Freelance Journalism

Be your own boss as a freelance journalist.

With print and electronic media relying increasingly on outside contributors for content, freelance journalism can be exciting and lucrative for those with the right set of skills. All of which can make freelancing a dream career offering unparallelled flexibility for those raising a family or wanting to work in other areas simultaneously.

The Cengage Education Freelance Journalism course introduces students to the practice of writing and producing news and features for different sectors across print, TV and radio. You’ll learn how to pick your target markets and sell your story ideas.

The course highlights what editors look for in a writer – the essentials that will keep them coming back for more.

On completion of your course:

Receive 12 months FREE subscription Media Pass on completion of your course. Upon completion of this course you will be awarded a Cengage Education Freelance Journalism Certificate. In addition you will receive a FREE one year Media Pass.

* Terms and conditions apply
Course Number 89600
Course Type Correspondence
Course Duration Max 18 months
Study Hours Approx 255 hrs
Qualification Cengage Certificate

Learning periods

This course is divided into 4 learning periods.

Assessment details

  • 11 written assessments

Computer requirements

To complete this course you will need access to:

  • A computer with Windows® 95/98 or higher
  • CD-ROM drive

Extra learning materials included

  • Writing for the Media-video
  • Responsible Journalism CD-ROM

Entry requirements
Cengage Certificate, Statements of Attainment, Certificate I & Certificate II courses

No entry requirements apply to these courses.

English Language Requirements:

If English is your second language and you did not complete the last two years of secondary education in English you are required to provide evidence of English language competence before enrolling. Examples of appropriate evidence are:

Evidence

Example

IELTS

Overall score of 5.5

TOEFL

530 (paper), 197 (computer) or 71 Internet.

Evidence of employment in an English speaking country.

12 month period of employment: Letters of Appointment, Letters of Reference, Testimonials, Performance Appraisals etc

Not sure if you meet the entry requirements?
Please call 1300 853 033

Subjects You’ll Cover

Journalism fundamentals I

  • History and values of journalism
  • Column writing and filler writing

Journalism fundamentals II

  • Headlines and leads for your article
  • Six fundamental questions in journalism

Sourcing and preparing leads

  • Sourcing celebrity leads
  • Comment and opinion

Writing style

  • Rules for good writing – Part one
  • Checklist of copywriting techniques

Journalism essentials

  • Powderhound – writing about skiing
  • The working freelancer – local

Writing foundations

  • Rules of good writing – Part two
  • Philosophy of the successful freelancer

Interview techniques

  • The art of the interview
  • Interviewing celebrities

Digital photography

  • Types of digital cameras
  • Digital imaging glossary

Media research

  • Writing about social change, historical features
  • Writing about art, writing an exhibition review

Preparing your articles

  • Photography and the freelance journalist
  • Marketing your story and pictures online

Media markets

  • Writing for your local paper
  • Breaking into mainstream journalism

Becoming a freelance journalist

  • Freelancing opportunities
  • The working freelance journalist (international)

Marketing your work

  • Getting to know the high flyers
  • Freelance journalism – the next step

Writing articles

  • Police rounds and crime reporting
  • Writing a health and fitness article

Generating story ideas

  • How to dream up, write and sell a freelance article
  • Writing about nature and the environment

Ethics, legal guidelines and copyright

  • Introduction to ethics
  • Recommendations for professional reporting

Building your freelance business

  • The internet and web as a business resource
  • Writing a world music column/review

* Fortnightly payment plans also available –     call our Sales team on 1300 853 033 .

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