NCTJ
Level 3
QN: 603/3651/1
Curriculum Active
NCTJ Level 3 Certificate in Foundation Journalism
Official qualification regulated by Ofqual, awarded by NCTJ. Classified as a Vocationally-Related Qualification. Total guided learning hours: 239 hours.
Qualification Level
Level 3
Awarding Body
NCTJ
Syllabus Units
18 Units
Guided Hours
239 hrs
Instant access to interactive lessons, quizzes, and spaced revision.
Course Syllabus & Study Modules
Complete breakdown of verified curriculum topics and learning objectives.
1
Community Radio Newsgathering
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Be able to use community radio broadcasts to build contacts and find news
- Be able to create a community news bulletin
- Be able to control a news-based studio discussion
- Understand how to broadcast live on-air from the studio or remote location
- Understand the rules under which community radio stations broadcast news
2
Feature writing
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Be able to identify suitable subjects for feature articles
- Be able to write feature articles for impact and attention on two different topics
3
Finding and using data
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Be able to find data from a range of sources
- Be able to access data from a range of sources
- Be able to interpret data gathered
- Be able to demonstrate how to use data effectively
- Be able to use graphics and illustrations drawn from the data to help readers understand the story
4
Gathering Information
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Be able to research stories suitable for publication.
- Be able to research stories ensuring accuracy of information.
- Be able to identify dangers of internet research.
- Understand the principles of what makes a good interview.
- Be able to interview people to gain facts and opinions.
5
How society works
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the roles and responsibilities of government structures supporting society in the UK
6
How to tell a news story
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Be able to produce an accurate news story suitable for publication
7
How to use the English Language for Journalism
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Be able to write English in a clear and direct manner
- Be able to use correct spelling, punctuation and grammar when writing English
- Be able to communicate in a clear, direct and grammatical manner
8
Legal and ethical considerations for journalists
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand what is meant by libel and slander
- Understand how the law of copyright works
- Understand how privacy laws can affect a journalist’s work
- Understand the contempt of court laws and how they affect the work of a journalist
- Be able to know what to do if legal problems arise
- Understand the difference between legal regulations and codes of conduct
- Understand where legal regulation applies and who is the regulator
9
Recording Information
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the various methods of gathering and recording information.
- Know the equipment available for recording information
- Understand the legal and ethical considerations of using recording equipment for interviews or in other places
10
Reviews and Comment Articles
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Be able to review in a fair and accurate manner
- Be able to comment in a fair and accurate manner
11
Sports reporting
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the rules and competition formats of major UK sports
- Understand the national governance of major UK sports and how this relates to local, grassroots clubs
- Understand how to prepare to cover a match or event
- Understand who to interview before a match and event and afterwards
- Be able to compile a match or sports event report
- Understand the dangers of defamation in sports reporting
12
Taking Images Suitable for Publication
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Be able to produce images suitable for publication from a range of settings
- Understand how to prepare images for publication on a range of platforms
13
The History of News
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand how UK newspapers developed over the centuries
- Understand how UK news broadcasting has developed
- Understand how digital news publishing has developed
14
Using audio to tell a story
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Be able to record audio to a useable standard
- Be able to edit audio recordings to tell a story
- Be able to make a podcast
15
Using the English Language for maximum effect in journalism
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Be able to select the right words and phrases to convey a powerful message
16
Using Video to tell a Story
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Be able to record video, including sound, to a usable standard
- Be able to edit video footage to tell a story
17
Writing for a Specific Purpose
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Be able to write for a newsletter
- Be able to write a press release
18
Writing for digital media
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Be able to write a blog
- Be able to write articles for websites
- Be able to use social media
Regulatory & Verification Details
- Qualification Number (QN)
- 603/3651/1
- Regulated Status
- Available to learners
- Awarding Body
- NCTJ
- Qualification Type
- Vocationally-Related Qualification
- Operational Start
- Oct 2018
- Operational End
- Jul 2028