DIPLOMA IN JOURNALISM AND COMMUNICATION
PROGRAMME DURATION: 6 MONTHS
TOTAL GUIDED LEARNING HOURS: 144 HOURS
MODE: WEEKDAYS / WEEKENDS
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
The Diploma in Journalism and Multimedia Communication aims to develop competent, ethical, and industry-ready media professionals with skills in news reporting, multimedia storytelling, digital journalism, photography, video production, and media law.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon completion of the programme, learners will be able to:
- Understand the role and responsibilities of journalism in modern society.
- Apply professional news writing and reporting techniques.
- Produce digital journalism content for online and social platforms.
- Apply photography and visual storytelling techniques in media reporting.
- Produce and edit basic video content for multimedia platforms.
- Demonstrate awareness of media ethics and communication law.
- Develop content for digital audiences using storytelling techniques.
- Work effectively in newsroom and field reporting environments.
- Produce a professional multimedia journalism portfolio.
- Demonstrate ethical and professional media communication practices.
MODULE 1. INTRODUCTION TO JOURNALISM AND MEDIA SYSTEMS
DURATION– 18 HOURS
Units
Unit 1.1: Foundations of Journalism
- Definition and scope of journalism
- Role of journalists in society
- Types of journalism
Unit 1.2: Media Systems and Platforms
- Print, broadcast, and digital media
- Media organizations and structure
- Audience and communication flow
Unit 1.3: Journalism Ethics and Responsibility
- Objectivity and accuracy
- Media credibility
- Public responsibility
Assessment
- Individual Presentation: “Role of Media in Modern Society”
- Short Written Assignment
MODULE 2. NEWS WRITING AND REPORTING
DURATION – 30 HOURS
Units
Unit 2.1: News Values and Structure
- Newsworthiness criteria
- Inverted pyramid structure
- Headlines and leads
Unit 2.2: Reporting Techniques
- Field reporting
- Interviewing skills
- Note-taking and observation
Unit 2.3: Feature and Investigative Writing
- Feature writing styles
- Story development techniques
- Investigative reporting basics
Assessment
- News Report Writing Assignment
- Mock Press Conference Report
- Field Reporting Task
MODULE 3. DIGITAL JOURNALISM AND SOCIAL MEDIA
DURATION: – 24 HOURS
Units
Unit 3.1: Digital News Production
- Online journalism principles
- Content creation for web platforms
Unit 3.2: Social Media Journalism
- Platform-based storytelling
- Audience engagement strategies
Unit 3.3: Ethical Digital Communication
- Misinformation and fact-checking
- Responsible content sharing
Assessment
- Social Media Campaign Project
- Blog Article Submission
Group Presentation
MODULE 4. PHOTOGRAPHY AND VISUAL STORYTELLING
DURATION– 24 HOURS
Units
Unit 4.1: Basics of Photography
- Camera functions and settings
- Composition techniques
Unit 4.2: Photojournalism
- News photography principles
- Ethical visual reporting
Unit 4.3: Visual Editing and Captioning
- Image selection and editing
- Caption writing for news context
Assessment
- Photography Portfolio
- Photo Story Project
- Practical Camera Exercise
MODULE 5. VIDEO PRODUCTION AND EDITING
DURATION– 30 HOURS
Units
Unit 5.1: Video Journalism Fundamentals
- Storyboarding and scripting
- News video structure
Unit 5.2: Production Techniques
- Camera operation
- Lighting and sound basics
Unit 5.3: Video Editing and Publishing
- Editing software basics
- Story sequencing and final output
Assessment
- Short Documentary Project
- Video Editing Practical Test
- Group Video Presentation
MODULE 6. MEDIA ETHICS AND COMMUNICATION LAW
DURATION – 18 HOURS
Units
Unit 6.1: Media Ethics
- Ethical journalism standards
- Responsibility to society
Unit 6.2: Media Law Basics
- Defamation and privacy laws
- Copyright and intellectual property
Unit 6.3: Regulatory Framework
- Media policies and regulations
- Press freedom and limitations
Assessment
- Case Study Analysis
- Written Examination
- Classroom Debate
FINAL ASSESSMENT
FINAL MULTIMEDIA PORTFOLIO PROJECT
Students must produce:
- News report (written)
- Video news segment or documentary
- Photo story portfolio
- Social media journalism content
VIVA / ORAL EXAMINATION
Media knowledge as
- Portfolio presentation
- Professional communication evaluation
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates may pursue careers as:
- Journalist
- News Reporter
- Digital Content Creator
- Social Media Manager
- Photojournalist
- Video Journalist
- News Editor Assistant
- Broadcast Assistant
- Media Researcher
- Content Writer
- Freelance Journalist
- Multimedia Producer
PROGRESSION PATHWAYS
Graduates may progress to:
- Mass Communication
- Media and Journalism Degrees
- Digital Media Production
- Public Relations
- Film and Television Studies
- Communication and Media Studies
PROGRAMME DURATION
Component | Hours |
Theory / Classroom Learning | 60 Hours |
Practical Studio & Field Training | 72 Hours |
Assessments & Portfolio Work | 12 Hours |
TOTAL PROGRAMME HOURS | 144 Hours |
ASSESSMENT GRADING CRITERIA
- 0 – 39: (Repeat Examination Required)
- 40 – 59: Pass
- 60 – 74: Merit
- 75 and Above: Distinction
Course Locations
Kandy Branch
337/1 Katugastota Road, Kandy
(Mawilmada Junction – 1st Floor, Pizza Hut Building)
Negombo Branch:
12, Thaladuwa First Lane, Negombo
(Behind the Negombo Central Bus Stand)