learning assumed to be in place for the qualification is assessed against exit level outcomes equivalent to the formal learning required for admission. RPL process would include an evaluation of the content as well as the learner's cognitive and technical competence. Learners prepare a portfolio against these stated requirements, which are then assessed by a team of experts/academics in line with the policy.

Criteria for Recognition of Prior Learning

• Learning, and not for experience per se;
• Learning that is on the level of the specific level descriptors of the qualification/unit standard;

And

• Learning that is in line with applied competence and has a balance between theory and practical application appropriate to the subject or unit standard;

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Diploma studies;

Or

• National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4 granting access Diploma studies;

Or

• Senior Certificate, NQF, Level 4.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 5, 106 Credits

• End-User Computing A, 20 Credits.
• English Language Skills, 10 Credits.
• Sub-Editing 1, 24 Credits.
• Newswriting 1A, 11 Credits.
• Introduction to Journalism, 10 Credits.
• Introduction to Publishing, 6 Credits.
• Newswriting 1B, 10 Credits.
• Work Integrated Learning, 15 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 6, 219 Credits

• Journalism Practice 1, 15 Credits.
• Sub-editing 2A, 8 Credits.
• Journalism Research, 15 Credits.
• Newswriting 2, 20 Credits.
• South Africa Media Landscapes, 10 Credits.
• Media Law and Ethics, 10 Credits.
• Sub-editing 2B, 8 Credits.
• Project Management, 12 Credits.
• Applied Communication Techniques, 15 Credits.
• Journalism Practice 2, 12 Credits
• Work Integrated Learning, 20 Credits.
• Media Economics, 15 Credits.
• Strategic Communication, 17 Credits.
• The Culture of Journalism, 17 Credits.
• Work - Integrated Learning, 25 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 7, 35 Credits

• Newswriting 3, 15 Credits.
• Journalism Practice 3, 20 Credits.

1. Communicate effectively and professionally within the media environment, displaying the skills needed to write and communicate information reliably and appropriately.
2. Work in a team to meet given time frames and contribute to effective working relationships.
3. Select and use technologies relevant to the South African journalism environment.
4. Demonstrate a sound awareness of ethics and an understanding of the legal framework within which journalists operate.
5. Select the most applicable method to conduct qualitative and quantitative research within a professional environment.
6. Apply critical processes and procedures to the execution of projects in the media context.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Demonstrate a range of proficiencies in the usage of the English language.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skills in the areas of presentation, interpersonal communication and the basics of business communication.
• Write articles in different formats and for different mediums.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Work in a team and individually to given tasks.
• Produce and manage project timelines.
• Communicate skills in compiling written reports effectively.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Use computer applications using various programming tools and techniques for a journalism environment.
• Demonstrate knowledge of sub-editing software.
• Edit and compile publications.
• Evaluate the proficiency and application of sub-editing skills as they apply to the journalism environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Demonstrate knowledge of ethical and legal guidelines for the practising journalist by engaging with case law.
• Write reports and articles on current economic events and evaluate their implications.
• Apply fundamental journalistic ethics and principles to given case studies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Carry out research and apply the various research methodologies to given scenarios.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Asses projects on the evidence of a mock analysis encompassing schedules, timelines, projections, personnel and resource management.
• Evaluate written reports and articles on current economic events and their implications.

Integrated Assessment

Formative assessment is for learners' feedback on their progress in the achievement of learning outcomes. The scheme of work includes assignments, real-world briefs, tests and an integrated programme portfolio based on the learning material. The process is continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the work and limited numbers of outcomes. The Work Integrated Learning (WIL) modules link the key elements of journalism undertaken in each year of study. The WIL component ensures the development of practical skills and the creation of a varied and professional portfolio that learners can present to prospective employers to demonstrate their range of skills.

Summative assessment is concerned with the judgement of the learning about the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification. The judgement must include integrated assessments which test the learner's ability to integrate the larger body of knowledge, skills and attitudes. Examinations, projects, reports or equivalent assessments, such as a portfolio of evidence, assess a representative selection of the outcomes practised and assessed. The summative assessment also tests the learner's ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge to achieve the stated outcomes of a module.