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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
115510	Postgraduate 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
Postgraduate 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 08	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2019-12-17	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 qualification aims to equip learners with specialised knowledge and advanced information on cognitive and theoretical levels of media theory and practice. The primary purpose of this qualification is to enable learners to conduct independent media research within the media environment, within a context of specialised media fields, to address continuing industry change, as well as add to the academic body of knowledge in Journalism.

Practitioners graduating from this qualification will be able to:

Identify complex problems in work or industry-related environment,

Conduct a contextualised literature search,

Process information to formulate relevant and implementable solutions related to aspects such as media policy, strategic media developments, media analysis, media content models and media impact.

Obtain in-depth knowledge on a wide variety of themes, including language proficiency in academic writing and editing, media ethics, research methods, as well as advanced media studies theory.

The qualification aims at developing specialised research competencies in a range of media communication skills with an in-depth knowledge of advanced requirements and technical know-how applicable to a media and journalism environment. The qualified learner will:

Apply qualitative and quantitative research skills in Journalism;

Plan and develop a research proposal after an intensive literature study on a selected suitable topic in Journalism or related field;

Apply advanced knowledge regarding the critical factors needed for research planning, processes, and design; and

Apply different research techniques and strategies used in practice.

Qualified learners will also demonstrate an understanding of the analysis and interpretation of research data in order to make sensible deductions and conclusions in practice, thereby addressing industry-related issues. This acquired knowledge will allow learners to implement media change and manage media production, taking into consideration the current trends in the media industry and the requirements of the different audiences. They will thus be able to contribute towards a socially responsible journalism industry in order to enhance the quality of life for ordinary citizens and uphold democracy in South Africa.

Rationale:
The qualification will contribute to the media and communication industries by empowering senior media practitioners with a deepened and strengthened knowledge in specialist media fields, as well as media research. In a fast-changing media industry with online developments necessitating conversed and integrated media approaches and strategies, the need exists for specialist senior media practitioners with advanced knowledge and skills in relevant fields of media technologies and disciplines. Media organisations must diversify to stay relevant, and both larger and smaller media entities now own titles spanning across different media platforms.

This qualification provides an opportunity to combine the critical study of a wide range of media forms with the development of academic knowledge and specialised research skills in journalism. The media industry plays a significant role in the modern world and, being an essential means of disseminating messages nationally and globally, affect society at all levels. Specialised knowledge of the media is an essential and highly valued aspect in order to understand the influence of media messages on the socio-cultural, political and economic realities of in an information society.

In an industry that will continue to change, senior practitioners also need to be able to grasp and understand:

Different (research) techniques, strategies and processes to investigate and contextualise problems experienced in the media industry,

Problems ranging from conversed production processes, displacement of print media, the socio-cultural impact of integrated media content models,

Navigate social media platforms and changed media management models to ensure the integration of audience involvement.

As such, one of the aims of this Postgraduate qualification is to enable learners to critically evaluate and analyse media products and audiences, not merely on behalf of consumers, but as part of critical reflection, able to question the nature and purposes of media messages as well as their fit within contextualised media settings.

This need was shared by role-players in the media industry on various platforms of industry involvement by the Journalism department, including representation on South African National Editors Forum, adjudication panels for regional and national Caxton excellence awards, regular Work Integrated Learning site visits, and bilateral meetings with Advisory Committee members. The purpose of this intense and continued interaction with the media industry is to ensure that the learning qualification is of outstanding quality, relevant and aligned with the latest development and technologies in the profession, business and industry.

Learners graduating from this qualification will perform work at a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence and to apply theories, research methodologies, methods and techniques in a range of contexts. Problem and inquiry-based methodologies help learners find solutions to the contemporary challenges of journalism practice and media work.

Learners make reasoned, well-balanced judgments about content, target groups and ethical direction of media products, based on a comprehensive academic understanding of the discipline. This qualification answers to the need of industry by preparing learners to manage and lead media units within the institutional and societal contexts within which journalists function. Also, it equips, learners, to use a range of specialised skills to identify, analyse and address complex problems in work or industry-related environment by conducting literature searches and process information to formulate solutions related to problem-solving and media research.

Learners who complete this Postgraduate qualification will contribute to the economic and social development of the South African region by developing creative and academically sound responses to problems and issues. They will contribute to the fast-evolving media industry by being able to process broader media approaches and theories in order to contextualise and guide the implementation of multi-faceted and multi-platform media outlets.

This qualification further ensures that the qualifying learner will:

Demonstrate an ability to take full ethical responsibility for his or her work,

Master a high level of decision-making and problem-solving skills, and

Demonstrate a responsible and reputable use of resources, not only to prepare themselves for further studies (Master of Journalism and Doctor of Journalism) but also to make a real-time contribution to the changing media industry.

Learners will demonstrate the ability to compile a scientific report and poster; using advanced computer qualifications in order to analyse and present the research results. Oral presentations will allow a learner to demonstrate an ability to develop and communicate his or her ideas and opinions in well-formed arguments, using appropriate academic discourse. The qualified learner will act ethically and professionally and can justify those decisions and actions, drawing on appropriate ethical values and approaches within a supported environment. The Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism (National Qualification Framework Level 8) will articulate with the Master of Journalism.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Access and granting credits to this qualification is also possible through the recognition of relevant prior learning and prior experience as a practitioner in the field of Journalism. The institution developed structured means for the assessment of individual learners against the exit level outcomes of the qualification on a case-by-case basis. The Journalism department follows the institution guidelines about RPL applications, as set out in the institution's Policy on RPL. The necessary evidence as required by the Exit Level Outcomes, and presented by the learner, should meet the following principles: the currency of evidence, the sufficiency of the evidence, the validity of evidence and authenticity of the evidence.

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

Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, NQF, Level 7.
Or

Advanced Diploma in Journalism, NQF Level 7.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualification Framework Level 8 Totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 120 Credits.

Advanced Media Studies, 40 Credits.

Media Economics & Management, 20 Credits.

Media Research Methods, 10 Credits.

Media Research Project, 30 Credits.

Media Ethics, 20 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate knowledge in the fields of Journalism and media with engagement in an area at the forefront of one or more of these fields, disciplines or practices; and understanding of theories, research methodologies, methods and techniques relevant to these fields, disciplines or practices; and an understanding of how to apply such knowledge in a particular context.
2. Interrogate multiple sources in the journalism, media and related fields in an area of specialisation and to demonstrate an understanding of the complexity and uncertainties of selecting and transferring appropriate contextualised knowledge and information in a specialised field, discipline or practice, in a self-critical manner.
3. Select, apply or transfer appropriate standard approaches, processes or techniques to address complex or abstract and unfamiliar problems in the field of journalism together with the development of knowledge and appropriate application of discipline/practices in related media environments.
4. Identify and address ethical issues based on critical reflection on the suitability of different ethical value systems in the media industry, together with the ability to critically review the gathering of information, as well as the synthesis of data evaluation, and management of processes in a specialised context in order to develop creative responses to problems and issues.
5. Present, communicate academically, and operate effectively within a system or manage a system; and understand the roles of the relationships between the various systems in the media industry together with the communication of creative insights, rigorous interpretations and solutions to problems inappropriate context.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Recognise integrated and detailed knowledge and knowledge literacy of journalism and media concepts, principles and rules.

Explain and compare relevant examples in demonstrating applied knowledge and skills required from a Journalist/Media practitioner within the industry.

Identify primary research methodologies and techniques and apply in a recognised scientific manner.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Use literature resources responsibly.

Analyse research strategies critically, compare and apply appropriately.

Utilise research methodology to develop skills in the formulation of a research proposal.

Adhere to ethical media principles as required within the media environment.

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.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Justify and adhere to appropriate academic and occupational discourse using an assortment of techniques and methodologies relevant to solve problems in the field of Journalism.

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

Identify media concepts, theories and strategies in the specialised field of journalism, analyse and interrogate using relevant examples typically found in the industry.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Identify activities, decisions and actions regarding the journalism and media industry, formulate and address 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 settings.

Justify decisions and actions taken by drawing on ethical values and approaches appropriate to journalistic values and settings.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Use appropriate visual and language skills in all oral and written communication.

Validate various sources of information and communicate findings and information in well-formed arguments independently.

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.

Integrated Assessment:
The institution uses two modes of assessment in this Postgraduate qualification. According to the institution Standard Operating Procedure for assessment, it assesses modules in a non-examination termination mode or an examination termination mode.

There is no specific final or year-end examination in modules assessed in a non-examination termination mode. The assessment opportunities completed during the learning process accumulates into a final module mark for the year. The weights or contributions of the assessment opportunities may vary according to the needs and outcomes of the modules, as well as the credits of the modules. This form of assessment includes a concluding assessment opportunity that integrates the learning in the units of a module. The institution assesses final mark for modules continuously and compile the accumulation of marks obtained for tests, assignments, papers, projects and other opportunity instruments.
Research Methodology, Media Ethics, Media Economics & Management and Advanced Media Studies:
These modules are examination termination modules in which there are various assessment opportunities during the year, following module credits. Formative assessment will include case studies, projects, written and oral tests, and practical assignments and demonstrations, while summative assessment will include three written tests and assignments. The institution calculates scores collectively obtained in these assessments to determine the predicate mark of 40%. The predicate mark and examination mark will then each contribute 50% to the year mark.

Media Research Project:
Supervisors/Lecturers will guide learners in the writing of the Media Research Project/mini dissertation. During this process, the institution applies formative assessment strategies to ensure that learners master the application of knowledge literacy, academic writing style and research methodologies. The internal examiner in the institution and an external moderator must complete final, summative examination of the Media Research Project/mini-dissertation to ensure the achievement of competencies for this module.

Formative Assessment:
The institution uses formative assessment to inform learners about their progress continuously throughout the study. Self and peer assessment (with the aid of relevant analytical assessment tools) will contribute to formative assessment. The institution will collect marks from this evidence and record for promotional purposes or use for the sole purpose of learner and lecturer reflection, growth and development. The institution uses formative assessment to support the learner developmentally and to provide feedback to all involved in the learning process about how teaching and learning can be improved. Throughout the qualification, the institution uses formative assessment strategies to ensure the achievement exit level outcomes and critical cross-field outcomes.

Summative Assessment:
Summative assessment will involve assessment opportunities that take place at the end of a learning experience. The institution will gather information about a learner's level of competence upon completion of a module. The institution will express results in marks in terms of the level of competence achieved, about level descriptors, specific outcomes and assessment standards. This type of assessment will be used for promotional purposes and will take the form of theoretical examinations.

Internal and external moderation examination:
For examination termination modules, the institution will appoint external moderators to assess the quality of the examination papers and memorandum set and to moderate 20% of the marked examination scripts.
In the case of non-examination termination modules, the institution will appoint an external moderator, and moderate at least 50% of the assessment opportunities.

In the assessment strategy as a whole, the learner must demonstrate the evidence through a variety of options which can include case studies, problem-solving assignments and strategies, portfolio of learning materials, projects, written and oral tests, and practical assignments and demonstrations. Some strategies will be more suited to assess foundational competence while others are more suited to assess practical and reflexive competence, as well as advanced knowledge of media theory.

The final integrated assessment needs to measure applied competence within a theoretical context. It should assess whether a learner acquired the necessary knowledge and skills to enable them to identify problems/scenarios and develop a solution/system/application for different journalism and media-oriented problems and situations. It should assess whether the learner has the necessary knowledge and skills to critically and ethically evaluate media practices in terms of module themes to identify and solve strategic media problems acceptably and ethically and make recommendations for successful implementation of solutions.

Furthermore, the institution will assess learners on the broader knowledge of media theory and policies, as well as aspects such as media analysis, media diversity and media conversion. This qualification will equip learners to understand the process and importance of knowledge on media development and the relevant application of insights into the effect thereof on the citizenry. Learners will be assessed on the knowledge to use acquired competencies and theories, and the application thereof in the execution of media projects. The qualification should further assess whether learners can apply and evaluate the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories of research in media, journalism or related fields of study. Learners should be able to conduct a literature search and process information to formulate a background and justification, objectives, and research questions of a research topic. A learner will furthermore be able to design an experimental layout and questionnaire, to address the research question, data collection/sampling methodology and data analysis according to acceptable ethical research practises. The graduating learners will use the acquired skills to formulate a complete research report and scientific poster on a selected topic in the field of media and journalism according to sound research principles which are internationally comparable.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism is comparable to similar national and international qualifications at tertiary institutions. The majority of these national and international qualifications are aimed at the preparation of a learner to work as a specialist in the field of Media and Journalism, and to prepare the learner for research related work (including related fields through a combination of theoretical and practical knowledge).

The Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism is offered at an NQF Level 8, according to the HEQSF framework to continue development through imprinting deep and systematic understanding of current thinking, practice, theory and methodology, in the field of Media and Journalism. The equivalence of the Postgraduate Diploma is offered internationally, and information about the Bachelor Degrees are also provided which would articulate with this qualification. Some of the institutions surveyed, accept Postgraduate Diplomas to certain qualifications similar to the proposed Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism, to enter into a Master's programme, therefore it should be possible for our students to study at and articulate with other institutions locally as well as globally.

Country: Namibia.
Institution: Polytechnic of Namibia.
Qualification: Bachelor Honours Degree: Journalism and Media Technology.

Equivalence.
Reason for comparison: Namibia forms part of SADEC countries and therefore provides relatively easy access to South African learners. As a competitor in the Journalism education sector, the Polytechnic of Namibia was selected for comparison.

The Bachelor Honours Degree is comparable to a Post Graduate Diploma Level 8. The BA covers a larger number of specialization fields (the institution covers some of these in the Advanced Diploma), and has semester modules where the institution offers year modules. Both qualifications have a strong emphasis on Research.

Country: New Zealand.
Institution: University of Canterbury.
Qualification: Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism.

Reason for comparison:
The University of Canterbury had been used in the past for comparison, and showed similarities to the teaching approach at the institution.

The Postgraduate Diploma offered by the University of Canterbury (just as at the institution) recognises the increased need for multimedia skills in a changed media environment, and also focus on the use of social media and networking sites to enhance their offerings.

The qualification is very similar to that of the institution in terms of specialist modules such as Media Law and Ethics, Journalism Research, Media Literacy, but not as big emphasis on generic research and research capabilities as at the institution.

Country: United Kingdom.
Institution: Birkbeck University of London.
Qualification: Postgraduate Diploma Journalism.

Equivalence.
In order to get a comparison with the Eurocentric approach to Journalism training, a comparison was done with Birkbeck University. The biggest difference found, was that they do not focus on a industry-related (practical) approach. The qualification does compare well with TUT in terms of Research Methods and Theoretical Perspectives on the Media. Birback's qualification is very theoretical in nature and offers various electives (more than the institution) in specialisation fields.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification offers both possibilities of horizontal and vertical articulation.
Horizontal Articulation:

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Journalism, NQF Level 8.

Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism, NQF Level 8.

Vertical Articulation:

Master of Arts in Journalism, NQF Level 9.

Master of Journalism, NQF, Level 9.

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)