Higher Certificate in Journalism

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to qualify learners to enter a career in Journalism. This qualification provides a learner with the opportunity to examine the origins of journalism, conduct basic research, compile material, do creative writing and develop editing skills. This qualification is designed to develop practical journalistic skills and theoretical journalistic knowledge. The theoretical component comprises the fundamental knowledge required by someone working in the sector and the practical component consists of the modules such as Sub-editing, Introduction to Personal Computing, Journalism Practice and News Writing Fundamentals. Theoretical knowledge is developed through English Language Skills, Introduction to Journalism, South African Media Landscapes and Applied Communication Skills.

This qualification prepares the learner to take up a position at the level of Production Assistant, Junior Researcher, Copy tester, Sub-editor, Freelance Writer, Reporter, Scriptwriter, Junior Desktop Publisher and Editorial Assistant. It will also benefit those already in the field at a junior level to upgrade their theoretical and practical knowledge and skills.

Rationale

Journalists, writers and editors are listed as scarce skills in the Department of Labour's Scarce Skills List. This qualification responds to the needs of the country. It is designed as an industry oriented entry-level qualification to higher education.

The Higher Certificate: Journalism will provide learners with introductory knowledge and practical techniques to follow a career in journalism and journalism-related fields. The qualification is also suitable for learners already in the industry but without a formal higher education qualification.

It is assumed that the learner registering for this qualification is

• Competent in the language of instruction.
• Competent in English NQF Level 4.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Learners can achieve this qualification in part or wholly through recognition of prior learning. The IIE Recognition of Prior Learning Policy and the IIE Academic Credit Policy guide this process:

• Learners may apply for Recognition of Prior Learning for subjects already passed in-house or from other recognised institutions.
• Recognition of Prior Learning for informal and non-formal learning-Skills, knowledge and experience in respect of competencies acquired through informal and non-formal learning are also assessed in the Recognition of Prior Learning process.

Access to the Qualification

Admission requirements are one of the following

• Senior Certificate (SC) issued prior to 2008.
• National Senior Certificate (NSC), as certified by Umalusi.
• National Certificate Vocational (NCV).
• Learners over the age of 23 at registration, with three years` work experience and proven ability in communicative skills.

All ten Modules at NQF Level 5, totalling 123 Credits, are compulsory

• English Language Skills, 10 Credits.
• Introduction to Journalism, 10 Credits.
• South African Media Landscapes, 10 Credits.
• Sub-editing, 24 Credits.
• Intro to Personal Computing, 5 Credits.
• South African Media Law and Ethics, 10 Credits.
• Applied Communication Skills, 12 Credits.
• Journalism Practice, 15 Credits.
• Newswriting Fundamentals, 12 Credits.
• Work Integrated Learning, 15 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 key principles of inter-personal 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 practicing journalist by using case law.
• Create a portfolio of work that can 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 basic research.

Integrated Assessment

Formative Assessment

Formative Assessment is administered so that the learner's progress is monitored. The scheme of work includes assignments based on the learning material and learners are regularly given feedback. The process is continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the work and limited numbers of outcomes.

Summative Assessment

Summative Assessment assesses learning at each level of the qualification to ensure that the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification are achieved. Such assessments determine the learner's ability to incorporate the larger body of knowledge, skills and attitudes that are represented by the Exit Level Outcomes as a whole. Examinations, projects or equivalent assessment such as a portfolio of evidence that represent a selection of the outcomes are also used. Summative assessment also tests the learner's ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge to achieve the stated outcomes of the module.