Introduction to freelance journalism

How do you become a freelance journalist? Discover the basic skills a journalist needs to write and sell news and features to newspapers and magazines. From developing ideas and identifying outlets to interview skills and approaching editors.

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Key course information

Dates
09/01/12 - 19/03/12

Day(s)
Mon

Duration
11 weeks

Time
19:40 - 21:40

Fees
Full fee: £124
Senior fee: £124

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HJ005

Availability
Available
(status updated every 15 mins)

No concessionary fees are available as the limit has been reached.

This course has started

It may still be possible to enrol. Please call 020 7831 7831 to discuss. Please note that you will have missed some of the course content and it may not be possible for the tutor to fully cover this with you.

Course outline

What is the course about?

The course is designed to equip those interested in freelance journalism with some of the skills and know-how required to enter this area of the media. The focus will be on news, features, interviews and research relating to the print media. The course will include analysing material from current publications and generating your own copy.

What topics will we cover?

Where to find news stories/what to include and exclude in news reports/news introductions/
short news reports/writing a news report to length/finding facts/where to find quotes/who to quote/ roles and responsibilities within newspaper organisations/feature introductions/how to structure a feature/interviewing skills/vox pops/journalism law.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

- Write a news introduction
- Write a feature introduction
- Write to length
- Understand the differences between news and features.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

The course is aimed at beginners, but all should be prepared to write. It is also useful for those working on in-house newsletters and those wanting to learn and practice general written communication skills. Energy and enthusiasm are more important than writing experience. Foreign language students can attend the course if they have a reasonably good command of written English.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Teaching will be mainly in groups or pairs to facilitate practical, hands-on exposure to the ideas and information presented.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Purchase of publications/magazines from your target area is advisable. A book list will be provided. General guides such as The Writers and Artists Yearbook, or The Writers Handbook are recommended.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made. The tutor will set and give feedback on journalistic assignments throughout the course, and also work with each student on their chosen review/feature ideas due at the end.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2652

humanities@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times:

During term-time Monday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30

Non term-time Monday 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

Select another date / day / time

Dates	Day(s)	Time	Duration	Fees	Snr	Conc	Code	Availability
09/01/12 to 19/03/12	Mon	19:40 - 21:40	11 weeks	£124	£124	N/A	HJ005	Started	» Select
18/01/12 to 28/03/12	Wed	10:15 - 12:15	11 weeks	£118	£67	£32	HJ004	Started	» Select
16/04/12 to 02/07/12	Mon	19:45 - 21:45	10 weeks	£113	£113	£33	HJ006	Available	» Select
19/09/11 to 05/12/11	Mon	19:30 - 21:30	12 weeks	£136	£136	£39	HJ001	Finished	» Select
21/09/11 to 07/12/11	Wed	10:15 - 12:15	12 weeks	£129	£73	£35	HJ003	Finished	» Select