Higher National Diploma

The BTEC Higher National Diploma (HND) in Journalism is designed for students who wish to gain employment in print, online or broadcast journalism and other areas of creative media production.  While the main focus of the course is effective writing, skills such as digital journalism, television presenting and radio broadcasting will also be developed.

Contemporary media issues will be explored throughout the course, and students are facilitated in conducting independent research into modern media practice.  Students are encouraged to build a comprehensive portfolio as well as learning a broad range of skills to enable them to progress to further study or employment.

Duration

The Journalism HND is a two year continuous assessment programme

Course Content

Certification

Higher National Diploma, leading to BA (Honours)

Duration

2 Years

Entry Requirements

Leaving Certificate or equivalent – higher level English is an advantage.  Mature students are welcome.  Please bring the following with you to the interview:

• Two references
• One passport photograph
• Portfolio of writing

The portfolio should contain at least five pieces of your writing.  At least one of these should be news orientated.   You could also choose a selection from the following:

• News articles
• Short stories
• English/History essays or examples of any academic writing
• Contributions to school magazine (if applicable)
• Writing for a newsletter
• Reviews – movie, album, concert, game, books etc.
• Photographs
• Excerpts from your Blog
• Any evidence of involvement with Radio e.g. podcasts, recordings etc.
• Poetry
• Scriptwriting

Career Opportunities

Graduates have gained employment in print, online and broadcast journalism as well as education, design and a range of creative media production careers.

Radio Links

Coláiste Dhúlaigh has a close association with our local radio station, Near FM, where many students have gained work placements.

Progression Routes/College Links

Graduates with a distinction average have a variety of higher education options:

Top-Up Degree

BA (Hons) Broadcast Journalism. Accredited by University of Wolverhampton . Delivered at Coolock campus.

BA (Hons) Media Production Management, Ballyfermot CFE – one year programme

Direct progression into final year:

BA (Hons) Digital Media, University of Wolverhampton – delivered on campus at Coláiste Dhúlaigh

BA (Hons) Creative Arts, University of Cumbria

Advanced Entry:

BA (Hons) Journalism and Digital Media, Independent Colleges Dublin

BA (Hons) Journalism and Visual Media, Griffith College Dublin

BA Journalism, Griffith College Dublin

BA Journalism and Media, Dublin Business School

Course Charges

Year 1: €809*
Year 2: €655*

* includes €200 Govt. charge