Diploma: Journalism


All students complete an entrepreneurship course as part of the Journalism programme. The intention is to instil entrepreneurial skills that support their academic qualifications.


Careers for This Qualification

Journalism is a vast field and it is growing day by day. During the early days, it was limited to the print sector (newspapers and magazines). Now television, radio and the internet are important fields in journalism.

The WSU Diploma in Journalism qualification prepares you for a satisfying and challenging career in these fields.


Prospective Employers

Community, commercial and public media entities.


Purpose of the Qualification

Students who obtain the Diploma: Journalism will have been equipped with the theoretical and practical knowledge needed to operate efficiently, independently and professionally in a media environment, producing basic media products as a journalist/ media worker.


Exit Level Outcomes of the Programme

On completion of this programme, students will be able to:

  • Develop in-depth print media content from its inception through to the final product in a contextualised environment
  • Develop in-depth broadcast news reports from inception through to the final product in a contextualised environment
  • Develop specialised reports or features for print, broadcast or online distribution in a contextualised environment
  • Edit content for the print media genres
  • Use established ENG techniques to news gather information for the production of broadcast content.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

  • Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.
  • Work with others effectively as a member of a team, group, organisation and community.
  • Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.
  • Collect, organise, analyse and critically evaluate information.
  • Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/ or language skills in the modes of written or oral communication.
  • Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and the health of others.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation
  • Contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large by making it the underlying intention of any programme of learning to make an individual more aware of the importance of:
    • Participate as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities.
    • Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts.
    • Reflect and explore a variety of strategies to learn more effectively
    • Develop entrepreneurial opportunities.
    • Explore educational and career opportunities. 

Minimum Admission Requirements

National Senior Certificate

The minimum statutory NSC requirements for Certificate entry must be met. Level 4 in English Home Language or English First Additional Language as well as a rating Level of 3 or better in 3 NSC 20 credit subjects.

FET College: N3 Certificate with Level 4 for English

Grade 12/Matric

Senior Certificate Requirement: A D symbol for English (1st Additional Language)

TVET Colleges

National Certificate Requirement: N3 Certificate with Level 4 for English

National Certificate (Vocational) Level 4: Applicants with a National Certificate (Vocational Level-4) must meet the statutory requirements for entry into a Diploma programme. A certificate with Level 4 for English.

Additional Requirements: Selected candidates must undertake a written assessment exercise as well as an interview as screening tests. Students will be selected if their performance on these exercises meets the necessary requirements. Industry-related experience will be considered


Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Prior learning shall be recognised subject to the requirement of each programme and as per WSU’s Recognition of Prior Learning Policy (RPL).


International Students

Applications from international students are considered in terms of:

  • Universities South Africa (Usaf)/Institutional Guidelines “Exemption Requirements: Foreign School Qualifications” institutional equivalence reference document
  • Where required, submission of international qualification to SAQA for benchmarking in terms of HEQF.

Mature Age Endorsement

Refer to requirements as per WSU’s General Rules & Regulations – Section 1.6.