Walter Sisulu University

Advanced Diploma in Journalism

Communication Studies and Language - Communication Studies

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Purpose and Rationale

Qualification Overview

Purpose: The qualification aims to equip learners to operate effectively in a media environment as specialized journalists, editors, or media managers producing critical social, political, and economic reportage. It is designed as part of the Postgraduate study opportunities for Journalism learners, with plans to progress to Masters and Doctoral levels in the future. The qualification is highly sought after by print newspapers and broadcasters.

Rationale:

  • Strong industry and learner support.
  • Provides Diploma in Journalism graduates with an opportunity to advance and enhance their qualifications while working in journalism or related media roles.
  • Aligned with local, regional, national, continental, and international development goals.
  • Career-focused, offering numerous job opportunities at local, regional, and national levels.
  • Past graduates of the BTech qualification hold key positions in various media outlets in South Africa.
  • Increasing demand for skilled media professionals due to the rise of new radio stations and online news platforms.

This qualification prepares learners to meet the evolving demands of the media industry and contribute effectively to social discourse through informed and critical reporting.

Outcomes

  1. Operate as a professional journalist to produce in-depth media products in a specialist field, demonstrating understanding of the discourse.
  2. Produce a basic research project.
  3. Apply editorial management techniques.

Assessment Criteria

Exit Level Outcomes Assessment Criteria:

  1. Demonstrate mastery of theory, concepts and issues in a specialist media field:

    • Written examinations and tests to evaluate theoretical knowledge.
    • Case studies to apply concepts in practical scenarios.
    • Group projects to demonstrate understanding of issues in the field.

  2. Produce complex, contextualised, critically-sourced content with informed commentary and analysis:

    • Research assignments to evaluate ability to produce complex content.
    • Peer assessment of content to ensure critical analysis.
    • Presentations to showcase contextual understanding.

  3. Write a research proposal in journalism:

    • Proposal evaluation to identify critical questions and scope.
    • Panel assessment of research proposals.
    • Lecturer feedback on method of investigation.

  4. Review and synthesise relevant literature and media for a research study:

    • Panel assessment of literature review.
    • Peer assessment of data collection methods.
    • Lecturer evaluation of synthesis of relevant data.

  5. Apply research tools effectively for a small research study:

    • Controlled projects to apply research tools.
    • Demonstrations of research methods.
    • Final portfolios showcasing research outcomes.

  6. Use management and financial theory for publication programme planning:

    • Business plan evaluation for financial acumen.
    • Panel assessment of positioning analysis.
    • Peer assessment of marketing strategy.

  7. Use media and marketing research for product development strategies:

    • Presentations on media and marketing research.
    • Group projects for product development strategies.
    • Lecturer assessment of research application in product development.

  8. Demonstrate, discuss, and critique concepts, theory, and practice in a specialist field:

    • Summative assessments of concepts and theory.
    • Peer assessment of practice in the field.
    • Panel assessment of specialist knowledge.

  9. Synthesise critically evaluated research into media content with valid commentary:

    • Research assignments to synthesize research.
    • Final portfolios showcasing media content synthesis.
    • Lecturer assessment of commentary and analysis.

  10. Define and present a research proposal correctly:

    • Research proposal evaluation for correct presentation.
    • Peer assessment of proposal clarity.
    • Panel assessment of research proposal structure.

  11. Critique, discuss, and present synthesis of existing literature and media:

    • Peer assessment of literature synthesis.
    • Panel assessment of literature critique.
    • Lecturer evaluation of media relevance in research.

  12. Collect and interpret relevant data in terms of critical literature:

    • Group projects for data interpretation.
    • Demonstrations of data collection methods.
    • Final portfolios showcasing data interpretation.

  13. Produce and present clear communication of research problem, investigation, and outcomes:

    • Presentations on research problem and investigation.
    • Panel assessment of research outcomes.
    • Lecturer feedback on communication clarity.

  14. Present a business plan demonstrating mastery of analysis, financial acumen, and marketing strategy:

    • Business plan evaluation for mastery of analysis.
    • Panel assessment of financial acumen.
    • Peer assessment of marketing strategy.

  15. Present a workable plan for daily management of a media product/organisation:

    • Group projects for daily management plans.
    • Demonstrations of management strategies.
    • Final portfolios showcasing management plans.

Integrated Assessment:

  • Formative Assessment:

    • Written and oral tests.
    • Continuous evaluation.
    • Multiple-choice tests.
    • Case studies.
    • Open book examinations.
    • Theory exams.
    • Production laboratory practice projects.
    • Interdisciplinary projects.
    • Group and individual projects.
    • Presentations and demonstrations.

  • Summative Assessment:

    • Controlled projects.
    • Research assignments.
    • Panel and peer assessment of year work and assignments.
    • Lecturer assessment of tests, assignments, and projects.
    • Final portfolios for evaluation.

Qualification Details

Type
Advanced Diploma
NQF Level
07
Min. Credits
120
SAQA Source
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Walter Sisulu University
Walter Sisulu University
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Description
Walter Sisulu University (WSU) is a comprehensive university located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. It was established in 2005 through the merger of three institutions: the University of Transkei, the Eastern Cape Technikon, and the Border Technikon. WSU offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including arts and humanities, business and management sciences, education, health sciences, natural sciences, and engineering. The university is committed to providing quality education and promoting social justice, equity, and sustainable development. WSU has multiple campuses spread across different regions of the Eastern Cape, including Mthatha, Butterworth, Buffalo City (East London), and Queenstown. Each campus offers a unique learning environment and facilities to cater to the diverse needs of students. The university is named after Walter Sisulu, a prominent anti-apartheid activist and leader of the African National Congress (ANC). It aims to honor his legacy by fostering a culture of activism, social responsibility, and community engagement among its students and staff. Overall, Walter Sisulu University strives to be a leading institution of higher learning in South Africa, providing accessible and relevant education to empower individuals and contribute to the development of the Eastern Cape region and the country as a whole.
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This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.