Journalism Diploma Course

Course Level: 3

This Journalism diploma course consists of 10 units covering all of the main aspects of Journalism. A journalist is a person who practises journalism, the gathering and dissemination of information about current events, trends, issues and people.

Reporters are one type of journalist. They create reports as a profession for broadcast or publication in mass media such as newspapers, television, radio, magazines, documentary film, and the Internet. Reporters find the sources for their work, their reports can be either spoken or written, and they are generally expected to report in the most objective and unbiased way to serve the public good.

Depending on the context, the term journalist also includes various types of editors and visual journalists, such as photographers, graphic artists, and page designers. This course provides a complete foundation in the subject area for those wishing to pursue a career in journalism or for those wishing to undertake graduate studies in the field of journalism.

Unit 1: Communication: Concepts and Process

Taught in four parts namely concept and process; communication research; language and communication and international communication, this paper takes stock of all the communication related issues needed to understand the complex nature of mass communication and its role in development.

Unit 2: Communication and Development

This unit deals with the whole aspect of developmental issues and the role of communication therein. Divided into two sections:

theoretical concepts
assigned project work to test and expand your knowledge base

Unit 3: History of Press, Laws and Ethics

Beginning with the early history of the press, the paper deals with laws and ethics that govern and regulate the functioning of various media and media organizations in the country in today's Information Age.

Unit 4: Reporting - Concepts and Process

Reporting being an integral part of mass communication, the unit deals with the subject in four parts:

Basics of Reporting
Reporting Beats
Features and Interviews
Opinion Writing

These topics cover all parameters of reporting.

Unit 5: Reporting: Practicals

Designed to give an idea of the reporter's job, the students are expected to do understand reporting and writing assignments covering all beats in addition to write edits, middles, letters to the editors and special articles.

Unit 6: Editing: Concepts and Process

The paper deals with the principles of news gathering and news writing presentation - be it planning or visualisation of news or news flow and copy editing. It also deals with the organisational structures of editorial departments of media organisations. The art of translation is given due consideration in the course.

Unit 7: Editing Practicals

Divided in two parts, the paper deals with the detailed tasks involved with news editing. The unit examines the role and function of editing within journalism

Unit 8: Audio-Visual Production and Cyber Media

Divided in four parts namely:

Lay-out, Design and Production
Photo Journalism and Graphics
Information Technology
Cyber Media

The unit extensively deals with the creative as well as technological aspects of print media/production.

Unit 9: Electronic Journalism

From introduction to radio and television to practical exercises in news reading, interviewing, news anchoring for FM as well as television news production, the unit takes care of all that students need to know about the broadcast media.

Unit 10: PR, Advertising and Newspaper Management

The interconnection between public relations, advertising and newspaper management is thoroughly explored and techniques of aggressive marketing to retain subscribers in today's highly competitive business environment are taught to the students to make them understand the complex web of newspaper management advertisement economics.

We recommend that students considering enrolment are educated to a minimum GCSE standard and at least 16 years of age.

OLQA

Journalism Level 3 Diploma

All students have two years to complete this course from date of registration. Students are welcome to complete this course as quickly as they want to.

On average this course is completed in 200 hours (9/10 months). Extensions can be arranged if students do not complete within the year and charges will apply. We would ask you to contact our office on 0800 0131030 for latest extension fees if required.

We recommend that students complete 4-6 hours per week as a minimum to get the most from this course. Remember to work out a study plan / timetable before you start and try and stick to it.

This course is completed online within the college webiste in PDF Format. Access details and password are emailed direct to students within 5 Working days of enrolment.

If you would like to receive a paper copy of the course we are happy to arrange this for you at an additonal cost of £45.00. Please call our office on 0800 0131030 and our administration staff will take your details and arrange this for you. Students are required to have one of the following packages on their PC to access the course online:

Windows: Windows 98, 2000, XP, Vista or Windows 7 - Acrobat Reader 4.0 and above
Macintosh: Mac OS X, Mac OS 9.2 - Acrobat Reader 4.0 and above

All students on this course will be registered to a personal tutor who is contactable via telephone, email or post. We also have a team of dedicated advisors to help and advise with any course related queries. The tutors role is to help and support students for the entire duration of their studies. Please remember our tutors are here to help. Never be embarrassed to ask for help.

In addition to the traditional method of tutor support students on this course will be given access to a student common room which allows you to chat and gain invaulable advice from fellow students.

This course is completed using continual assessment, allowing your tutor to closely monitor your progress every step of the way. This course consists of ten modules overall. Students will be required to submit assignments after each module proving their understanding of the subject covered. These assignments normally take between 1-2 hours to complete. A grade and report will be issued on your progress with any suggestions for improvement if necessary.

Upon completion of the ten modules students are required to complete an online multiple choice examination.

Q: When can I enrol?

The beauty of distance learning means that students can enrol at anytime they wish 365 days of the year. Enrolments and payment can be made online or by calling our office on 0800 0131030.

Q: How soon after enrolment can I start studying?

Students would normally receive course access and password within five working days of enrolment. Paper materials can take up to seven days for delivery.

Q: Is this course accredited?

No! This course is not accredited. See our qualifications page for full details.

Q: Is there any funding available towards the course fees?

UK Open College is a privately run college therefore we do not have access to funding

Q: Do you offer any discounts for the unemployed or low income households?

Unfortunately discounts are not available

Q: Can I pay monthly for my course?

Yes! We do offer payment plans for this course to students resident in the UK only. See fees page for further details.

Q: How do I know whether this is the right course for me?

In truth we cannot be sure if this course or indeed home learning will meet every students needs. To help we have a money back guarantee scheme in place which allows students to receive and try the course materials for seven days to establish whether this course is the ideal course for them. If it's not simply notify us via email or telephone within the seven day period for a full refund. Please be aware this is a strict seven day scheme and no refunds are processed once this period has expired.

Q: Is this course available to International students?

Yes! We currently have students all over the world studying with the college. With todays technology distance is no barrier at all. Students outside of the UK will need access to email to submit course assignments. Additional charges for delivery of paper course materials will apply if required.

Q: Are there any deadlines for course assignments?

No! You can submit course assignments at your own pace. The only deadline is for completion of the whole course which requires students to finish within one year of registration.

Q: What if I have questions relating to my course or have problems understanding some of the questions?

No problem! All students have access to a personal tutor for the duration of their course with whom they may correspond with. You are not on your own when you study with us! We really do want you to pass your course!

Q: Will I have to purchase any additional books or materials?

No! We provide all the required course materials to enable you to complete your studies. We do have a list of recommneded reading that students can purchase independantly. These are not compulsory purchases and are optional to individual students needs.

If you require any further information on this course then please call our administration team on 0800 0131030 or 01827 283735 and we will be happy to help you as much as we can.

Course Fee: £519.00

UK Student can choose to pay their course fees in full upon enrolment or take out a pay as you study plan as follows.

Enrolment Fee	£279.00
5 x Monthly payments	£60.00
Total Fees Payable	£579.00

Pay in full and Save	£60.00

Call our office on 0800 0131030 for guaranteed acceptance onto our pay as you study plan* (Applies to UK Students only)

MOD Personnel can claim a 10% Reduction on fees when paying in full by quoting BFPO10 when contacting us. Proof will be required.

*Valid Debit/Credit card required .