Journalism & Content Creation
A 2-year course in print, broadcast & online journalism and social media in our digital newsroom, radio and tv studios, with work placement.
| Award Name | BTEC Higher National Diploma at UK Level 5 |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | Pearson |
| NFQ Level | |
| Award Name | BTEC Higher National Certificate at UK Level 4 |
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | Pearson |
| NFQ Level |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| BTEC Higher National Diploma at UK Level 5 | Pearson | ||
| BTEC Higher National Certificate at UK Level 4 | Pearson |
Duration
2 years full-time.
Entry Requirements
Standard minimum entry requirements for all courses in BCFE:
• Minimum statutory school leaving age (16+)
• CERFL proficiency at B2 for access to Level 5 and Level 6 courses for those whose first language is not English.
• Additional requirements may apply to non-EU/EA Applicants and may be subject to full international fees. Please refer to Information for international students.
• A PPS number is required for registration. Please refer to How to get a Personal Public Service (PPS) Number.
• The academic entry requirements may be waived for mature applicants (21+).
Minimum entry requirements for all level 6 courses
• QQI Level 5 award in a relevant or equivalent
• Leaving Certificate/LCVP with a minimum of two O1/H5 and three O6/H7 grades or equivalent.
What Do You Need To Apply?
In addition to the Entry Requirements, please note for this course applicants may present a portfolio of published / unpublished written work at interview and demonstrate an interest in and aptitude for journalism.
Year 1 Higher National Certificate
• A suitable BCFE Level 5 award, with a merit profile, that satisfies the entry requirements is
o Media and Broadcasting Level 5 (MND)
Year 2 Higher National Diploma
• Students who have successfully completed year 1 and have achieved a Higher National Certificate in Creative Media Production (Journalism), can progress automatically to year 2.
• Applicants with an equivalent Higher National Certificate, and subject to module compatibility may also apply directly to Year 2, Higher National Diploma in Creative Media Production (Journalism).
Careers / Further progression
Progression Opportunities
• Graduates who achieve a Merit/Distinction profile may apply for the BA (Hons) Degree in Media Production Management at BCFE, a one-year top up degree that is validated by DCU.
• Graduates of this course may also apply through the CAO and/or the Higher Education Links Scheme for entry to higher and advanced certificate and degree programmes at national Institutes of Technology, Technological Universities and Universities such as Journalism at DCU or apply for advanced entry to TU Dublin, (applicants should confirm linked awards and eligibility requirements with the relevant Higher Education Institution).
• Graduates may gain exemptions from one or two years of degree courses in the UK.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this course work as digital content creators, sports journalists, reporters, radio presenters, podcasters, TV producers, editors of newspapers and magazines, copywriters and more recently in content and digital marketing positions that require a grounding in multimedia journalism with advanced social media skills.
Further information
Commencing September 2024.
• International Applicants
• Mature Students
• VTOS (Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme) funded applicants
• BTEA (Back to Education Allowance) funded applicants
Sources of Funding:
- PLC Maintenance Grant Scheme Refer to www.susi.ie
- VTOS (Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme) Refer to www.gov.ie/vtos
- BTEA (Back to Education Allowance) Refer to www.welfare.ie
- SOLAS Fund for Students with Disabilities Refer to www.solas.ie and guidance notes on www.bcfe.ie
Applicants must present a portfolio of published/unpublished written work at interview and demonstrate an interest in and aptitude for journalism.
Applications and Admissions Process 2024/25:
All applications to Ballyfermot Campus will be accepted after the 6th November 2023 and the closing date for receipt of applications directly to Ballyfermot Campus is the 27th of September 2024. Applications received after this date will be processed as late applications in accordance with the Admissions Policy of Ballyfermot Campus.
Apply Online (see "Application Weblink").
For further details on admissions:
Tel: (01) 6269421
Email: info@bcfe.cdetb.ie
Why Choose A HND In Journalism And Content Creation?
This practical journalism course focuses on developing your multimedia skills to prepare you to work across all platforms: social, mobile, broadcast, digital and print journalism.
You will be trained to become a skilled digital content creator who can demonstrate essential skills and use of new technologies for the fast-moving 21st century media workplace. These includes smartphone photography and video journalism and the use of Adobe software for digital page production, social media campaigns and digital editing (sound and video). On completion of this course, you will have developed the production skills necessary to create content for a variety of genres: podcasting, radio, TV, video, photography, newspapers, magazines and online
Throughout this course you are encouraged to create high quality media content, which can be used to build a portfolio of work which is essential for seeking employment or pursuing a place in further or higher education.
The course has a practical emphasis with work placements in both years.
Year 1
• Journalism Practices
• Journalism and Society
• Creative Media Industries
• Professional Practice
• Principles of Photography
• Interview and Presentation Techniques
• Digital Page Production
• Individual Projects
End of Year 1 Certification Higher National Certificate in Creative Media Production (Journalism).
Year 2
• Advanced Journalism Studies
• Social Media Practice
• Documentary
• Magazine and Feature Production
• Personal Professional Development
• News & Editorial
• Collaborative Project
End of Year 2 Certification Higher National Diploma in Creative Media Production (Journalism).
Award Year 1: Pearson BTEC Higher National Certificate in Creative Media Production (Journalism)
Award Year 2: Pearson BTEC Higher National Diploma in Creative Media Production (Journalism)
* The Higher National Diploma is recognised by the QQI as being comparable to the Higher Certificate at NFQ Level 6.
Course Facilities
• Full Access to digital and touchscreen broadcast studios and individual podcast booths.
• Access to portable microphones and home podcast kits.
Course Features
• Students can apply for fully funded Erasmus+ placements in media organisations in Finland and Portugal.
• Google-certified training in Data Analytics, Project Management and UX Design.
• Workshops in Data Journalism, Mobile Journalism (MOJO), Sports Journalism and Podcasting with experienced practitioners.
Ballyfermot College of Further Education,
Ballyfermot Road,
Ballyfermot,
Dublin 10
Phone: +353-1-6298500
Email: info@bcfe.cdetb.ie