Diploma In Journalism VWR001

Course Structure: Diploma In Journalism VWR001
The course is made up of 6 modules as follows:

Module 1. Freelance Writing BWR102
Many professional writers start out by freelancing.
This course will show you how to write, what writing is marketable, and how to go about selling your work. Emphasis is placed on things which are important to publishers who might buy your work. Tutors concentrate on your ability to properly structure an article, and to be both concise and clear in your use of words. Learning outcomes for graduates of the course include:

• Have improved communication skills, particularly with respect to clarity, conciseness and correct grammar.
• Be familiar with the "writing industry"; having a clear idea of where opportunities exist for obtaining work as a freelance writer.
• Know how to go about approaching potential clients to obtain work.
• Have an understanding of the processes involved in publishing books, magazines and newspapers; from generating concepts to seeing the finshed publication on sale.

There are ten lessons:

1. Introduction
2. Basic Writing Skills
3. The Publishing World
4. Manuscripts
5. Planning
6. Newspaper Writing
7. Magazine Writing
8. Writing Books
9. Writing Advertising
10. Special Assignment

Module 2.  Advanced Freelance Writing BWR201
This is an ideal course to follow Freelance Writing for people with existing skills, but a need to improve their overall technique and develop a more "commercial" approach to their work.

Eight lessons:

1. Writing Themes
2. Writing a Regular Column
3. Educational Writing
4. Scientific Writing
5. Writing a Biographical Story
6. Writing a News Article
7. Fiction Writing
8. Other Writing.

Module 3.  Editing l BWR106
This course develops your understanding of the purposes and aims of editing, and also of what editors do. Students will learn about the importance of clear, effective writing throughout all stages of the publishing process and how editors assess manuscripts and prepare them for publication. The course may be taken alone or as part of higher level courses in journalism, writing, editing and
publishing.
The course covers: the nature and scope of editing, the role and responsibility of the editor in publishing, working with authors and publishers, the editing process and skills required, copyright and other legal concerns, indexing and referencing, varying the approach according to the kind of
book, etc.

Module 4.  Publishing l BWR107
This course provides an excellent start for anyone considering self publishing, or seeking employment in publishing. It is equally relevant to electronic or print publishing. There are ten lessons as follows:

1. Nature and scope of the publishing world
2. Publishing procedures and techniques
3. Desktop publishing A
4. Desktop publishing B
5. llustration: Graphics
6. Illlustration: Photography
7. Research Skills: Market research, researching an article
8. Marketing of publications
9. Ethics and the law in publishing
10. Developing a publishing Project

Module 5.  Photoshop VIT202
Provides a basic understanding of how to create and manipulate images using Adobe Photoshop, for use on the web as well as print. There are 9 lessons in this module as follows:

1. Getting Started
2. Working With Digital Image Files
3. Understanding The Tool Palette
4. Using Layers, Actions, and History
5. Digital Painting, Shapes and Colours
6. Selecting, Resizing, Transforming and Masking
7. Adjustments and Modifications
8. Adding Filters and Effects
9. Preparing Files For Print and Web

Module 6. plus one relevant elective module/short course from one of these fields of study -
writing, publishing, editing, IT, or photography.

Do you want to be a Journalist?

Journalists are primarily writers who are writing for periodicals (ie. things published at regular intervals). Some journalists work on staff for a publisher (full time or part time),from the publishers office; while others may work freelance or contract, from home, submitting articles which have been commissioned, or on spec (ie. in the hope they will be accepted).
Freelance journalists often start slow, only getting occasional articles published early in their career; but with persistence and good luck, they can develop a reputation and network of publishers who accept their work (so much so that they can earn a comfortable living from their writing).

Some in house journalists will find themselves being used to perform a range of other jobs in the office where they work. Pasrticularly in smaller publishing houses, they may need to help with editing, layout -preparing publications for printing, web site development, marketing copy writing, conducting interviews, answering the phone, research for articles, photography, etc.

Some freelance journalists supplement their income by indertaking other work as well, such as contract editing for publishers, writing advertizing copy or web site development, taking and selling photos, etc.

Be taught by Journalists

This course has been developed by; and is taught by successful Journalists, Editors and Authors with work published around the world. The course is continually reviewed (just as the industry continually changes), and through interacting with these experts you are going to develop a very hands on understanding of the global industry, and develop an improved capacity to not only write, but write marketable work.