Media (Journalism) (BTEC Level 3 Foundation Diploma)
Why study Journalism?
The nature of Journalism is changing; national and regional newspapers and magazines still account for a proportion of the nation’s news diet, but it doesn’t stop here. Broadcast continues to diversify. Online content is also thriving with an ever-changing range of specialist journalists. Journalists not only need to be able to communicate effectively in well written English; but they also need to identify a story; understand bias and how to deliver to different audiences. Furthermore, the skills of a journalist are in demand from a range of organisations requiring their message to be conveyed successfully.
Entry Requirements
In addition to our general entry requirements, you must have:
- GCSE English – grade 4
No previous knowledge of Journalism is required but you need to have a strong interest in developing these skills and not be afraid to push yourself out of your comfort zones.
The Course
After some initial core background units, you will work on developing written pieces for specific types of publication and target audiences. You will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of the techniques required, an understanding of the audience and publication, and high quality research to ensure your story is correct; ultimately, this will lead to writing articles to specified lengths.
Additionally, as journalists are now multi-skilled, you will also be given the chance to develop your digital photography and processing skills and take on the work of a sub-editor, editing stories for style and length, creating appropriate headlines, and designed pages for publication using Adobe Creative Suite. You may also have the chance to develop news for television or radio broadcasting and online content.
Course Activities
Discussion and understanding of theoretical concepts; research and development; drafting, editing, proofing, and writing copy; digital photography; page layout and design including software skills development.
Career and Progression Opportunities
Many Journalism students progress to careers in the industry such as television, publishing or radio, or onto formal journalism qualifications such as the NCTJ Level 3 Diploma in Journalism, seen by many editors as the gold standard in training.
Furthermore, you could progress to advertising, marketing, PR, promotions, paid charity work, communications, and a range of associated careers. This course also carries the equivalent UCAS points as 1.5 A levels and can be used to access Higher Education courses.
Course Structure and Assessment
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This is a two-year course and counts as one timetable choice on your college programme. It is divided into two units. The first skills development unit covers multiple multimedia projects which aims to give you the skillset to produce a story.
Projects
- Writing Copy
- News
- Magazine Production
- Broadcast Media (TV and Radio)
- Social media content
In your second year you then complete a final major project which covers the skills acquired throughout the development process.
Additional Information
This subject can be combined with A Level Film Studies or Media Studies, or the BTEC Level 3 Media Production (TV & Film) Diploma. It CANNOT be combined with our BTEC Level 3 Media (Radio) Subsidiary Diploma.
It is also especially useful for Performing Arts, Business, Law and English students.
Examination Board: Pearson Edexcel