Covering all the major business and management areas and topics, the ICM Diploma and Advanced Diploma programmes have, over a fifteen year period, achieved international recognition and are currently undertaken by students in over 40 countries.

Course Structure

The Certificate in Journalism - Part 1
1. Introduction to Journalism
2. Media and Society
3. Media Ethics and Regulations
4. English for Journalists and Writers

   (The ICM Certificate in Journalism is awarded on completion of all Part 1 subjects)

The Diploma in Journalism - Part 2

5. Sub-Editing and Design
6. Digital TV and Radio Journalism
7. Sports Journalism
8. Magazine Journalism

(The ICM Diploma in Journalism is awarded on completion of all Part 1 & 2 subjects)

The Advanced Diploma in Journalism

This programme is currently under review

Programme Objectives

To provide prospective students of the Journalism and Media Industries with a body of relevant and current knowledge which will: -

• increase and broaden their employment opportunities within the industries
• provide them with an extensive theoretical and practical knowledge base on which to build their careers and enable them to progress to higher levels of the media and journalism industries
• increase and broaden their understanding of contemporary multi platform journalism skills, and their awareness of the emerging digital media landscape and the new opportunities which are becoming available.

The ICM Diploma in Journalism is also suitable to working journalists, who wish to broaden their skills and knowledge base, and who require appropriate qualifications for career advancement or promotion purposes.

Recommended Course Duration

It is recommended that these courses are delivered over a suitable period of time to give learners the best opportunity for success. A standard delivery structure would involve six units per academic year, although 5-8 units per year are acceptable depending on the weekly timetable used. Thus, the full Certificate and Diploma programme would normally take one and a half years full-time to complete.

Examination Grades

Certification

On successful completion of all four units, students are awarded the ICM Certificate in Journalism. Similarly, on successful completion of the additional four units at the Diploma stage students are awarded the ICM Diploma in Journalism.  Similarly, on successful completion of 12 subjects, students are awarded the ICM Advanced Diploma in Journalism.

Continuing Education

The Journalism programme will serve as an excellent route for students who ultimately seek full professional status and will provide first class underpinning knowledge for the UK degrees in Journalism and Media Studies.  Holders of an ICM Diploma in Journalism may enter the second year of an appropriate degree programme or alternatively when this has been validated, the ICM Advanced Diploma programme with subsequent potential entry to the final year of appropriate Honours degree programmes.

Entry Requirements

Students holding relevant recognised qualifications from other institutions or professional examining bodies may apply for exemptions on a subject-for-subject basis.

The Institute operates an ‘Open Access’ policy in respect of many of its vocational programmes but prospective students should note that the following entrance qualifications are recommended for those wishing to undertake the ICM Diploma programme:

• One GCE A-level plus Three GCSEs (or equivalents)
• A suitable BTEC National Award
• Any qualification equivalent to one or more of the above.

The minimum age for registration for this programme is 18.

Applicants over the age of 20 who do not hold one of the recommended entrance qualifications may also register for the programme providing they have been in full-time employment for a minimum of two years.

Advanced Diploma in Journalism

This course is under review.

The minimum age for registration for this programme is 18.

• The ICM Diploma in Journalism (or an equivalent level qualification)
• A suitable BTEC National Award
• Any Journalism/media qualification equivalent to one of the above.

Examinations are externally set and marked by the Institute.  Examinations are held in March, June, September and December each year.  Candidates must be registered and paid-up Student Members of the Institute at the time they undertake the examinations.

Full details of examination dates are sent to ICM Approved Centres and students should obtain the required information from their own Centre.

Candidates entering for examinations must ensure that their completed examination entry forms and fees reach the Institute at least eight weeks before the date of the examinations.  Examination timetables indicate the closing date for receipt of entries for each sitting.

Examination Results

These are distributed within twelve weeks after each examination period.  Candidates are encouraged not to call the ICM direct for results as this confidential information cannot be disclosed over the telephone.

Subject Exemptions

Students holding relevant recognised qualifications from other professional bodies may apply for exemptions on a subject-for-subject basis. Documentary evidence is required before any decision can be made.

Study Methods

Your Teaching Centre has been provided with a detailed syllabus and reading list for each subject area.  Each subject syllabus clearly defines the areas that you will be required to cover for each subject and your examination questions will be based on the areas and topics detailed for each subject.  It is important to ensure that you obtain a copy of each subject syllabus from your Teaching Centre. Alternatively, this information can be obtained online at www.icm.ac.uk in the “Study Centre” section.

Each subject syllabus is normally linked to one main textbook and the examiners base their questions on the contents of the nominated core text.

The subject syllabuses also give details of ‘Alternative Texts’ and texts recommended for further reading.  It is recommended that you should read one or more of the ‘Alternative Texts’ in order to develop your skills and broaden your knowledge of the subject area.