Course fee includes all documentation, lecturing, assessment work, learner registration and QQI certification fees. No other fees to pay!
Delivery Format: Distance Learning course supported with fully qualified tutors
Award: QQI Level 5 component Certificate in Writing Skills for Journalism (5N2435).
NFQ Credits: 15 Credits upon successful completion.
Duration: Students can complete this course within 8 weeks which is ample time and can start it at any time of the year that is convenient. If students need to extend this period for any reason during or near the end of the course they can request an extension through the college.
Learners who successfully complete this course will:
understand the ways in which the reading public is offered information
develop writing skills that answer the editorial needs of newspapers, radio or television
write in different registers
work to pre-defined, tight deadlines
spot a potential story
demonstrate an understanding, in writing, of the difference between fact and comment
understand the legal framework within which journalists operate.
Who should complete this course?
Students who wish to achieve a QQI credit in Writing Skills for Journalism Level 5.
Learners who want to develop their writing skills.
This distance learning, QQI accredited course means that Students can study flexibly at home, or at any convenient place and time, and can gain a Nationally Accredited Qualification.
Students receive a comprehensive Course Manual, Assignments, Efficient Studyguide, and unlimited one-to-one Tutor Support for the course duration.
Course Syllabus
Topics covered include:
Unit 1: Journalism and the News
Unit 2: Writing Reviews, Editorials and Columns
Unit 3: Writing Features and Human Interest stories
Unit 4: Journalism and the Law.
Entry Requirements / Prerequisites:
Leaving certificate, Level 4 certificate or equivalent in a relevant subject area and/or relevant practical experience (3 years minimum) – Please ask about our requirements surrounding Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for entry.
Mature students (over 23 years) may be exempt from the above prerequisites.
English Language Requirement: Students entering programmes leading to awards at Level 5 are expected to be able to: be proficient at reading, drafting, preparing and understanding information across a broad range of topics, including quantitative information.
Learners undertaking this programme must have basic IT skills and access to the necessary equipment to enable them to undertake an online programme: computer, broadband, email, Microsoft, recording equipment necessary for some skills demonstration tasks, and where applicable any other specialised software/equipment.
As this programme is delivered through distance learning or eLearning, students must be capable of studying on their own initiative.
For more details on participation suitability of this course click here».
Progression to further Studies:
This course leads to a level 5 award on the National Framework of Qualifications, you can use the credit received for this course towards completing the major award in Media Production.
Assessment:
Collection of Work 75% Assignment 25%
Collection of Work:
Students will have to complete four articles to include:
One news story
One review
One feature article
One human interest story.
These should be between 300 and 500 words in length and should be written to industry standard. All research should be original and submitted with work.
Assignment:
The internal assessor will devise a brief that requires the candidate to produce evidence that demonstrates an understanding of the legal framework and key legal issues underpinning good journalistic practice.
The assignment should focus on one issue such as judicial process, copyright, censorship or defamation.
Following successful completion you will receive a QQI Level 5 component Certificate in Writing Skills for Journalism (5N2435).
QQI (Quality & Qualifications Ireland) is the national awarding body for further education and training in Ireland. Click here for details on the National Framework of Qualifications.
This Writing Skills for Journalism (5N2435) programme is delivered by our sister College, The Open College in our venues. This programme is validated by QQI and The Open College.