Diploma in Journalism & Media Studies
The creative world of journalism continues to attract many people. However, like many types of creative work, journalism is not based simply on initiative and enthusiasm but on fundamental skills and knowledge. Newcomers to the profession must be able to produce work worthy of being published or broadcast. They need skills such as word the written and verbal presentation of news, knowledge of the media and media law and the technical aspects of broadcasting. Programme Aims and Objectives The aim of the Diploma in Journalism & Media Studies is to provide these skills so that students can demonstrate their creative abilities. As part of this process students will be provided with a thorough grounding in the role of the journalist; skills to research, write and present effective copy; skills in presenting publications for the market place; and an awareness of the legal environment in which the media operate. The Diploma aims to reflect this diversity by providing students with a set of key journalistic skills enhanced by a wide ranging knowledge base. Programme Structure The programme will be delivered by means of wide range of teaching techniques including lectures, DVD’s, workshops, seminars and case studies.
Programme Content
Newspaper Journalism
What is Journalism?
What makes a good journalist?; the skills of a good journalist; roles in journalism
Gathering News
News room; contacts & news leads; investigative reporting; developing story ideas
Interviewing
Preparation; establishing confidence; coaxing answers; controversial interviews; vetting copy
Newspaper Language
Newspaper english; journalese; sequence & structure; storytelling techniques; bad habits; style; punctuation; quotes; grammar
News Reporting
politics; crime; business; industrial disputes; demonstrations; press conferences; speeches; sport
Ethics
code of practice; press complaints; accountability; informants.
Broadcast Journalism
News Gathering
What is news; news sources; getting the story
Writing for Broadcast
Conversational Writing; News writing; Broadcast Style Book
Interviewing
The Interview; Setting up the Interview; Vox Pops
Broadcast News Programmes
Presenting the News; Duties & Dilemmas; Discussion and Magazine Programmes
Radio
Development of Public Service Broadcasting: RTÉ and BBC Radio News Coverage; equipment; principles of recording; using sound recorders; editing
Television
Television news; studio roles; fieldwork; chasing pictures; piece to camera; compiling the report
News Studio
The set; control room; cameras; lights; sound; fieldwork
Compiling the Report
Editing the image; visuals.
Sub-Editing
Students are provided with a firm grounding in sub-editing, primarily dealing with the physical handling, editing, cutting and re-writing of copy, along with proof-reading copy, writing headlines, standfirsts and captions. The module also equips students with the skills to handle a running story, using style guides, and avoiding clichés. Writing techniques, industrial, legal and ethical issues, examining newspaper design as well as a basic introduction to desktop publishing are also covered in this module.
Freelance & Feature Writing
This module is designed to equip students with the fundamental skills of feature writing, exploring the disciplines many guises, including reviews, opinion pieces, colour pieces, columns and analysis across a range of topics. The module equips students with research techniques and interview skills for writing feature articles. During this course, students are also introduced to freelance journalism, the advantages/potential pitfalls of being a non-staff reporter, how to make a ‘pitch’ to commissioning editors, building your contacts list, finding an original angle etc. This module will also examine the media landscape in Ireland and writing for specialist publications.
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 and racial hatred.
AssessmentAssessment for the Diploma in Journalism and Media reflects the range of students’ learning and uses a variety of information-gathering activities and strategies which allow students a range of opportunities to demonstrate their learning. Assessment includes short essays, in-class news writing activities; practical assignments and examinations. Career Progression Opportunities This diploma helps prepares you for a wide range of careers in newspapers, magazines, radio, and TV, as well as other professional and positions in communications, marketing and public relations industries. Our graduates have gone on to a wide range of media related careers, from newspapers and magazines to local radio and television as well as PR.
Student Profile The programme is likely to appeal to those considering a career in journalism as well as those already successfully employed in the media, not just as journalists, who wish to further investigate and further develop their knowledge and practice in the industry.
Further Study Options Student wishing to continue with their studies in the area of Journalism may wish to progress onto the BA (Hons) Journalism in DBS School of Arts. “I'd toyed with the idea of studying journalism for a while, so the DBS Journalism and Media Studies course was just what I was looking for. As well as modules on key print and broadcast areas, there is a great media law stream. The course gave me the opportunity to learn valuable lessons from lecturer and classmate experiences in the industry, in addition to fascinating guest lecturers like Denis Lehane. All in all, an enjoyable experience.” Anita O’Leary
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