Advanced Diploma in Journalism
Communication Studies and Language - Communication Studies
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose:
The purpose of the Advanced Diploma in Journalism is vocational and industry focused. The qualified learner will be competent to demonstrate integrated media and journalism knowledge and apply a variety of specialised media reporting, production, and research skills. The qualification aims to develop specific specialized competencies in a range of media communication skills with an in-depth knowledge of requirements and technical know-how applicable to a media communications environment. Learners meeting the requirements of the qualification will be positioned to assume responsibilities in the domain of media and communications within their chosen area of specialization. They will be able to further their learning in other aspects of media from a foundational understanding of the structures, operations, and legislative framework of the broader media environment. The main aim of this qualification is to enable learners to operate independently and professionally within the media environment.
Rationale:
The Advanced Diploma in Journalism is designed to fulfill the current need for knowledge enhancement for qualified journalists and media practitioners in South Africa at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7. The qualification will contribute to the media and journalism sector needs by empowering specialist journalists, media, and communication practitioners. It aims to ensure an informed citizenry of the country by combining the critical study of media forms with the development of knowledge and specialized production skills in journalism. The qualification emphasizes the importance of specialized knowledge of the media in functioning in an information society, enabling learners to critically evaluate and analyze media products and audiences.
It also aims to strengthen professional identity, values, and goals by introducing learners to modern knowledge in various fields. The qualification enables learners to move from passive recipients of media messages to active, analytical producers of well-researched messages. With the changing landscape of news consumption due to expanding social media platforms and mass media technology, learners will be equipped with the latest news production methods. The qualification qualifies learners for senior positions in the media and communication industries and offers access to further studies in higher education, articulating to the Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism or other cognate postgraduate diploma qualifications.
Outcomes
- Apply, evaluate and integrate key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories of the central areas of media and journalism, as well as detailed knowledge of media information and production management. Demonstrate the ability to apply the key terms, concepts, elements, principles, rules and theories in the field of Journalism.
- Investigate and critically reflect on a range of theories and practical methods, procedures and techniques related to the media industry and other disciplines in the respective field with the ability to apply strategic decision making methods to solve complex problems in journalism reporting and production.
- Take decisions and act professionally within a journalism and media organisational context and design ethical values for media practices and approaches within the respective journalism fields.
- Develop and communicate plans and ideas using appropriate discourse, manage unfamiliar processes and time constraints, and adhere to relevant operational requirements, by applying appropriate problem solving methods.
- Take responsible decisions and act appropriately, think creatively in familiar and new contexts, demonstrating an understanding of the relationships between systems, and address own learning needs in a self-directed manner to facilitate collaborative learning processes.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Recognise, explain, and compare integrated and detailed knowledge and knowledge literacy of media and journalism concepts, principles, and rules to relevant examples in demonstrating applied knowledge and skills typically required from a Journalist within the industry.
- Justify and adhere to appropriate academic and occupational discourse using an assortment of technologies and methodologies relevant to solving problems of specialised media reporting and production.
- Evaluate and apply evidence-based solutions critically to case studies relevant to the field of Media and Journalism.
- Identify, analyse, and resolve media concepts, theories, and strategies in the specialised fields of print, broadcast, online, and corporate media using applicable examples typically found in the industry.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Identify, formulate, and execute activities, decisions, and actions regarding the media and journalism industry by facilitating and managing the process in an ethical, moral, and professional manner.
- Defend ethical values and approaches to management principles and professional practice, with regards to decisions and actions made.
- Adhere to professional carriage, behavior, and attitudes in all media and journalism settings.
- Justify decisions and actions taken by drawing on ethical values and approaches appropriate to media content challenges.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Use appropriate visual, language, and interpersonal skills in all oral and/or written communication.
- Independently validate various sources of information and communicate findings and information in well-formed arguments.
- Communicate complex information in problem solving reliably and coherently using appropriate academic and professional or occupational conventions, as well as recognised media techniques and processes.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Take responsibility for own work, decisions taken, and the use of resources.
- Display team communication and interpersonal skills in working and communicating with a team.
- Identify and address task-specific needs appropriately.
- Provide support to others where appropriate in achieving the outcomes of a task.
- Use resources responsibly.
- Take actions and decisions based on an awareness of the ethical implications of the action and should be aligned with the ethical considerations within the profession.
Integrated Assessment:
- Evidence must be demonstrated through a variety of options which can include case studies, problem solving assignments and strategies, portfolio of learning materials, projects, written and oral examinations, and practical exercises and demonstrations.
- Learners must demonstrate that they can achieve the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated manner, dealing effectively with different and random demands related to the environmental conditions in occupational contexts, to qualify.
- Assessment activities are appropriately structured and varied to accommodate the qualification purpose, its intellectual levels as defined in skills, competencies and attitudes, as well as the diversity of its learner body.
- Formative and Summative Assessments will be used throughout the qualification to ensure that Exit Level Outcomes are achieved.
Description of the number and types of tests/assignments/projects/case studies:
- Modules have typically three tests and two assignments/presentations per year (formative) and one examination at the end of the year (summative).
- Formative assessments include assignments, projects, research papers, case studies, role play, self-assessments, presentations, fieldwork, and online assessments.
- Summative assessments include a written examination.
- The ratio between formative and summative assessments is 50:50.
Internal and external moderation/examination:
- Internal and external moderation/examination will be conducted to ensure the integrity and credibility of assessment results.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Advanced Diploma
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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