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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Advanced Diploma in Journalism

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
111171	Advanced Diploma in Journalism
ORIGINATOR
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Advanced Diploma	Field 04 - Communication Studies and Language		Communication Studies
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	120	Not Applicable	NQF Level 07	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2019-08-16	2027-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30		2031-06-30

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The purpose of the Advanced Diploma in Journalism is vocational and industry focused. The qualified learner will be competent to demonstrate integrated media and journalism knowledge and apply a variety of specialised media reporting, production and research skills.

The Advanced Diploma in Journalism is aimed at developing specific specialised competencies in a range of media communication skills with an in-depth knowledge of requirements and technical know-how applicable to a media communications' environment. Learners meeting the requirements of the qualification will be positioned to assume responsibilities in the domain of media and communications within their chosen area of specialisation. They will be in a position to further their learning in other aspects of media from the vantage point of a solid foundational understanding of the structures, operations, and legislative framework of the broader media environment. They will utilise media technology and inter-active related media disciplines in this dynamic industry with an entrepreneurial approach.

The main aim of this qualification is to enable learners to operate independently and professionally within the media environment, specialising in broadcast, print, convergence media and communication fields. This qualification will provide learners with theoretical knowledge and specialised applied competencies to be able to operate as senior journalists, media practitioners, and media entrepreneurs. This qualification will also enable graduates with a range of specialised skills to address issues of convergence in the media environment, and to do ethical, responsible media research.

Upon completion of this qualification, learners will be able to apply key terms, concepts, principles and theories in the field of journalism.

They will demonstrate the ability to take responsible decisions and implement creative solutions in both familiar and new contexts, to solve complex media problems. In doing so learners will act professionally, understanding the relationships between systems, strategies and policies within a managerial context.

Learners will have mastered the ability to develop and communicate plans and methods, within an ethical managerial context to promote media development. Furthermore, learners will be able to think creatively in familiar and new contexts, demonstrating an understanding of the relationships between systems, and address own learning needs in a self-directed manner to facilitate collaborative learning processes.

With the industry-specific competencies offered by this qualification, the qualified learner will be able to understand industry related media production and media convergence principles in order to develop strategic media approaches on a competitive business basis. Learners will be sensitised to the value of audience-involvement, stakeholder engagement and sentiment, as well as citizen journalism. The learners will be multi-skilled and able to work independently; demonstrating an ability to identify, analyse, evaluate, critically reflect on and address complex problems, applying evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments in a multi-media setting. This will enable them not only to act in supervisory positions within the industry, but also to demonstrate scientific writing skills and preparedness for media research.

Rationale:
The Advanced Diploma in Journalism is designed to fall within the vocational pathway at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7, and developed to fulfil the current need of knowledge enhancement for qualified Journalists and Media practitioners in South Africa.

This qualification will contribute to the media and journalism sector needs by empowering specialist journalists, media, and communication practitioners in the execution of their duties, which is to ensure an informed citizenry of the country.

The Advance Diploma in Journalism provides learners an opportunity to combine the critical study of a wide range of media forms with the development of knowledge and specialised production skills in journalism. Journalism is a fast-changing discipline where one not only needs the ability to find and tell a story, but also an array of technical skills to communicate the information to the public. In order to achieve this, research skills must be honed according to the needs of an informed society. The mass media play a significant role in the modern world and, being a major means of disseminating messages nationally and globally, affect society at all levels: economic, political, social, cultural, and individual. Specialised knowledge of the media is an important and a highly-valued aspect inherent to functioning in an information society as well as an essential element of active citizenship.

One of the aims of this qualification is to enable learners to critically evaluate and analyse media products and audiences and to question the content and purpose of the messages and their impact on society. The development of these independent and critical thinking skills enables reasoned, well balanced decision making skills based on a comprehensive understanding of the discipline. It emphasises the ever-changing institutional and societal contexts within which journalists function. In addition, it links journalism practices with the rest of social and societal activities. Learners gain an understanding of democratic functions and legal and moral constraints, in order to strengthen professional identity, values and goals. It introduces learners to modern knowledge, including politics, economics, religions, health, science and technology as well as arts and culture. It also includes general knowledge of history and geography, as well as an understanding of research methods. This critical approach is key to making sense of the ever-expanding and complex web of communication, enabling learners to move from a stance of being passive or unquestioning recipients of media messages, to those of active, analytical, specialised producers of well-researched messages.

With increasing real-time news consumption as a result of rapidly expanding social media platforms, and mass media technology, learners will be empowered with the latest methods of news-production, using convergent technologies. Learners will also sensitised to the value of audience-involvement, stakeholder engagement and sentiment as well as citizen journalism.

The Advanced Diploma in Journalism qualifies learners for employment in senior positions in the media and communication industries, and offers access to further studies in higher education.

The Advanced Diploma articulates vertically to the Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism or any other cognate Postgraduate Diploma qualification.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The University of Technology gives Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), in order to prevent the repetition of offerings already obtained which correspond with the current qualification being pursued.
Admission to the Advanced Diploma in Journalism also provides for RPL, as stipulated and managed by the university's Policy and guidelines on the Recognition of Prior Learning.

The Department of Journalism endorses the viewpoint that recognition of prior learning, whether obtained through formal teaching and learning qualifications at the university or another institution or acquired informally through experience, is an indispensable element in the decision concerning entry into the qualification. In the Recognition of Prior Learning, the most important point of departure is the demonstrable and assessable knowledge, skills and values an applicant has obtained, either through formal teaching and learning qualifications, or through experience.

The following rules are applicable in the Department of Journalism:

Formal, informal and non-formal learning experiences submitted for RPL will be assessed against the current qualification and subject requirements.

An application for admission to a qualification based on the fact that the applicant's existing qualification is at least similar to the prerequisite qualification, as stated in the admission requirements for that qualification. RPL for admission is an application for admission where the applicant does not meet the stated admission requirements but wishes to be admitted to the qualification on the basis of RPL. As part of a rigorous assessment process the applicant would need to furnish evidence of exceptional experience, depth and scope before his/her application would be considered.

Applicants need to provide evidence of significant and relevant prior learning before applications will be considered.

Learners may apply at the Office of the Registrar for RPL or for admission via the Senate's discretionary route. The specific relevant documentation will be requested from these applicants, and these cases will be handled on an individual basis. Learners are encouraged to contact the Office of the Registrar for further information.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

National Diploma, NQF Level 6.
Or

Diploma in Journalism Studies, NQF Level 6.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules NQF Level 7, 90 Credits:

Media Research Methods, 30 Credits.

Specialist Reporting 4, 30 Credits.

Media Management, 30 Credits.

Elective Modules, 30 Credits (Choose one):

Media studies - Print Media 4, 30 Credits.

Broadcast Media 4, 30 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Apply, evaluate and integrate key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories of the central areas of media and journalism, as well as detailed knowledge of media information and production management. Demonstrate the ability to apply the key terms, concepts, elements, principles, rules and theories in the field of Journalism.
2. Investigate and critically reflect on a range of theories and practical methods, procedures and techniques related to the media industry and other disciplines in the respective field with the ability to apply strategic decision making methods to solve complex problems in journalism reporting and production.
3. Take decisions and act professionally within a journalism and media organisational context and design ethical values for media practices and approaches within the respective journalism fields.
4. Develop and communicate plans and ideas using appropriate discourse, manage unfamiliar processes and time constraints, and adhere to relevant operational requirements, by applying appropriate problem solving methods.
5. Take responsible decisions and act appropriately, think creatively in familiar and new contexts, demonstrating an understanding of the relationships between systems, and address own learning needs in a self-directed manner to facilitate collaborative learning processes.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Recognise, explain and compare integrated and detailed knowledge and knowledge literacy of media and journalism concepts, principles and rules to relevant examples in demonstrating applied knowledge and skills typically required from a Journalist within the industry.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Justify and adhere to appropriate academic and occupational discourse to using an assortment of technologies and methodologies relevant to solve problems of specialised media reporting and production.

Evaluate and apply evidence-based solutions critically to case studies relevant to the field of Media and Journalism.

Identify, analyse and resolve media concepts, theories and strategies in the specialised fields of print, broadcast, online and corporate media using applicable examples typically found in the industry.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Identify, formulate and execute activities, decisions and actions regarding the media and journalism industry by facilitating and managing the process in an ethical, moral and professional manner.

Defend ethical values and approaches to management principles and professional practice, with regards to decisions and actions made.

Adhere to professional carriage, behaviour and attitudes in all media and journalism settings.

Justify decisions and actions taken by drawing on ethical values and approaches appropriate to media content challenges.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Use appropriate visual, language and interpersonal skills in all oral and/or written communication.

Independently validate various sources of information and communicate findings and information in well-formed arguments.

Communicate complex information in problem solving reliably and coherently using appropriate academic and professional or occupational conventions, as well as recognised media techniques and processes.

Associated Assessment for Exit Level Outcome Criteria 5:

Take responsibility for own work, decisions taken and the use of resources.

Display team communication and interpersonal skills in working and communicating with a team.

Identify and address task specific needs appropriately.

Provide support to others where appropriate in achieving the outcomes of a task.

Use resources responsibly.

Take actions and decisions based on an awareness of the ethical implications of the action and should be aligned with the ethical considerations within the profession.

Integrated Assessment:
In the assessment strategy as a whole, evidence must be demonstrated through a variety of options which can include case studies, problem solving assignments and strategies, portfolio of learning materials, projects, written and oral examinations, and practical exercises and demonstrations. Some strategies will be more suited to assess foundational competence while others are more suited to assess practical and reflexive competence. Learners must demonstrate that they can achieve the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated manner, dealing effectively with different and random demands related to the environmental conditions in occupational contexts, to qualify. Evidence is required that the learner is able to achieve the exit level outcomes of the qualification as a whole and thus its purpose, at the time of the award of the qualification.

All assessment of learning in the Advanced Diploma of Journalism is based upon the University's policy framework on assessment. Assessment activities are appropriately structured and varied to accommodate the qualification purpose, its intellectual levels as defined in skills, competencies and attitudes, as well as the diversity of its learner body and is designed to support more independent, autonomous and accurate self-learning.

These procedures, regulations and requirements, as set out in the Policy on assessment and examinations procedures safeguard the integrity, credibility, recording and security of assessment results in the most appropriate way.

Description of the number and types of tests/assignments/projects/case studies.

There are two modes of assessment used in the design of this qualification. According to the attached document Standard Operating Procedure for assessment, a module is either designed to assess in a non-examination termination mode, or an examination termination mode.

All the modules in the Advanced Diploma in Journalism are examination termination modules, with a minimum of 5 assessment opportunities during the course of the year. Modules have typically three tests and two assignments/presentations per year (formative) and one examination at the end of the year (summative).

Each module has its own specific criteria according to which the assessments are preformed and a year mark is calculated, depending on the outcomes and nature of the subject matter. According to the guidelines of the university's assessment and moderation procedures the following activities play a constitutive role in calculating the examination admissions mark: participation tasks, formal formative tests and assignments (short assignments and/or essays).

Scores obtained in these assessments will be collectively calculated to determine the predicate mark of 40%. The predicate mark and examination mark will then each contribute 50% to the final assessment mark.

Formative Assessment will be used to inform learners about their progress on a continuous basis throughout the course of study. Self and peer assessment (with the aid of relevant analytical assessment tools) will contribute to formative assessment. Marks collected from this evidence may be recorded for promotional purposes or may be used for the sole purpose of learner and lecturer reflection, growth and development. Formative assessment will be used to support the learner developmentally and to provide feedback to all involved in the learning process about how teaching and learning can be improved.

Formative Assessments include assignments, projects, research papers, case studies, role play, self-assessment; presentations; fieldwork and on-line assessment; tests and quizzes. On-line tests and quizzes are automatically graded and include feedback to learners. They are also used to monitor progress of the learners with regard to the attainment of learning outcomes. Quizzes are also used to evaluate the quality of delivery, teaching and tutoring. Quizzes accommodate the following types of questions: Multiple choice; matching questions and answers; true or false; fill in the blank, etc. Written assignments include activities such as summaries (e.g. to summarise an article); short/essay answers, paragraphs, full-length essay type assignments. The following information is included in an assignment: Purpose of the assignment/activity, deadlines for completion, a description of assignment and the assessment criteria.

Throughout the qualification, formative assessment strategies will be used to ensure that Exit Level Outcomes are achieved.

Summative Assessment is regarded as assessment of learning and a means to establish the overall performance of a learner upon completion of a module or completion of the entire qualification. Information will be gathered about a learner's level of competence upon completion of a module. Summative Assessment in the Advanced Diploma in Journalism will include a written examination. Results are expressed in marks in terms of the level of competence achieved, with regard to level descriptors, specific outcomes and assessment standards. This type of assessment is used for promotional purposes.

The year mark is intended as formative assessment and the examination mark as summative assessment. The ratio between the formative (continuous) and summative assessments is 50:50:

Internal and external moderation/examination.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

As part of comparison exercise, the Advanced Diploma in Journalism was compared with qualifications offered by the Hogeschool Windesheim (The Netherlands), and Limkokwing (Europe, Asia and Africa).

Hogeschool Windesheim:
The curriculum of this qualification, is to a large degree comparable with Windesheim's curriculum. This is based on the following:

Foundational subjects (year 1 to 3) leading up to the 4th year qualification, such as English, news awareness/news knowledge, politics, cross media skills (i.e. online/convergence), and investigative reporting are included in both universities' year curricula.

News reporting is offered by both departments as a basic, main subject that build towards specialist reporting skills in the 4th year. Media ethics also forms an important component of both curricula.

Both departments have a work-integrated learning component of a semester (six months) in the third year of study, enabling learners to integrate this knowledge in the 4th year.

Differences include the following:
This university's fourth year is a standalone qualification (Advanced Diploma) whereas Windesheims' Journalism qualification is a four-year Bachelor's Degree. While the Advanced Diploma comprises four subjects, learners at Windesheim only take one subject (specialisation choice from the following: investigative reporting, politics, economics, sociology, communication science/narrative writing) for a semester. The second semester is used to compile a summative portfolio of evidence. The portfolio is based on their specialisation field: print, online or broadcasting. Windesheim does not offer subjects such as computer skills, newspaper/magazine layout and design, media information management: database or media law.

At this university, learners are taught to be fully operational journalists in die Diploma (first, second and third year). The curriculum of the Advanced Diploma in Journalism (fourth year of study) focuses on a deepening of knowledge, specialisation of skills, and acquisition of management theory in order for journalists to advance in their careers.

The Windesheim curricula focuses on theoretical knowledge in year 1 to 3. Windesheim's fourth year is more practically-oriented. Although the learners spend a semester focusing on in-depth specialisation subjects, their final mark (based on work completed in one semester of six months) comprises a portfolio of evidence. Learners also decide in their first year of study whether they want to specialise in print, broadcast or online. As such, learners focus only their specialisation field from first to fourth year. The Department of Journalism at this university exposes learners to four media streams online, print, television and radio in the foundational years (first and second year). Learners at this university only choose a specialisation area (print/online or broadcasting) in their second year.

Limkokwing:
The media department in Limkokwing offers a Bachelor of Arts Honours (BA (Hons)) in Broadcasting and Journalism and an Associate Degree in Film Production.

The Advanced Diploma in Journalism was compared with the BA (Hons) in Broadcasting and Journalism. Once again, this is not a stand-alone qualification, but builds from the first year. Comparing the foundational curricula, qualifications offered by both institutions compare well. These include for example print, broadcast, entrepreneurship, photography, production and online journalism.

The main difference between the qualifications comprise the fact that the BA (Hons) is a three-year qualification, whilst the Advanced Diploma is the fourth year qualification. However, modules offered by this university in the fourth year (Advanced Diploma in Journalism) are included by Limkokwing in year 1 to 3 of the BA (Hons). Examples include business management, corporate communication, research (dissertation), and investigative journalism (specialist reporting).

It seems then that whilst both institutions cover more or less the same content, once again the depth and intensity of the Advanced Diploma in Journalism sets it apart. Learners first become professional journalists (Diploma) and then focus on deepening of knowledge, specialist theory and media skills.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, NQF Level 7.

Vertical Articulation:

Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism, NQF Level 8.

A cognate Bachelor's Degree, NQF Level 8.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

N/A

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

NONE

PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION:

This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.

1.	Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)