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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Higher Certificate in Journalism 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
112920  Higher Certificate in Journalism 
ORIGINATOR
The Independent Institute of Education (Pty) Ltd 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Higher Certificate  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 05  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0921/24  2019-11-22  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:
This qualification will provide learners with the knowledge and skills to pursue a career at entry-level in journalism. The qualification aims at:
  • Existing journalists who are already in the field and who do not have a formal higher education qualification (such as an assistant/junior editor/junior sub-editor).
  • Learners who joined the sector at a junior level will also benefit from a qualification that is well balanced between theoretical and practical components.
    The qualification will produce well-prepared learners with the insight and applied skills relevant for further specialised study in support of the principles of life-long learning. The specific skillsets incorporated into the design presents a combination that would enable new learners to make an almost immediate contribution to any employer.

    Rationale:
    The Department of Labour listed the journalists, writers and editors Scarce Skills List with a specific focus on reporter writing skills and news dissemination writing skills. South Africa has seen an increase in community newspapers as well as online community papers by 12% from 2013 (http://www.greengazette.co.za/). Learners who complete this qualification will, therefore, integrate themselves within these mediums as well as new and existing ones. This qualification targets learners who are interested in a career in journalism and journalism-related fields. It provides learners with the opportunity to examine the origins of journalism as well as to learn how to do primary research, compiling material, writing and editing. This qualification will provide the skills necessary for entry-level jobs in the journalism and media fields. Employment opportunities for learners exiting at this level include Production Assistant, Junior Researcher, Copy taster, Sub-editor, Freelance Writer, Reporter, Scriptwriter, Junior Desktop Publisher and Editorial Assistant. This qualification provides entry into higher education to learners who do meet the entry-level requirements for Diploma and Degree courses. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution uses RPL to admit a cohort, but to date, very few learners go through the formal RPL process, which is governed by the relevant policies. RPL processes are qualification specific in that the criteria against which evidence of prior learning determines the learning assumed to be in place for qualifications at the level concerned in the field concerned. The designed instruments are made on-demand as they are expensive to design, implement and assess. To date, most applications to the institution for RPL of non-formal learning are at the Honours level. The procedure governs the Credit Accumulation and Transfer, RPL and qualification Completion Policy.

    In addition to RPL, a Credit Accumulation and Transfer mechanism exists for access and advance standing for formal learning from a recognised, a registered and accredited institution on a registered and accredited qualification. The institution applies the CAT rules, as proposed by national policy. If a learner applies for an RPL admission, the institution assesses RPL against Exit Level Outcomes equivalent to the formal learning required for admission for the learning assumed to be in place for the qualification. The RPL processes would include an evaluation of the content as well as the applicant's cognitive and technical competence. Learners prepare a portfolio against these stated requirements, which are then assessed by a team of experts/academics in line with the policy.

    The institution awards RPL for:
  • Learning, and not for experience per se;
  • Learning that is on the level of the specific level descriptors of the qualification/unit standard;
    And
  • Learning that is in line with applied competence and has a balance between theory and practical application appropriate to the subject or unit standard.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
  • National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4, granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
  • Senior Certificate, NQF, Level 4. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at Level 5 totalling 123 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, 123 Credits:
  • English Language Skills, 10 Credits.
  • Introduction to Journalism, 10 Credits.
  • South African Media Landscapes 10 Credits.
  • Sub-editing 24 Credits.
  • Introduction to Personal Computing 5 Credits.
  • Media Law and Ethics 10 Credits.
  • Business Communication 10 Credits.
  • Journalism Practice 15 Credits.
  • Newswriting Fundamentals 12 Credits.
  • Work Integrated Learning 17 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate basic understanding and knowledge of the structures in and the bodies of the South African journalism industry.
    2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the evolution of the media industry in South Africa.
    3. Communicate effectively and professionally displaying the skills needed in the media industry.
    4. Demonstrate an understanding of the ethics and legal framework within the journalism industry.
    5. Select and use technologies and other methods of presentation for communication in the journalism industry. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Describe and apply basic knowledge of the structures in and the bodies of the South African journalism industry.
  • Describe the key players and stakeholders in the media industry in South Africa.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Interpret and discuss the history of South African media.
  • Discuss the current role played by the media in South Africa.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Apply fundamental principles of interpersonal communication in the journalism industry.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and skills in the areas of presentation and the basics of business communications.
  • Write articles in different formats and for different mediums.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Apply fundamental journalistic ethics and principles to given case studies.
  • Write a range of articles in a variety of formats for various mediums.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of ethical and legal guidelines for the practising journalist by using case law.
  • Create a portfolio of work to be taken to prospective employers.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Use a personal computer and information technology in a modern business environment to accomplish business objectives.
  • Use modern communication technology for business purposes.
  • Use technology to perform the necessary research.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative assessment allows learners' feedback on their progress in the achievement of learning outcomes. The scheme of work includes assignments, real-world briefs, tests and an integrated programme portfolio based on the learning material. The process is continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the work and limited numbers of outcomes.

    The summative assessment also tests the learner's ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge to achieve the stated outcomes of a module. The summative assessment is concerned with the judgement of the learning about the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification. The judgement of learning includes integrated assessments which test the learner's ability to integrate the larger body of knowledge, skills and attitudes. Examinations, projects, reports or equivalent assessments, such as a portfolio of evidence, assess a representative selection of the outcomes practised and assessed. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares well with qualifications from the following countries:
  • The United States of America.
  • Australia.
  • New Zealand.

    In the United States of America, the following qualification compares:
    The Journalism Certificate from the State University at Buffalo provides course content that is close to that of this qualification with the emphasis on a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Both courses provide learners with a foundational knowledge of journalism practice as well as the legal and ethical considerations pertinent to a practising journalist. This theoretical knowledge is supplemented by writing, communication and sub-editing related skills associated content.

    In Australia, the following qualification compares:
    The title of the qualification is a Diploma offered throughout one-year full time, and as such used for the comparison to the institution's Higher Certificate: Journalism. The institutional campuses in Sydney and Melbourne, Macleay College, offer a one-year Diploma of Journalism. The Diploma in Journalism includes:
  • Foundations of New and Feature writing,
  • Subject matter related to Media and the Ethics of News,
  • Media Law and Practice which compares to the institution Introduction to Journalism, Journalism Practice, Newswriting Fundamentals, Media Law and Ethics, and South African Media Landscape modules.

    In New Zealand, the following qualification compares:
    The New Zealand Diploma in Journalism available through the Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec),which is an one year. ,Core skills of news gathering, the production of quality stories and law and ethical codes of practice, align the institution's Higher Certificate: Journalism's Introduction to Journalism, Newswriting Fundamentals, Sub-editing, Journalism Practice, and Media Law and Ethics modules. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in Event Management, Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Business Management, Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Diploma in Journalism, Level 6. 
    		•

    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.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.