Occupational Certificate: Journalist

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a journalist. A Journalist originates and pitches content ideas, collects and analyses information for journalistic use and creates and delivers content for an array of journalistic purposes in a variety of formats and on various media platforms. Journalists play an important role in society.
Journalists keep the public informed about developments,events, and issues and how these affect people's lives. They investigate stories, provide critique, and educate the public.
They carry the responsibilities to convey the information in a balanced and accurate manner.
The historical qualification in Journalism has enjoyed considerable uptake since its registration. However, it lacks formal provision for incorporating multimedia platforms in converged newsrooms.
The revised qualification covers online/digital journalism and includes an understanding of social media in journalism and the involvement of readers/users in setting news agendas and providing feedback.
This occupational qualification will meet the sector's needs for journalists entering the profession as general reporters and who can operate on various platforms such as radio,television, print and on-line.
Journalists must be able to generate stories in text, video, still image and sound.
Typical learners will include those who are in a journalism environment, school-leavers who wish to pursue a career in journalism or college or university graduates who want a hands-on experience of the newsroom.
Benefits to the learner will include a nationally recognised qualification that will improve the current competencies of journalists and adequately prepare them for the future.
Learners will receive a high standard of training and education in journalism that is occupationally aligned.
Once qualified, learners will be able to further their education and obtain access to sector related programmes.
Employers will have access to suitably qualified general reporters. Benefits to society and economy include creating career pathways in the Sector, which will enable employees to move between platforms and move up the career ladder. This will create a healthy employment cycle, providing employment opportunities.

Duration

The programme duration is 1 year on a full-time basis, or 2 years on a part-time basis.

Career fields

Students can pursue a career in the following fields:

• Print or Broadcast Journalist
• Photojournalist
• News Presenter
• Communications Officer
• Copywriter
• Social Media Specialist
• Media Relations Officer
• Sports Editor / News Editor
• Publishing

Certification

Upon successful completion of the programme learners will receive the QCTO award, the Occupational Certificate: Journalist NQF Level 5 SAQA QUAL 101872.

Admission Requirements

• Knowledge, comprehension, and application of the English language at NQF 4/Grade 12 or equivalent
  
• Knowledge, comprehension and application of Mathematical Literacy or Mathematics at NQF 4/Grade 12 or equivalent
  
• Knowledge, comprehension, and application of a South African 2nd language at NQF 3/Grade 11 or equivalent
  
• Knowledge, comprehension, and application of Computer Literacy Skills at NQF Level 3/Grade 11 or equivalent.
  Learners who do not meet this admission requirement will have the opportunity to complete this module within the programme.
  Admission may be subject to an interview with an academic staff member.