news and information for publication. One of the aims of the course is to develop your investigative ability which is essential if you wish to be a good reporter. You will learn how to research feature material so that you can produce excellent writing material for publication. The principles of good editing, design and print production will be explored. The different types of law relevant to media specifically in Ireland and the UK will be examined and applied to case studies.

There will be opportunities to complete writing assignments so that you can improve your own writing style, which is essential in presenting good newsletters or for writing articles for publication. You will gain an understanding of television and radio journalism which has grown in the past number of years and will acquire key media interviewing skills. Journalism has grown into an exciting and varied career and provides real opportunities for those who are self motivated and have a passion for language in all its forms. It is essential that those wishing to undertake the programme are able to communicate fluently in both written and spoken English.

Diploma in Journalism & Media - Core Subjects

There are 6 key subject areas:

1. Journalist Technology
2. Broadcast Journalism
3. Freelance & Feature Writing
4. Newspaper Reporting
5. Sub-Editing
6. Media Law & Ethics

Course Overview

1. Journalist Technology:
Due to industry demand and to keep abreast with journalist software technologies, an entire module covering the use of modern journalist technologies and equipment will be covered. Items covered will include interview equipment, relevant software for radio and television, use of laptops and internet, plus workshops on how to use Quark Express technology to design and deliver high class page cover design. Quark Express along with other relevant industry standard software will be covered. This part of the course is delivered in a purpose built computer lab and is run alongside relevant print and broadcast modules. On completion, student journalists will have the ability to design and edit text and photos within a page format used by national or local newspaper. You will also be introduced to relevant journalist technologies and components that are widely used by radio and television journalists. This element of the course is highly practical and applied and is constantly updated to meet industry demand.

2. Broadcast Journalism:
Print News Gathering, News Sources, Writing for broadcast, Interviewing, Setting up the interview, News programme, presenting the news, Radio and equipment, Television news, Researching the story, TV Scriptwriting, Editing Reports, News Studio, News Media

3. Freelance & Feature Writing:
Feature Articles, Dealing with Editors, Article writing, Commissioning policies, Research Methods, Writing Process, Identifying Ideas, Article types and markets, national & local news markets, Getting organised, Planning Assignments, Argument, Outline, Analysis, Body & Quotes, Research, Illustrations, Pictures Photography, Developing good writing techniques, Profile and Interview Features, Writing a column, reviewing, features department, expanding your market, Advertising & Publicity, Writing as a specialist, Publishing, Writing into the Future

4. Newspaper Reporting:
Role of Journalism, Categories of written publication, News Worthiness & Value, Gathering News, Leads and Investigative Reporting, Developing Stories, Taking notes, Dealing with People, Sources, Interview types, Local Reporting, News Writing, The right Angle, Newspaper language, Grammar, News Reporting, Specialist Writing, Newspaper Structure, Ethics, Press Complaints

5. Sub Editing:
Quark Technology, Editorial production, Design & Typography, Pictures, Text, Editing, Language, Writing Headlines, Headline Typography, Rewriting, Subbing & the Law, Running a story, Features, Editing and Projection

6. Irish & UK Media Law & Ethics:
The Irish and UK Legal System, Sources of Law, Legal Profession, Court System, Court Restrictions, Open Court Rule, Reporting Restrictions in Court, Industrial Tribunals, Access to Information, Gaining Access, Challenging Court Decisions on Access, Breach of Confidence, Defence, Contempt of Court, Strict Liability Rule, Injunctions, Libel, Principle of Libel, Libel & Slander, Libel & Malicious Falsehood, Defamation, Plantiff’s Case, Defences Against Libel Claims, Procedure, Criminal Libel, Civil & Criminal Libel, Libel in Newspapers, Criminal Libel Actions, Penalties, Blasphemous Libel & Seditious Libel, Copyright, Infringement, Legal Implications & Restraints, Obscenity, Indecent Displays & Racial Hatred, Deprave & Corrupt, Seizure & Forfeiture, Incitement of Racial Hatred, Elections, Broadcasting Controls, Statements about Candidates, Parliamentary Privilege & Contempt, Freedom of Speech, Professional Regulatory Bodies, Regulatory Systems & Roles, Right to Privacy

Methodology
The principal method of learning is through lectures, course notes, exam preparation, recommended reading, assignments and projects. Students are expected to read recommended texts as a supplement to these learning methods. There are compulsory exams in all five subjects.

Duration and Cost
The Diploma in Journalism and Media Studies is a twenty-week programme and takes place one evening per week in Dublin city centre. The cost is 1,650 Euro and exam fees are 300 euro extra. Evening class plus Saturday class option.

Scheduled Dates 2008
Tuesday 7 October, 18:30-21:30 OR Saturday 11 October 2008, 10:00-13:00, 20WKS. (Summer Break - Aug-Sept 08).