Freelance Journalism Level 3

• Course Code: OCN305
• Award Level 3, Similar to - A-Level

This is the NCFE Level 3 Freelance Journalism course.

• Gain or improve your skills in journalistic writing and marketing your copy to a range of printed media.
• Develop the knowledge and skills to produce professional standard journalistic articles and to know how to market them.
• Examine and practice the four main questions of journalism:

1. What do I write?
2. How do I write?
3. Which techniques do I  use?
4. Where do I submit my work?

And specifically examine: Content, Style, Techniques and Marketing

Course Content

Unit 1: Introduction

• What can this course do for you?
• Why do we need content?
• How is style arrived at?
• How do we know what an editor wants?
• Where is analysis important?

Unit 2: Markets

• Presentation
• Keeping records 
• What the editor wants 
• How to analyse 
• What the reader wants

Unit 3: Content 

• What do I write?
• Why do I need to find ideas? 
• How do I save time and trouble? 
• When do some themes not sell? 
• Where is interviewing a factor?

Unit 4: Style

• How do I write?
• Why do I need to find the right tone? 
• How do I use the basics well?
• When do I use structure?
• Where is re-writing a factor?

Unit 5: Techniques

• What techniques will help me sell my work? 
• Why do I need new angles?
• How do basic techniques help? 
• When is the `writer`s dozen` valuable? 
• Where is self-discipline a factor?

Unit 6: Practical Matters

• What is defamation?
• Why is reputation important?
• How do I avoid libel? 
• When is copyright important? 
• Where are photographs a factor?

Unit 7: Fiction Writing

• What do editors not want?
• Why is market analysis valuable? 
• How do I undertake market analysis? 
• When is plotting useful? 
• Where is characterisation a factor?

Unit 8: No Excuses – Verse, Criticism and Sports Writing

• What is critical writing?
• Why does verse usually not sell?
• How do I see about income tax?
• When is executive writing used?
• Where are expenses a factor?

Assessment

The Freelance Journalism course assessment takes the form of a series of written assignments, which are submitted and marked by your tutor. There is no external examination required.

Study Method

The course is designed for study by distance learning at home or at work. Students receive a course manual, assignments and study guide plus tutor support by mail or email. You can start at any time and plan your studies over a period of up to one year from the time of registration.

Qualifications

At the end of this course successful learners will receive a level 3 NCFE Award certificate of achievement. That means that it is independently accredited at a level of learning equivalent to level 3 on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) for England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

You can read more about NCFE and our awarding bodies here: Awards