Higher Certificate in Versatile Broadcasting

Purpose

A learner with this qualification will be competent to operate efficiently, independently and professionally in a radio station environment producing essential media products as a junior broadcaster whose focus is social, political and economic reportage.

Rationale

There are several community radio stations in South African. This qualification meets the demand for trained broadcasters. Typical learners will be learners who wish to follow a career in broadcasting, or Journalism, but who did not get access to the Diploma in Journalism. Completing this qualification will give them access to the Diploma in Journalism, provided that they complete the entrance assessment successfully. Once learners have completed the certificate, they will be able to perform necessary broadcasting skills and will be employable by the community, regional and national radio stations.

Learners can apply for admission through the RPL process. RPL can be used by those seeking admission into the institution to obtain.

• Access to learning qualifications.
• Credits towards a qualification.
• Advanced standing for a qualification.

In RPL processes designed to grant access, an RPL application is evaluated against the entry requirements of the qualification. Applicants seeking access to the this qualification may be considered for the RPL route if they have been working in a relevant communication department for more than five (5) years. RPL applications are sent directly to RPL manager who requests for Portfolio of Evidence. The RPL manager sends the application form and Portfolio of Evidence to the relevant academic department. The PoE will relate directly to the Exit Level Outcomes and assessment criteria. A learner submitting such a portfolio will have to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and capabilities within the portfolio. Lecturers from the programme will be expected to assess the portfolio using current assessment tools as used in the department. Lecturers may be expected to compile a list of documentation that will need to be provided in the PoE.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

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

Or

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4.

Or

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

1. Operate under supervision as a cadet radio broadcaster/announcer.
2. Combine theoretical and practical training.
3. Functional communication and language skills.
4. Interpersonal and life skills.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Demonstrate knowledge of the various aspects of interviewing, microphone skills, digital broadcasting, production and presentation skills.
• Solve problems within the radio studio context.
• Access, process, and manage information within the radio news context.
• Understand issues around plagiarism, intellectual property and copyright and apply the principles within a practical context.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the various practical aspects of radio broadcasting.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Demonstrate knowledge of the theory and practical skills in broadcasting.
• Access, manage and process information to an acceptable standard.
• Demonstrate an adequate frame of reference, knowledge on media ethics and marketing/entrepreneurial skills.
• Conduct self in a professional manner as befitting the context of a radio studio.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the history of radio, the different forms of broadcasting and the latest applied technology.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Communicate professionally as a broadcaster.
• Write and speak on a wide variety of topics related to the field.
• Show an aptitude towards oral communication.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Demonstrate knowledge of contemporary matters, will be culture-sensitive and show entrepreneurial initiatives.
• Organise self and activities in order to work effectively with others and to take responsibility for self, others and resources used.
• Manage his/her learning effectively.

Integrated Assessment

Lecturers in this qualification will make use of a wide range of assessment methods to assess learners. Formative assessment will be used to ascertain the level of the learners. Assessment includes practicals, interviews, scheduled tutorials and one on one sessions with the lecturers. Summative assessments include a form of regular broadcasts, practical, orals, assignments and tests. Learners will undergo practical training in the radio studio and may be expected to deliver content for local community radio stations.