Certificate in Freelance Journalism

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1 Certificate in Freelance Journalism Print Online v1

2 At Open Colleges, we are passionate about helping people from all walks of life to achieve their aspirations and dreams. For more than 100 years, we have been opening opportunities for people across Australia. Today, Open Colleges is blazing a new trail in online and distance education creating Australia s leader in next generation learning. Why study with Open Colleges? Freedom study where you want, when you want Our courses and learning materials have been designed specifically for open learning Our trainers are industry professionals with experience in supporting open learning students Our dedicated student support team is there to help you every step of the way Our virtual campus OpenSpace provides you with opportunities to interact with trainers and students Many of our courses are nationally recognised and meet professional licensing or registration requirements

3 Certificate in Freelance Journalism The career opportunities for freelance journalists span print, broadcast and online media. In recent times, limited in house resources have resulted in greater reliance on freelance journalists by many media organisations. This course is designed to help aspiring journalists tap into this market. It is suitable for both beginners and those with some experience in the industry, providing basic skills and more advanced knowledge, as well as a range of bonus learning materials. You will learn essential rules for good writing, techniques for sourcing story leads, and how to conduct research and interviews. Under the guidance of an experienced trainer, students will also learn about the media market, freelance opportunities and ethical and legal considerations. Guidelines for marketing your work and getting your freelance business off the ground are also provided. On completion, students will receive a 12-month Australian News Syndicate media pass. COURSE DETAILS Course Number Delivery mode Course duration Assessments Qualification Nationally Recognised Online or Print 6-18 months Includes written assessments. Open Colleges Certificate No

4 Certificate in Freelance Journalism What you need to know about this course COURSE NUMBER P89600 (Online) (Print) Entry requirements Minimum education Open entry. Previous schooling and academic achievements are not required for entry into this course. Minimum age Minimum age of 16 years. If you are under 18 your application must be signed by a parent or guardian. English language requirements If English is not your first language and you did not complete the last two years of secondary education in English, you are required to provide evidence of English language competency before enrolling into the course. Examples of appropriate evidence are listed below: Evidence Example IELTS Overall score of 5.5 TOEFL 530 (paper), 197 (computer) or 71 (internet) Evidence of 12 months in English-speaking Testimonial, statutory declaration employment Open Colleges will endeavour to provide additional assistance to students who experience difficulties with language, literacy and numeracy. Computer requirements You will need access to a computer and the internet. If you do not have access to either a computer or the internet please contact a course and careers adviser to discuss alternative methods of communication. Minimum specifications for your computer are: > Microsoft Office 2003, > Microsoft Windows 98 or Mac OS X > CD-ROM drive. Assessment details Assessments in this course include written assignments. Completion of your course Upon successful completion of this course you will receive an Open Colleges Freelance Journalism Certificate. In addition you will receive a FREE one-year media pass. Choose when you study Estimated hours of study and duration. Months 18 Hours of study per week 3.5 This is a guide only time taken to complete your course will depend on your level of skill and knowledge. Included learning materials > Writing for the Media DVD > Responsible Journalism CD-ROM Other courses you may be interested in > Certificate in Professional Editing & Proofreading > Certificate in Creative Writing > Certificate in Advanced Freelance Journalism You will also need access to a printer and the following applications: > Adobe Acrobat Reader > Macromedia Flash player > Java.

5 Certificate in Freelance Journalism Subject Descriptions Journalism fundamentals I > The role of a journalist > Tools of the trade > History and values of journalism > The journalistic guide > Column- and filler-writing > The 23 most common writing mistakes and how to avoid them Journalism fundamentals II > Headlines and leads > Sourcing the story > Six fundamental questions > What sells news > Writing adventure stories > Structuring your story Sourcing and preparing leads > The journalist s lead > Writing leads > Sourcing celebrity stories > Gossip journalism > Comment and opinion Writing style > Rules of good writing: Part I > Structuring your body copy > The antiques beat > Beating writer s block > Checklist of copywriting techniques Journalism essentials > Reporting the facts > People love stats > Powderhound: writing on skiing > The working freelancer Writing foundations > Rules of good writing: Part II > Words to watch > Writing about gardening > Writing a 4WD story > Philosophy of the successful freelancer > Write with a publication in mind Interview techniques > The art of the interview > Approaching your subject > Rules of interviewing > Interviewing celebrities > How to write a fashion story Digital photography > Film vs digital > Types of digital cameras > The digital portfolio > Digital imaging glossary Media research > Researching your subject > Objectivity > Researching online > Off the record > Writing about social change, historical features > Writing about art, writing an exhibition review Media markets > Writing for your local paper > Opportunities for beginners > Breaking into the mainstream > Job ideas > Speechwriting Becoming a freelance journalist > Freelancing opportunities > What freelancing offers > How to be successful > Advantages of specialisation > Selling worldwide > What editors want > The working freelance journalist (international) > Establishing payment Marketing your work > Networking in journalism > Writing a self-help story > Getting to know the high flyers > Create an image > Freelance journalism: the next step

6 Certificate in Freelance Journalism Writing articles > Police rounds and crime reporting > Writing a feature > Tabloids vs broadsheets > Writing the news > Writing a golf story > Writing about wine > Controversy and news reporting > Writing a health and fitness article Generating story ideas > How to succeed as a surf journalist > Lifestyle journalism > How to dream up, write and sell a freelance story > Writing about nature and the environment > Where do ideas come from? Ethics, legal guidelines and copyright > An introduction to law > Libel and defamation > Court reporting > Introduction to ethics > Recommendations for professional reporting Building your freelance business > Business basics for journalists > The internet as a business resource > Writing music columns and reviews > Writing a human interest story

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8 Studying with Open Colleges Open Colleges provides you with the freedom to study where and when you want. We understand that our students are constantly juggling multiple priorities, so our unique learning approach has been specifically designed to enable you to fit education and training around your lifestyle. After you enrol with Open Colleges you will be provided with access to OpenSpace our cutting edge virtual campus. Here are some of the key features and benefits of OpenSpace: Access Access your learning materials, assessments and additional online resources wherever you have an internet connection. You can also download your study guides, workbooks and assessments so that you can study wherever and whenever it suits you. If you like, you can elect to receive a print copy of your learning materials and assessments (a small surcharge applies). Connections Connect with your trainers, assessors and other students. You can participate in the lively student forums, link up with a study buddy or engage with your trainer. OpenSpace is also where you will submit your assessments and receive your grades. Support Access the student support team using the online enquiry feature. OpenSpace also provides a detailed searchable database of Frequently Asked Questions, so that we can provide you with 24/7 responses to many of the common queries. You can also contact the student support team by phone on If you do not have access to the internet, don t worry. Just speak to one of our course and careers advisers on to discuss your printbased distance learning options. To make your learning experience as easy as possible, we will send you a copy of any textbooks or other materials that are required as part of your course. This is unique to Open Colleges. I would like to thank you for allowing me to study with you. This experience has opened my eyes to what I want to do for the rest of my life...i can t wait to receive my certificate! I have had nothing but good experiences with you. Letiesha Laidlaw, Open Colleges Student 2011 Knowledge OpenSpace is your link to Gale our extensive online library. Through Gale you will have access to millions of academic, magazine and newspaper articles from around the world.

9 How to Enrol Enrolling with Open Colleges is easy: Enrol online today. Just visit our website, select your course and click Enrol Today OR Enrol by phone. Just call one of our friendly course and careers advisers on OR Complete the attached Enrolment Form and return it to us by post, or fax. Need more information? We appreciate that choosing the right course is important. If you would like to discuss your career or course options, please do not hesitate to call our course and careers team on or with your questions.

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