Course Description
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.
Grading
Pass 50 – 64%
Merit 65 – 79%
Distinction 80 – 100%
Accreditation:
- 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.