NCFE Freelance Journalism

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

This is the NCFE Level 3 Freelance Journalism course. This home learning course is designed for people who wish to gain or improve their skills in journalistic writing and marketing their copy to a range of printed media. The objective of this course is to provide students with the knowledge and skills to produce professional standard journalistic articles and to know how to market them. During the course students will examine and practice the four main questions of journalism:

• WHAT to write
• HOW to write it
• WHICH techniques to use and
• WHERE to submit your work

And specifically examine: Content, Style, Techniques and Marketing

Course Content

The course is divided up eight modules, as follows:

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

A successfully completed course leads to a Level 3 award in Freelance Journalism from NCFE; a leading UK awarding body recognised by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority.

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

• Course Content
• Assessment
• Study Method
• Qualifications/Accreditations
• Course Questions & Answers