Top 10 Journalism Courses In South Africa

In South Africa, several institutions offer journalism courses across different program types, from diplomas to postgraduate degrees. Below are examples of programs, the institutions where you can study them, and general entry requirements.

Journalism Courses In South Africa

1. Diploma in Journalism And Media Studies

Institution: Damelin College
Program: Diploma in Journalism and Media Studies
Duration: 3 years
Requirements: National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent with a minimum of 30% in the language of teaching and learning. Some programs may require proficiency in English or an additional language.

2. Diploma in Media Practices with a Journalism Major

Boston City Campus
Program: Diploma in Media Practices with a Journalism Major
Duration: 3 years
Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent qualification with a pass in English.

3. Bachelor of Journalism and Media Studies

Institution: Rhodes University
Program: Bachelor of Journalism and Media Studies
Duration: 4 years
Requirements: NSC with a minimum of 50% in English and overall admission points (APS) that meet the university’s entry requirements. Students also go through an admission interview process.

4. BA in Journalism

University of Johannesburg (UJ)
Program: BA in Journalism
Duration: 3 years
Requirements: NSC with a minimum APS score of 26, and a minimum of 50% in English as well as another language.

5. BA in Social Dynamics with a specialization in Journalism

Stellenbosch University
Program: BA in Social Dynamics with a specialization in Journalism
Duration: 3 years
Requirements: NSC with a minimum of 50% in English, plus additional APS points as required by the university.

6. Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism

Institution: Rhodes University
Program: Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism
Duration: 1 year
Requirements: An undergraduate degree in any field. Applicants may need to submit a portfolio of work or undergo an interview.

7. Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism and Media Studies

University of Witwatersrand (Wits)
Program: Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism and Media Studies
Duration: 1 year
Requirements: An undergraduate degree with a strong academic record. Experience in journalism may be required, and students must submit a portfolio and complete an interview process.

8. BA Honours in Journalism

Institution: University of Witwatersrand (Wits)
Program: BA Honours in Journalism
Duration: 1 year
Requirements: A bachelor’s degree with a minimum average of 65% in the final year of undergraduate study. Prior journalism experience or coursework may be required.

9. Honours in Journalism

Stellenbosch University
Program: Honours in Journalism
Duration: 1 year
Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in a related field with a strong academic record (65% or higher), plus an interview and/or portfolio.

10. Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Media and Journalism

Institution: University of Cape Town (UCT)
Program: Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Media and Journalism
Duration: 1-2 years
Requirements: A relevant honours degree or equivalent qualification. Some programs may require a research proposal and academic references.

General Entry Requirements

For undergraduate programs (diplomas and bachelor’s degrees), South African institutions typically require:

National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a good pass in English (50% or higher).
An APS score of 21–28, depending on the institution and program.
Some institutions may require additional subject passes or language proficiency tests.

For postgraduate programs, requirements generally include:

A relevant undergraduate degree with strong academic performance.
Portfolios of work (for professional practice programs) or research proposals (for academic programs).
Interviews or entrance tests in some cases.

Fees Of Journalism Courses In South Africa

The fees for journalism courses in South Africa can vary significantly depending on the institution and the level of study (certificate, diploma, undergraduate, or postgraduate). Here’s a general idea of the costs:

Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor’s Degrees):
- Fees range from ZAR 30,000 to ZAR 70,000 per year depending on the university and specific course.
- Top universities like the University of Witwatersrand, Stellenbosch University, and Rhodes University are on the higher end.
Diploma/Certificate Programs:
- These programs tend to be more affordable, with fees ranging from ZAR 15,000 to ZAR 40,000.
- Institutions like Damelin, Varsity College, and some technical colleges offer diploma and certificate journalism courses.
Postgraduate Programs (Honours, Master’s, PhD):
- Postgraduate journalism programs can cost between ZAR 40,000 to ZAR 100,000 per year, depending on the university and level of specialization.

These are estimates, and it’s important to check directly with the institution for specific and up-to-date information regarding fees, scholarships, or financial aid options

Career Opportunities Of Journalism Courses In South Africa

Journalism courses in South Africa can lead to a variety of career opportunities across different sectors. Here are some key pathways:

News Reporting: Graduates can work as journalists for print, broadcast, or online media, covering local, national, and international news stories.
Broadcast Journalism: Opportunities exist in radio and television as news anchors, reporters, or producers, where professionals create and present news content.
Digital Journalism: With the rise of online media, there’s a growing demand for digital journalists who can produce content for websites, blogs, and social media platforms.
Public Relations: Many journalism graduates transition into public relations, where they manage communications and promote the image of organizations or individuals.
Content Creation: Companies and brands increasingly require content creators for marketing, advertising, and communication strategies.
Editing and Production: Opportunities exist in editing for various media outlets, where professionals refine and polish written content for publication.
Investigative Journalism: This specialized field involves in-depth research and reporting on complex issues, often involving corruption, crime, or social injustices.
Freelance Journalism: Many journalists work independently, contributing articles to various publications or media outlets, allowing for flexibility and diverse topics.
Media Management: Graduates may take on roles in media management, overseeing operations in media organizations, including strategic planning and staff management.
Academic and Research Roles: Those interested in academia can pursue teaching or research positions at universities, contributing to the development of journalism education.
Social Media Management: As social media plays a crucial role in news dissemination, there are opportunities to manage and create content for various platforms.

Skills Developed in Journalism Courses:

Research and Writing: Strong emphasis on research methods and effective writing techniques.
Critical Thinking: Analyzing information critically and presenting it clearly.
Multimedia Skills: Training in video production, photography, and digital content creation.
Ethical Standards: Understanding ethical issues and legal considerations in journalism.

Key Institutions Offering Journalism Courses:

University of Cape Town (UCT)
Stellenbosch University
Wits University
Rhodes University
Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)

Industry Trends:

Digital Transformation: As media evolves, there is a shift towards digital platforms, requiring journalists to adapt to new technologies and storytelling methods.
Data Journalism: Increasingly, journalists are expected to analyze data to uncover and present stories effectively.

Overall, journalism courses in South Africa offer a robust foundation for entering a dynamic and evolving field, with diverse career paths available for graduates

Conclusion

These programs offer a blend of practical journalism skills, including writing, multimedia production, and research, alongside theoretical studies of media and society