Journalism & Content Creation Levels 5 & 6
Course Code MJH
NFQ Level 5 and 6
Duration 2 Years
Award Year 1: QQI Level 5 Certificate in Media Production (5M18518)
Award Year 2: QQI Level 6 Certificate in Media Production (6M5130)
![](https://www.bcfe.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/mjh.jpg)
Why choose Journalism?
This practical journalism course focuses on developing your multimedia skills to prepare you to work across all platforms: social, mobile, broadcast, digital and print journalism.
You will be trained to become a skilled digital content creator who can demonstrate essential skills and use of new technologies for the fast-moving 21st century media workplace. These includes smartphone photography and video journalism and the use of Adobe CC software for digital page production, social media campaigns and digital editing (sound and video). On completion of this course, you will have developed the production skills necessary to create content for a variety of genres: podcasting, radio, TV, video, photography, newspapers, magazines and online publications.
Throughout this course you are encouraged to create high quality media content, which can be used to build a portfolio of work which is essential for seeking employment or pursuing a place in further or higher education.
The course has a practical emphasis with work placements in both years
What will you study?
Year 1
- Writing Skills for Journalism (5N2435)
- Research Skills for Journalism (5N2443)
- Radio Programme Production (5N1379)
- Voice Production for Broadcasting (5N0638)
- Documentary (Photography (5N1271)
- Public Relations (5N1405)
- Media Analysis (5N1298)
- Communications (5N0690)
- Work Experience (5N1356)
- Political Studies (5N1837)
End of Year 1 Certification QQI Level 5 Certificate in Media Production (5M18518)
Year 2
- Feature Writing (6N5805)
- Broadcasting Presentation Skills (6N5425)
- Radio Documentary Production (6N5433)
- Marketing Communications (6N4370)
- Scriptwriting (5N18476)
- Digital Video Processing and Production (6N5426).
- Media Ethics and Legal Framework (6N5453)
- Media Industry Awareness (6N5505)
- Leadership (6N2191)
- Work Experience (6N1946)
End of Year 2 Certification QQI Level 6 Certificate in Media Production (6M5130)
Course Facilities
- Full Access to digital and touchscreen broadcast studios and individual podcast booths.
- Access to portable microphones and home podcast kits
- Newly upgraded radio studios outfitted with the cutting-edge Burli Newsroom software that is used in professional newsrooms worldwide, and enhances the hands-on, practical and real world learning experience for students with industry-standard technology
Course Features
- Students can apply for fully funded Erasmus+ placements in media organisations in Finland and Portugal.
- Google-certified training in Data Analytics, Project Management and UX Design.
- Workshops in Data Journalism, Mobile Journalism (MOJO), Sports Journalism and Podcasting with experienced practitioners
What do you need to apply?
Year 1 Journalism and Content Creation QQI Level 5 Certificate in Media Production (5M18518)
- In addition to the Entry Requirements, for this course you will also need a portfolio of published/unpublished written work at interview and demonstrate an interest in and aptitude for journalism
Year 2: Journalism and Content Creation QQI Level 6 Certificate in Media Production (6M5130)
- Students who have successfully completed Year 1 of Journalism and Content Creation can progress automatically to Year 2.
- Applicants with an equivalent QQI Level 5 Certificate, and subject to module compatibility may apply directly to Year 2, Journalism and Content Creation, QQI Level 6 Certificate in Media Production (6M5130)
Progression Opportunities
- Level 5 graduates who have successfully completed Year 1 of Journalism and Content Creation can progress automatically to Year 2.
- Graduates who achieve a merit profile in Year 1, may also apply for entry to QQI Level 6 courses in BCFE, such as:
- Graduates of this course may also apply through the CAO and/or the Higher Education Links Scheme for entry to higher and advanced certificate and degree programmes at national Institutes of Technology, Technological Universities and Universities such as Journalism at DCU or apply for advanced entry to TU Dublin, (applicants should confirm linked awards and eligibility requirements with the relevant Higher Education Institution).
- Graduates may gain exemptions from one or two years of degree courses in the UK.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this course work as digital content creators, sports journalists, reporters, radio presenters, podcasters, TV producers, editors of newspapers and magazines, copywriters and more recently in content and digital marketing positions that require a grounding in multimedia journalism with advanced social media skills.
Students' Work
![](https://www.bcfe.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/mjh2.jpg)
![Print, broadcast journalism, online journalism, mobile journalism and social media in our digital newsroom, radio and tv studios & work placement abroad.](https://www.bcfe.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/MJC-MJH-1-740x339.jpg)
Testimonials
BCFE’s journalism course gave me the confidence, courage and knowledge to pursue a career in journalism. I landed an internship at a women’s digital media publication in 2017 and was promoted to Deputy Editor of three websites, including Shemazing.net in 2019. I’ve been able to interview all kinds of people thanks to the skills I developed during my two years at BCFE. The course is hands-on, practical and gives you a strong understanding of the industry and will strengthen your love of writing and storytelling.
Kat O’Connor, Deputy Editor, Shemazing.net
Higher National Diploma in Journalism (MJH 2015-2017)
View More Testimonials
Ballyfermot College of Further Education helped to shape my understanding of the Irish media landscape and its different news values. During the two-year Diploma in Journalism we created a student newspaper, the Student Chronicle. While working on the paper I discovered I really enjoyed working in a news environment, the thrill of trying to find stories, getting interviews and seeing the finished product. Without BCFE I wouldn’t be where I am today. I can’t recommend the college enough for anyone who is looking to work in journalism.
Oisín Ó Cuilleanáin, Multimedia Journalist RTE
Higher National Diploma in Journalism, (MJH 2015 – 2017)
BA in Media Production Management, (MPM 2018)