Advertising, Communication & Public Relations

Higher Certificate in Journalism Practice

Every important story starts with a question. What happened? Why does it matter? And how do you share the facts in a way that captures attention?

If you’re curious about the world and enjoy writing, the NQF Level 5 Higher Certificate in Journalism Practice at Boston City Campus can help you turn that curiosity into practical skills. Discover how journalists research stories, interview sources, write compelling articles and navigate the fast-moving world of digital media.

From news writing and digital journalism to media law and ethics, you’ll explore what goes into producing credible, engaging content. You’ll also put your skills into practice through writing assignments and a Journalism Portfolio, building a foundation for opportunities in journalism, media production and digital content creation.

Higher Certificate in Journalism Practice

Time to Complete

1 Year (min) - 3 Years (max)

Study Options

Full-time or Part-time

Credits

120

NQF Level

5

SAQA ID

124975

Field of Study

Advertising, Communication & PR

Further Study Options:

BCom in Strategic Communication Degree

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Entry Requirements

The minimum admission requirements for the Higher Certificate in Journalism Practice are:

    • National Senior Certificate (NSC), with English as one of the subjects passed and with endorsement for admission to Higher Certificate studies; or
    • National Certificate (Vocational) (NC(V)), with English as one of the subjects passed and with endorsement for admission to Higher Certificate studies; or
    • Senior Certificate obtained prior to 2009, with English as one of the subjects passed.

Applicants with relevant prior qualifications, including Certificates, Higher Certificates, Advanced Certificates or Diplomas, may qualify for admission or advanced placement, subject to Boston’s admission requirements.

This qualification is delivered through online distance learning, with access to digital study materials, academic support and resources available through Boston’s network of Support Centres nationwide.

All modules must be passed to complete the qualification.

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This qualification is eligible for Boston’s

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fee subsidy, making higher education accessible to more students around the country.

Possible employment opportunities include, but are not limited to:

  • Captions Editor
  • Communications Coordinator
  • Digital Content Writer
  • Freelance Writer
  • Junior or Assistant Reporter
  • Junior Researcher
  • News Production Assistant
  • Junior Copywriter
  • Production Assistant
  • Junior Sub-editor
  • Junior Proofreader

Career opportunities may require additional professional experience or specialisation.

Did you know that Boston does not work on a points system

Although your subjects may be considered, Boston does not use a point system for entry.
Your endorsement says it all.

Semester A

    • Academic Literacy
    • Computer Literacy
    • English Foundations
    • Introduction to Journalism Practice

Semester B

    • Content Writing
    • Digital Journalism
    • Journalism Law and Ethics
    • Journalism Portfolio

Various assessment strategies are used throughout the qualification. For example, Assessment Strategy 2 (AS2) consists of one Formative Assessment (FA1), such as an assignment or test, contributing fifty percent (50%) towards the overall mark.

A Summative Assessment (SA1), in the form of a final examination or capstone project, contributes the remaining fifty percent (50%).

The Journalism Portfolio module provides an opportunity to apply practical journalism skills through a real-world writing brief. Students will produce a written article that can form part of their journalism portfolio.

Students must achieve an overall mark of fifty percent (50%) to pass a module, including a minimum of fifty percent (50%) in Summative Assessment 1.

Students who do not achieve a pass mark in a summative assessment may be provided with one (1) additional opportunity to retake the assessment, subject to an additional re-assessment fee.

Please consult the Fact Sheet for additional, detailed programme information.

On completion of the programme graduates will have the necessary knowledge and skills required to:

    • Demonstrate an understanding of the role and responsibility of ethical journalism practice in society.
    • Demonstrate an understanding of journalism practice key terms and concepts.
    • Communicate appropriately as required within the journalism practice field.
    • Demonstrate the ability to produce articles for in-house or freelance publication.
On successful completion, the learner will be issued a Higher Certificate in Journalism Practice, SAQA ID 124975, NQF Level 5, minimum 120 credits from Boston City Campus.