Diploma in Journalism

This module first introduces the elements of journalism such as identifying what is news, explaining how to focus on stories which are new, unusual or significant. You will also learn about the many areas of life in which journalists work, finding and presenting information as news. The module also explains how to develop effective strategies for note taking. Information is also provided on the steps involved in performing an interview, the different types of questions which should be asked as well as the role of the journalist in the process.

In this module you will learn about organizing and writing the feature story, such as the definition of a feature story, the basic approaches to writing the story and the different types of features. The basic processes and approaches involved in writing and planning an editorial are also explained. You will also learn about identifying and recognizing key points in a news story and the three types of conclusions most commonly used in editorial writing.

Module 3 covers the methods used to address ethical issues that might arise during the course of activities with people, businesses and institutions. You will also learn about the different roles and responsibilities in a newsroom and how to use story weighting to assess a stories value and newsworthiness. Journalistic integrity, such as: truth, fairness, sincerity, and avoiding the appearance of a conflict of interest, are also covered.

This module first introduces the elements of digital safety in journalism such as identifying the different types of attacks, resources available and online security principles. You will also learn about the main types of software and hardware surveillance technologies, and how these affect journalists. The module also attempts to define who is a journalist, from professionals to citizen journalists and explains how online developments have helped the ordinary individual to record, disseminate and share news.

You will learn about how social media, software developments and online communities have challenged and changed the traditional, mainstream media. Also how technological advances, have led to changing audience behaviour, resulting in altered attitudes to consuming and sharing news. The basic goals in blogging are also explained such as; to write tight and be quick, to get to the point immediately and to be conversational in tone. The basic processes and approaches involved in understanding the different types of digital file formats are also covered. You will also learn about the use of graphics and how they should enhance the reader/viewer’s understanding of the story.

Module 6 covers digital tools and resources such as how to take full advantage of online mediums to allow the reader to become a participant. The essential elements for ensuring a general TV, radio or online news package works are explained, such as, structure, timing, and letting the interview breathe. You will also learn about digital media strategy, such as knowing your audience, understanding the issues and being aware of what they think in order to tailor your content. Also, how focus groups help journalists deliver accurate, fair, objective and impartial journalism. Finally media management is explained, how the audience, empowered with the tools to choose, create, enrich and share, is the new online superuser.

You must score 80% or more to pass this assessment.

This module first introduces the elements and methods of data journalism and how it opens new possibilities and abilities to tell a story. You will also learn about the different types of software used to gather data as well as the code and tags used in html language for websites. The module also describes the three key concepts you need to understand when starting a data project and how errors can skew a data journalist's attempts to discover the patterns in the database.

In this module you will learn about the journalistic standards that are in place. The basic processes and approaches involved in journalism licencing schemes are covered, such as when government authorities determine who can and cannot cover the news. You will also learn about the use of codes of ethics which offer voluntary guidelines to help journalists make morally and professionally sound decisions, encouraging greater accountability with readers and viewers.

Module 10 covers the tools and resources used to hold bloggers and citizen journalists to account. You will also learn about freedom of information and how information that is in the public domain such as public records or proceedings, cannot be the basis of an invasion of privacy suit. You will also learn why a free press enhances the public’s right to know by encouraging the free exchange of information.

This module first introduces the history and development of print media with a focus on newspapers and their impact as mass media. You will also learn about the different factors which are affecting newspapers, from newspaper ownership chains to Joint Operating Agreements (JOAs) and also how a decline in readership can be traced to competition with blogs and online newspapers. The module also describes different journalism styles such as objective journalism, interpretive journalism, literary journalism and how they influence reporting styles.

In this module you will learn you will learn about the different types of magazine publications as well as the development and history of the magazine industry. You will also learn about the different magazine publications influence trends and popular culture, as well as target certain population demographics.

This module explains the role of editors in the print media industry, as well as the different types of editors and their function in the newsroom. You will also learn about editorial manipulation and its impact on the functioning of a fair and just society. The relationship between the media and politics is also explained as well as the use of political information. The function of producers and sub-editors is also explored.

You must score 80% or more to pass this assessment.

You must score 80% or more to pass this assessment.