Higher Certificate in Journalism

Purpose

This qualification will provide learners with the knowledge and skills to pursue a career at entry-level in journalism. The qualification aims at:

• Existing journalists who are already in the field and who do not have a formal higher education qualification (such as an assistant/junior editor/junior sub-editor).
• Learners who joined the sector at a junior level will also benefit from a qualification that is well balanced between theoretical and practical components.

The qualification will produce well-prepared learners with the insight and applied skills relevant for further specialised study in support of the principles of life-long learning. The specific skillsets incorporated into the design presents a combination that would enable new learners to make an almost immediate contribution to any employer.

Rationale

The Department of Labour listed the journalists, writers and editors Scarce Skills List with a specific focus on reporter writing skills and news dissemination writing skills. South Africa has seen an increase in community newspapers as well as online community papers by 12% from 2013 (http://www.greengazette.co.za/). Learners who complete this qualification will, therefore, integrate themselves within these mediums as well as new and existing ones. This qualification targets learners who are interested in a career in journalism and journalism-related fields. It provides learners with the opportunity to examine the origins of journalism as well as to learn how to do primary research, compiling material, writing and editing. This qualification will provide the skills necessary for entry-level jobs in the journalism and media fields. Employment opportunities for learners exiting at this level include Production Assistant, Junior Researcher, Copy taster, Sub-editor, Freelance Writer, Reporter, Scriptwriter, Junior Desktop Publisher and Editorial Assistant. This qualification provides entry into higher education to learners who do meet the entry-level requirements for Diploma and Degree courses.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution uses RPL to admit a cohort, but to date, very few learners go through the formal RPL process, which is governed by the relevant policies. RPL processes are qualification specific in that the criteria against which evidence of prior learning determines the learning assumed to be in place for qualifications at the level concerned in the field concerned. The designed instruments are made on-demand as they are expensive to design, implement and assess. To date, most applications to the institution for RPL of non-formal learning are at the Honours level. The procedure governs the Credit Accumulation and Transfer, RPL and qualification Completion Policy.

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. The institution applies the CAT rules, as proposed by national policy. If a learner applies for an RPL admission, the institution assesses RPL against Exit Level Outcomes equivalent to the formal learning required for admission for the learning assumed to be in place for the qualification. The RPL processes would include an evaluation of the content as well as the applicant'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.

The institution awards RPL for

• 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 Higher Certificate studies.
• National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4, granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
• Senior Certificate, NQF, Level 4.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at Level 5 totalling 123 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 123 Credits

• English Language Skills, 10 Credits.
• Introduction to Journalism, 10 Credits.
• South African Media Landscapes 10 Credits.
• Sub-editing 24 Credits.
• Introduction to Personal Computing 5 Credits.
• Media Law and Ethics 10 Credits.
• Business Communication 10 Credits.
• Journalism Practice 15 Credits.
• Newswriting Fundamentals 12 Credits.
• Work Integrated Learning 17 Credits.

1. Demonstrate basic understanding and knowledge of the structures in and the bodies of the South African journalism industry.
2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the evolution of the media industry in South Africa.
3. Communicate effectively and professionally displaying the skills needed in the media industry.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the ethics and legal framework within the journalism industry.
5. Select and use technologies and other methods of presentation for communication in the journalism industry.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Describe and apply basic knowledge of the structures in and the bodies of the South African journalism industry.
• Describe the key players and stakeholders in the media industry in South Africa.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Interpret and discuss the history of South African media.
• Discuss the current role played by the media in South Africa.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Apply fundamental principles of interpersonal communication in the journalism industry.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skills in the areas of presentation and the basics of business communications.
• Write articles in different formats and for different mediums.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Apply fundamental journalistic ethics and principles to given case studies.
• Write a range of articles in a variety of formats for various mediums.
• Demonstrate knowledge of ethical and legal guidelines for the practising journalist by using case law.
• Create a portfolio of work to be taken to prospective employers.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Use a personal computer and information technology in a modern business environment to accomplish business objectives.
• Use modern communication technology for business purposes.
• Use technology to perform the necessary research.

Integrated Assessment

Formative assessment allows 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 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. The summative assessment is concerned with the judgement of the learning about the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification. The judgement of learning includes 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.