About the course
Are you a fearless character? Full of curiosity? Passionate about finding out the details behind a story? A diverse communicator? If you answered 'Yes' then this is the course for you. The Social Media and Journalism course will provide you with real life projects which will allow you to explore your Journalism and presenting skills through a mixed blend of both social, written and multimedia platforms, including our online reporting magazine and WSCtv shows, instagram and TIKTOK..
You will develop your reporting, research, interviewing, presenting, investigating, communication and writing skills and apply this to a range of projects such as investigative journalism, documentaries, feature article writing, breaking news reporting, outside broadcasting, VLOGS/BLOGS, multimedia storytelling, reviewing and social media promotion.
The course is supported by a fundamental understanding of production techniques, such as photography, graphic design, camera and lighting operation, image capture, audio and film editing.
Our website and social media:
Entry requirements
Candidates will need either a minimum of five GCSEs Grade C/4 or above, or an equivalent Level 2 qualification. You must have a minimum of a grade 5 in English.
You will have the opportunity to discuss the course content and course requirements during your interview, when we will also discuss your long-term aspirations. We specifically look for applicants who can demonstrate that they are motivated, who manage their own time well and can work within a team and have the flexibility to work on projects out of normal college hours.
Qualifications
You will complete this course with a UAL Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production & Technology (equivalent to 3 A Levels at A* for a distinction overall)
Year one is graded as a Level 3 Diploma and year two as an Extended Diploma. Your final grade at the end of each year will be pass, merit or distinction. The full two year Extended Diploma qualification attracts 72, 120 and 168 UCAS tariff points for Pass, Merit and Distinction grades respectively.
What you'll learn (core modules)
Throughout the course you will develop core skills in online journalism and multimedia production (graphics, camera, audio and software).
You will explore fundamental online journalistic skills to help develop your research, graphic design, presenting to camera, writing and interview techniques and apply this to different types of journalism such as news reporting, investigative, feature and opinion.
You will realise your work through active projects which will require you to develop skills in graphic design, motion graphics, editing in Premier Pro, Photoshop, indesign, camera operation, audio recording and editing. The course will include elements of writing, such as magazine features, storytelling/scriptwriting and court room reporting. As per the industry you are training to enter, you will be required to go out into the local community to cover stories, investigate local activities and to carry out 40 hours work experience each year, therefore you will be expected to work outside of timetabled college hours.
Benefits, skills and character strengths
We have a culture of outstanding standards. All courses require resilience, determination to succeed and professional conduct. Full attendance and meeting assignment deadlines is critical to success. We are preparing individuals for university education and employment. Building character strengths and ambition underpins everything we do which will ensure you stand out from the competition.
How will I be assessed?
There are no exams for any of our qualifications (with the exception of GCSE/FS).
You will produce an ongoing portfolio of work, demonstrating your skills in each area. Primarily, project work consists of research, practical work and evaluative skills.
Ongoing feedback and individual targets are provided at key milestones to support continuous improvement. All portfolio work is assessed and verified internally, however the Final Major Project in term 3 is moderated externally. Final qualifications are awarded at either a Pass, Merit or Distinction level (with a Distinction equating to 3 X A* at A-level)
Where will the course take me?
PROGRESSION OPPORTUNITIES
Students are able to progress onto our Creative Arts Business & Enterprise Professional Diploma (Level 4). Alternatively, you can go onto specialist course such as Broadcast and Multimedia Journalism, Digital advertising and social media or Fashion Communication and Branding courses at University.
TYPICAL CAREERS / AVERAGE SALARIES
Social Media and manager | £30k - £47k
Multi-media Digital Journalist | £25k – £40k
TV or Radio Presenter, Reporter Commentator | £26k - £70k
Digital Media Manager | £25k - £45k
Freelance Broadcast Journalist | £25k - £55k
Feature Writer | £22k - £53k
Content Editor | £26k - £35k
Will I need any materials or equipment?
External Hard-drive - for example: LaCie Rugged 1TB USB 3.0
SD card Class 10 minimum 32gb - for example: Sandisk Extreme Pro
Total of approximately £120
Days & times
Starting September 2023
Monday
Tuesday