This programme is designed for those wishing to pursue or develop a career in written or broadcast journalism. The programme introduces students to the role of the media in modern society and focuses on the skills needed to research, prepare and present news and information. It is intended to equip students with the skills, which they will require in order to operate effectively in the global communications environment. It is suitable for those working in media, who wish to enhance their prospects, and for those who intend to pursue a career in this field.

The programme’s main objectives are to provide students with:

• An understanding of the role of the different media in modern society
• A thorough grounding in the role of the journalist
• Knowledge of specific media roles and skills
• The skills to research, write and present effective copy
• Skills in presenting publications for the market place
• An awareness of the legal environment in which the media operate

Course Content

Broadcast Journalism

This module is an opportunity for students to develop journalistic skills, many of which are transferable to other media. An awareness of news values will be developed, together with knowledge of the skills necessary to compile and present news bulletins. Students will also be introduced to magazine and documentary making. They will be encouraged to work to the type of deadlines normally required of broadcast journalists.

Newspaper Reporting

This subject will give students a broad knowledge of the skills, techniques and criteria used in newspaper reporting. They will become familiar with the terminology used in newspaper journalism and learn how to write and ‘sell’ a newspaper story. Their work will also involve specialist writing such as feature writing and arts reviewing. Reference will be made to relevant ethical issues.

Sub-Editing

This topic is an opportunity for students to develop a broader range of skills that will complement a career in journalism or publishing. Students are provided with a firm grounding in sub-editing which involves how to approach the overall design of a newspaper or magazine, writing headlines and captions, dealing with pictures/illustrations, checking and rewriting copy (concerning writing techniques and grammar) and underlying legal issues. On completing this course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of the practicalities of how a newsroom operates, what is expected of all staffs, and how stories are prepared and finalised for publication.

Freelance & Feature Writing

This module is designed to equip students with the necessary skills to undertake a career in freelance writing. During this course, students are taught how to develop ideas and structure their work. Therefore, classes are extremely practical as well as being theory based in order to develop writing skills and processes, before moving on to specific fields such as news reporting, column and feature writing, reviewing different categories of arts, and developing copy for advertising and press release writing, etc.

Media Law & Ethics

Working within the media industry in Ireland today requires knowledge of the legal issues associated with libel and all its many forms. This module addresses areas such as copyright, criminal libel, racial hatred, seditious libel and many more associated topics, delivered with a focus on today’s media environment.

Optional- Repeat Leaving Cert Ordinary Level Maths

In the above diploma course, there is the option to repeat ordinary level maths if a student failed it in the leaving certificate and therefore prevents them from going to a third level college. This programme thus will give the student the opportunity to gain a qualification and repeat the subject at the same time.

Assessment

Assessment will be carried out on a continuous basis and there will also be end of year examinations in May.

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