journalism

8. Magazine Journalism

Programme Objectives

To provide prospective students of the Journalism and Media Industries with a body of relevant and current knowledge which will: -

• increase and broaden their employment opportunities within the industries

• provide them with an extensive theoretical and practical knowledge base on which to build their careers and enable them to progress to higher levels of the media and journalism industries

• increase and broaden their understanding of contemporary multi platform journalism skills, and their awareness of the emerging digital media landscape and the new opportunities which are becoming available.

The ICM Diploma in Journalism is also suitable to working journalists, who wish to broaden their skills and knowledge base, and who require appropriate qualifications for career advancement or promotion purposes.

Recommended Course Duration

It is expected that a student will need at least 6 months to 9 months of full-time study at London East Bank College (an ICM Approved Centre) to complete the Certificate in Journalism course and the same duration for Diploma in Journalism programme.

Examination Grades

Grade A – Distinction 70% and above

Grade B - Credit 60% to 69%

Grade C - Pass 50% to 59%

Grade D - Marginal Pass 40% to 49%

Grade F - Fail 39% and under

Certification

On successful completion of all four units, students are awarded the ICM Certificate in Journalism. Similarly, on successful completion of the additional four units at the Diploma stage students are awarded the ICM Diploma in Journalism.

Continuing Education

The LEBC Journalism programme will serve as an excellent route for students who ultimately seek full professional status and will provide first class underpinning knowledge for the UK degrees in Journalism and Media Studies. Holders of an ICM Diploma in Journalism may enter the second year of an appropriate degree programme or alternatively when this has been validated, the ICM Advanced Diploma programme with subsequent potential entry to the final year of appropriate Honours degree programmes. However, theprogramme Advanced Diploma in Journalism is currently under review.

Entry Requirements

Students holding relevant recognised qualifications from other institutions or professional examining bodies may apply for exemptions on a subject-for-subject basis.

The Institute operates an ‘Open Access’ policy in respect of many of its vocational programmes but prospective students should note that the following entrance qualifications are recommended for those wishing to undertake the ICM Diploma programme:

• One GCE A-level plus Three GCSEs (or equivalents)

• A suitable BTEC National Award

• Any qualification equivalent to one or more of the above.

The minimum age for registration for this programme is 18.

Applicants over the age of 20 who do not hold one of the recommended entrance qualifications may also register for the programme providing they have been in full-time employment for a minimum of two years.

Examinations

Examinations are externally set and marked by the Institute. Examinations are held in March, June, September and December each year. Candidates must be registered and paid-up Student Members of the Institute at the time they undertake the examinations.

Examination papers are securely distributed to ICM approved centres and scripts are graded in the UK by ICM appointed examiners.

Full details of examination dates will be sent by ICM and LEBC students should obtain the required information from the School of Journalism & Media Studies.

Candidates entering for examinations must ensure that their completed examination entry forms and fees reach the Institute at least eight weeks before the date of the examinations. Examination timetables indicate the closing date for receipt of entries for each sitting.

These are distributed within twelve weeks after each examination period. Candidates are encouraged not to call the ICM direct for results as this confidential information cannot be disclosed over the telephone.

Students holding relevant recognised qualifications from other professional bodies may apply for exemptions on a subject-for-subject basis. Documentary evidence is required before any decision can be made.

LEBC will offer you a detailed syllabus and reading list provided by ICM for each subject area. Each subject syllabus clearly defines the areas that you will be required to cover for each subject and your examination questions will be based on the areas and topics detailed for each subject. It is important to ensure that you obtain a copy of each subject syllabus from the department. Alternatively, this information can be obtained online at www.icm.ac.uk in the “Study Centre” section.

Each subject syllabus is normally linked to one main textbook and the examiners base their questions on the contents of the nominated core text.

The subject syllabuses also give details of ‘Alternative Texts’ and texts recommended for further reading. It is recommended that you should read one or more of the ‘Alternative Texts’ in order to develop your skills and broaden your knowledge of the subject area.

This programme is designed for those wishing to pursue or develop a career in written or broadcast journalism. The programme introduces students to the role of the media in modern society and focuses on the skills needed to research, prepare and present news and information. It is intended to equip students with the skills which they will require in order to operate effectively in the global communications environment.

It is suitable for those working in the media, who wish to enhance their prospects, and for those who intend to pursue a career in this field.

Externally set and marked by the Institute. Examinations are held in March, June, September and December each year. Candidates must be registered and paid-up Student Members of the Institute at the time they undertake the examinations.

Students holding relevant recognised qualifications from other professional bodies may apply for exemptions on a subject-for-subject basis.

The Institute operates an ‘Open Entry’ policy in respect of many of its vocational programmes but prospective students should note that the following entry qualifications are recommended for those wishing to undertake this Diploma programme:

PLEASE NOTE: IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THOSE WISHING TO UNDERTAKE THIS PROGRAMME ARE ABLE TO COMMUNICATE FLUENTLY IN BOTH WRITTEN AND SPOKEN ENGLISH. THE EXAMINERS WILL DEDUCT MARKS FOR THE INCORRECT USE OF GRAMMAR, POOR SENTENCE CONSTRUCTION AND THE INAPPROPRIATE USE OF ENGLISH.

Applicants over the age of 19 who do not hold one of the recommended entrance qualifications may also register for the programme providing they have been in full-time employment for a minimum of two years.

The LEBC School of Journalism & Media Studies has been provided with a detailed syllabus and reading list for each subject area. Each subject syllabus clearly defines the areas that you will be required to cover for each subject and your examination questions will be based on the areas and topics detailed for each subject. It is important to ensure that you obtain a copy of each subject syllabus from the school.

Each subject syllabus is linked to one main textbook and the examiners base their questions on the contents of the nominated text. The subject syllabuses also give details of ‘Alternative Texts’ and texts recommended for further reading. Where possible you should read one or more of the ‘Alternative Texts’ in order to broaden your knowledge of the subject area.

The LEBC School of Journalism & Media Studies has got its connections with several UK based media houses in order to offer modern digital editing facilities and other technical supports to the students.

Every student has a three week work placement within the news broadcasting industry, which is undertaken in-between the 2nd and 3rd month of study. Each student has an assessment completed by their broadcast mentor at the end of the placement. We however encourage students to organise their own work experience as well as this mandatory placement.