CERTIFICATE IN JOURNALISM VWR001

Journalism Training Correspondence Course

Study for your Certificate in Journalism via Distance Education

Course Content
The course is made up of 6 modules as follows:

Module 1. Freelance Writing
Many professional writers start out by freelancing.
This course will show you how to write, what writing is marketable, and how to go about selling your work. Emphasis is placed on things which are important to publishers who might buy your work. Tutors concentrate on your ability to properly structure an article, and to be both concise and clear in your use of words. Learning outcomes for graduates of the course include:
* Have improved communication skills, particularly with respect to clarity, conciseness and correct grammar.
* Be familiar with the "writing industry"; having a clear idea of where opportunities exist for obtaining work as a freelance writer.
* Know how to go about approaching potential clients to obtain work.
* Have an understanding of the processes involved in publishing books, magazines and newspapers;
from generating concepts to seeing the finshed publication on sale.
There are ten lessons:
1. Introduction
2. Basic Writing Skills
3. The Publishing World
4. Manuscripts
5. Planning
6. Newspaper Writing
7. Magazine Writing
8. Writing Books
9. Writing Advertising
10. Special Assignment

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Module 2. Advanced Freelance Writing
This is an ideal course to follow Freelance Writing for people with existing skills, but a need to improve their overall technique and develop a more "commercial" approach to their work. Eight lessons:
1. Writing Themes
2. Writing a Regular Column
3. Educational Writing
4. Scientific Writing
5. Writing a Biographical Story
6. Writing a News Article
7. Fiction Writing
8. Other Writing.

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Module 3. Editing l
This course develops your understanding of the purposes and aims of editing, and also of what editors do. Students will learn about the importance of clear, effective writing throughout all stages of the publishing process and how editors assess manuscripts and prepare them for publication. The course may be taken alone or as part of higher level courses in journalism, writing, editing and
publishing.
The course covers: the nature and scope of editing, the role and responsibility of the editor in publishing, working with authors and publishers, the editing process and skills required, copyright and other legal concerns, indexing and referencing, varying the approach according to the kind of
book, etc.

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Module 4. Publishing l
This course provides an excellent start for anyone considering self publishing, or seeking employment in publishing. It is equally relevant to electronic or print publishing. There are ten lessons as follows:
1. Nature and scope of the publishing world
2. Publishing procedures and techniques
3. Desktop publishing A
4. Desktop publishing B
5. Illustration: Graphics
6. Illlustration: Photography
7. Research Skills: Market research, researching an article
8. Marketing of publications
9. Ethics and the law in publishing
10. Developing a publishing Project

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Module 5. Photoshop
Provides a basic understanding of how to create and manipulate images using Adobe Photoshop, for use on the web as well as print. There are 9 lessons in this module as follows:
1. Getting Started
2. Working With Digital Image Files
3. Understanding The Tool Palette
4. Using Layers, Actions, and History
5. Digital Painting, Shapes and Colours
6. Selecting, Resizing, Transforming and Masking
7. Adjustments and Modifications
8. Adding Filters and Effects
9. Preparing Files For Print and Web

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Module 6. plus one relevant elective module/short course from one of these fields of study -
writing, publishing, editing, IT, or photography.

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Duration: 600 hours

Fee Payment Options

You can pay either

• Full Fees
• As a two part payment plan
• As a four part payment plan

If you pay in full on enrolment, the fees are discounted.

If you pay in 2 parts, the first half of the course is supplied initially; and the second part payment is not made until you have completed the first half (at which time the second half of the course is supplied).

If you pay in 4 parts, the first half is still supplied; you are then billed a second payment (due 2 months later). The third payment becomes due when you commence the second half of the certificate.The fourth part is due 2 months after that.

Do you want to be a Journalist?

Journalists are primarily writers who are writing for periodicals (ie. things published at regular intervals). Some journalists work on staff for a publisher (full time or part time),from the publishers office; while others may work freelance or contract, from home, submitting articles which have been commissioned, or on spec (ie. in the hope they will be accepted).
Freelance journalists often start slow, only getting occasional articles published early in their career; but with persistence and good luck, they can develop a reputation and network of publishers who accept their work (so much so that they can earn a comfortable living from their writing).

Some in house journalists will find themselves being used to perform a range of other jobs in the office where they work. Pasrticularly in smaller publishing houses, they may need to help with editing, layout -preparing publications for printing, web site development, marketing copy writing, conducting interviews, answering the phone, research for articles, photography, etc.

Some freelance journalists supplement their income by indertaking other work as well, such as contract editing for publishers, writing advertizing copy or web site development, taking and selling photos, etc.

Be taught by Journalists

This course has been developed by; and is taught by successful Journalists, Editors and Authors with work published around the world. The course is continually reviewed (just as the industry continually changes), and through interacting with these experts you are going to develop a very hands on understanding of the global industry, and develop an improved capacity to not only write, but write marketable work.

More Information on ACS Distance Education and our courses

Who are our tutors?

Our tutors are all highly experienced and professional, knowledgeable in their field of study. We have staff from around the world, enabling us to gain a wide variety of perspectives. We have a school in the UK and in Australia. If you would like to have a look at our tutors, then click on the “The School” in the boxes above and choose “The Staff” option.

Sample Course Notes

Our courses are all written by highly qualified tutors and writers, who also teach on the courses, so know them well. We strive to update our courses and improve them with new information, methods and knowledge on an ongoing basis. If you would like to see examples of some of our courses, then choose the “Enrolment” option above, and then click on “Sample Course Notes”.

What learning method should I choose?

We offer three learning methods – e-learning, correspondence and online. If you are not sure which is the right choose for you, then click on the “Enrolment” box above, then “Learning Methods.”

How Long will it take to complete the course?

This obviously varies from student to student. Some students will have more time for study than others. Some students may work quicker than others, so it is an individual thing. We estimate that most students will take, for example, 4 – 6 months to complete a 100 hour individual module, but we allow up to 12 months for you to complete it.

Longer courses will obviously take longer. You can find more information on the length of time required and so on the “Enrolment” box, then selecting “Terms and Conditions of Enrolment.”

What Do Our Students think of us?

If you would like to read comments from our previous students, then choose the “Enrolment” option above, then “Student Testimonials”.

I don’t think this is the right course for me.

If you’re not sure about this course, then why not look at our wide range of other courses. Click on the “Courses” box above.

You may also wish to design your own course to fit in with exactly what YOU want. To do so, click on the “Enrolment” box, then “Design your Own Course”.

If you would like more advice on a course, then you can contact us and ask a tutor about the courses. You can contact us by calling 0800 328 4723 or +44(0) 384 442752 or emailing info@acsedu.co.uk

Recognition and Accreditation

For more information on our recognition and accreditation, click on “The School”, then “Recognition”.

Who is ACS Distance Education?

If you want to know more about ACS and our history, then please click on “The School”, then “About us.”

Jounalism Certificate Study at Home

Study for your Certificate in Journalism by Distance Learning

The full certificate involves thirty lessons, covering: Introduction to Writing; Writing Skills; The Publishing World; Planning What You Write; Magazine Articles; Newspaper Articles; Graphic and Photographic Illustration; Layout Skills; Publishing; Office Organisation and Procedures; Conducting an Interview; Biographical and Fictional Story Writing; Educational and Scientific Writing; Writing a Regular Column; Newsletters and News Columns; How to Present and Sell Yourself to a Publisher.
'Many of the skills that I have learnt from this course help me on a day to day basis’.
A. Peterson, ACS Journalism student.