Higher Certificate in Journalism

Purpose

The purpose of the Higher Certificate in Journalism is to provide learners with the fundamental knowledge, conceptual and interpersonal skills to prepare them for an entry-level role or a career in journalism and media and to teach theory and principles that will develop learners into competent individuals who can assist organisations to reach their mission and goals.

This qualification is the start of a career path in Journalism. The skills, value attributes, and knowledge reflected in this qualification are building blocks that will prepare learners for progression along the learning ladder.

The qualification will further contribute to the full development of the learner within the Journalism environment by providing recognition and further mobility within the field. The qualification supports the philosophy of lifelong learning because learners will be able to increase their access to employment since this qualification also caters for individuals who are employed but lack the certification to perform efficiently or to be promoted.

Not all school leavers meet the requirements for admission into diploma and degree studies, and there is, therefore, a need for access and entry-level qualifications, which are vocationally and industry-focused. Graduates will seek employment positions in both public and private institutions.

Upon successful completion of the qualification, the qualifying learner will be able to

• Demonstrate knowledge of business management and the media industry and apply basic management principles and practices.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical and legal frameworks within the journalism industry.
• Apply technologies and other methods of presentation for communication in the journalism industry.
• Communicate effectively and professionally within a multicultural and diverse organization in the media industry, using various communication approaches and technologies.

Rationale

As the country battles high unemployment rates, especially among the youth, it is striking to note that there are insufficient applicants with qualified skills for available career opportunities.

Findings of the scarcity of professionals in some fields have gained widespread coverage in the recent past, following employer frustrations to find adequately skilled workers. As a result, many South African workers are now asking, which skills are most in demand by employers.

Journalism forms part of a learning pathway of journalism and media qualifications across various public, governmental, and private industries and sectors.

The current skills deficit across all sectors means that there is a premium placed on staff who are qualified with up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills and able to perform across the areas of journalism and media. It is acknowledged that traditional journalism and media publications and opportunities have been severely undermined in recent years due to global trends. The key challenge is that many journalism qualifications relevant to the modern workplace do not contain the complete skillset required to function effectively.

The current skills shortage also requires that employees be equipped with skills and knowledge that are key to the transformation of the South African economy and that they can contribute to the positive performance of their employers.

Employers often view higher education qualifications as an indicator of the ability to think, analyse, solve problems, and communicate effectively.

Statistics available from the National List of Occupations in High Demand (2020) reflect some journalism jobs are on the high-demand list and thus indicate the need for editors and writers. Additionally, to function effectively within the current knowledge economy, practitioners must be trained in the use of web-based technology and tools to succeed in their field, particularly in this competitive global economy.

The proposed higher certificate is aligned with key aspects of the guidelines offered by UNESCO's Model Curricula for Journalism Education (2007 and 2013) and its Global Initiative for Excellence in Journalism Education project (2014 - 2021). UNESCO's Model Curricula for Journalism Education was the outcome of extensive research on existing journalism offerings, including those at South African universities. UNESCO has called for journalism schools to renegotiate the future trajectory of journalism education in an increasingly complex social, political and economic global context.

Higher certificate qualifications in Journalism offer introductory knowledge to the areas of journalism, media, general business administration, entrepreneurship, languages, communication, and computer skills within a business environment and prepare learners for a range of entry-level professional positions in Journalism. Further, it also provides opportunities for upskilling and certification of skills obtained during on-the-job training or self-study or further studies.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL for access

The institution has increasingly considered how learning that has taken place in a range of contexts may be assessed and formally recognised through accreditation.

The RPL process is aligned with national RPL Policies.

As per the national and institutional RPL policies and procedures, RPL is applicable to all prospective candidates. The limitation of 10% of the cohort with regard to admission applies as stipulated in the CHE guidelines.

This qualification may be achieved in part through the recognition of prior learning (a maximum of 50% of the credits), which includes informal, and formal learning and work experience. The candidate must demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes indicated in the qualification to obtain credits/credit exemptions.

Evaluation of evidence

This is done by all the members of the Selection Panel, as and when practical - it is normally not necessary to convene a meeting for this purpose.

If necessary BCT will conduct a skills assessment in respect of skills not supported by evidence. Such an assessment covers the entire process applicable to a particular skill.

Feedback is given to the Applicant by the entire Selection Panel. The Applicant will also receive a written report of the RPL assessment result.

If the applicant is not granted admission onto his/her selected programme, the panel refers the Applicant to the student counsellor, if necessary, in order to offer and explore career alternatives.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

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

Or

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

Or

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, without endorsement.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework NQF Level 5 totalling 138 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 5, 138 Credits.

• Business Management Fundamentals, 12 Credits.
• Business Communication, 10 Credits.
• Print Journalism, 14 Credits.
• Photo-Journalism, 14 Credits.
• Languages for Journalism A: isiZulu, 8 Credits.
• Languages for Journalism A: French, 8 Credits.
• Social media and Communication, 10 Credits.
• English for Journalism, 10 Credits.
• End User Computing, 10 Credits.
• Entrepreneurship, 8 Credits.
• Media Law and Ethics, 12 Credits.
• Media Studies, 12 Credits.
• Journalism Practice, 10 Credits.

1. Demonstrate knowledge of business management and the media industry and apply basic management principles and practices.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical and legal frameworks within the journalism industry.
3. Apply technologies and other methods of presentation for communication in the journalism industry.
4. Communicate effectively and professionally within a multicultural and diverse organization in the media industry, using various communication approaches and technologies.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of business information systems via the use of hardware tools and software applications to perform various business operations and tasks in journalism.
6. Demonstrate knowledge of entrepreneurship to complete tasks and practices for small business development and entrepreneurial activities.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be used in an integrated manner across Exit Level Outcomes

• Define and explain management, media and journalism concepts, principles, and methodologies to decision-making within a commercial context.
• Collect data from research and compile meaningful reports for various business management decision-making purposes.
• Define, select, and implement technologies and other methods of presentation for communication in the journalism industry.
• Collect and apply effective written and oral journalistic and media work communication tools, approaches, and techniques.
• Describe and apply knowledge of entrepreneurship to complete tasks and practices for small business development and entrepreneurial activities in the media industry.
• Apply knowledge of business information systems via the use of hardware tools and software applications to perform various journalism, media and business operations and tasks.
• Discuss and illustrate understanding of the current role played by the media in South Africa.
• Illustrate knowledge of the application of fundamental journalistic legal and ethical principles to given case studies.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT

This qualification uses summative and formative assessment strategies. A number of assessment techniques and instruments are used to ensure appropriate learning and evaluation.

Formative Assessment

• Assignment or project.
• Written test.
• Constructive classroom activities.

Summative Assessment

• Written examination.

Assessment Percentage

40% of the DP mark and 60% of the written examination are combined to produce the final total. Qualifications that require continuous assessment, practical assessment, and external written examinations by relevant accreditation authorities - as per criteria the rules will apply.

Moderation assessment

All formative and summative assessments of non-exit level modules will be internally moderated by either the Qualification Co-coordinator or Module coordinator.