NCTJ Level 3 Diploma in Journalism for Press Photographers and Photojournalists Qualification Specification

Transcription

1 National Council for the Training of Journalists NCTJ Level 3 Diploma in Journalism for Press Photographers and Photojournalists Qualification Specification 600/5815/8 Qualifications and Credit Framework NCTJ Training Ltd The New Granary Station Road Newport Saffron Walden Essex CB11 3PL NCTJ 2012

2 1. Rationale The Diploma in Journalism for Press Photographers and Photojournalists is a qualification that will equip the learner with the core skills required to become a competent journalist. The development of this qualification included consultation with industry representatives and the award is recognised by employers as an industry standard entry requirement. 2. Aims and objectives The qualification aims to meet the needs of employers and to provide learners with the basic knowledge and skills for entry level press photography and photojournalism. The fundamental skills of high quality journalism in converged newsrooms are the heart of the Diploma in Journalism for Press Photographers and Photojournalists. The programme of study is designed to equip candidates with the skills they need for press photography and photojournalism whether it be in newspapers, magazines, online, television or radio. Leading employers across all media sectors as well as education and training providers were consulted on the structure and content of the diploma. 3. Progression The NCTJ Diploma in Journalism for Press Photographers and Photojournalists is an industry recognised qualification. To gain the Diploma candidates must complete four mandatory units and at least one optional unit. The four mandatory units are General Photographic Knowledge, Photographic Practice, Media Law for Photographers and Portfolio for Press Photographers and Photojournalists. The optional units include Caption Writing for Press Photographers and News Writing for Photojournalists. Candidates must complete at least one unit from this group if they wish to obtain the full qualification. All units must be achieved at grade C or above to be eligible to sit the National Certificate Examination (NCE) for Press Photographers and Photojournalists. Gaining the Diploma qualification can lead to employment within the industry and provide access for entry to the NCE - the NCTJ s professional qualification for press photographers and photojournalists which can be entered for after at least eighteen months employment within the industry. 4. Target Groups and Entry Details This syllabus provides opportunities for learners who are preparing for or are already engaged in careers as professional journalists. Because of the academic standards expected by the industry the minimum age for entry is 16 years. The minimum requirement for entry to courses teaching this syllabus is five GCSEs (at grade C or above) or equivalent. NCTJ entry requirements are intended to ensure that there are no barriers to restrict access and progression and equal opportunities exist for all learners. Learners with Particular Educational Needs are not targeted separately although special provision may be made for them. 5. Guided Learning Hours The Diploma in Journalism for Press Photographers and Photojournalists will incorporate programmes of study that will be taught for a minimum of 480 guided learning hours. Written and practical coursework will be set and marked by approved centres and assessed to industry standards by qualified journalist trainers and practitioners. The coursework will incorporate practical tasks based in the classroom and/or in the real world covering the areas outlined in this syllabus. 6. Content To gain the Diploma in Journalism for Press Photographers and Photojournalists candidates must complete four mandatory units and at least one optional unit. The four mandatory units are General Photographic Knowledge, Photographic Practice, Media Law for Photographers and Portfolio for Press Photographers and Photojournalists. The optional units include - 2 -

3 Caption Writing for Press Photographers and News Writing for Photojournalists. Candidates must complete at least one unit from this group if they wish to obtain the full qualification. Each unit incorporated in the programme of study includes assessment criteria, how marks are awarded and grade descriptors on which learners levels of attainment will be differentiated. 7. Availability of Examinations Centres and tutors are required to provide learners with information and advice on the programme of study, the level of demand and associated requirements and expectations. The NCTJ reserves the right to decline entry to an examination where previous qualifications and experience are deemed to be inadequate. Examinations are available through centres with a minimum notice period of three weeks. Further details are available on the NCTJ website. 8. Duration of Examination All examinations are structured so that the duration of each examination provides opportunities for all learners to demonstrate achievement within a set time-frame. 9. Learners with Particular Needs Information on assessment and examination and entry requirements for learners with particular needs is published in the Reasonable Adjustments and Special Considerations Policy. A copy of this policy is available from NCTJ Training Ltd, The New Granary, Station Road, Newport, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 3PL and is also provided on the company s website: Validity of Syllabus This general syllabus for the NCTJ level 3 Diploma in Journalism for Press Photographers and Photojournalists is valid until September Repeats of Examinations Where a learner is not able to reach the minimum standard in an examination, application for re-examination at that level is permitted. 12. Issue of Results Results will normally be issued within four weeks of the date of the examination. This time is necessary to ensure that all results are properly standardised and checked by the NCTJ. Certificates will normally be issued within six weeks of the course end date. 13. Language and Bias Every effort has been made to ensure that this syllabus and associated mark schemes, procedures and materials are free from any form of bias, refer to explicit content and have no hidden requirements for entry or assessment. Care has been taken to ensure that the syllabus, grade descriptions and examination components make appropriate demands on learners both in terms of their physical safety and well being and expectations of physical and cognitive performance in relation to their age and level of ability. 14. Confidentiality In order to ensure that the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism for Press Photographers and Photojournalists qualification reflects an accurate measure of attainment, the NCTJ will take all reasonable steps to ensure that such confidentiality is maintained

4 Where any breach of such confidentiality (including through the loss or theft of assessment materials) is either suspected by the NCTJ or alleged by any other person, the NCTJ will investigate that breach. 15. Learner registrations Each learner that registers with the NCTJ to take the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism for Press Photographers and Photojournalists qualification is uniquely identified by a Unique Reference Number (URN) generated by the NCTJ s database of learner records. Centres enrolling candidates to take an NCTJ qualification are responsible for confirming the identity of the candidate when they are enrolled. 16. Qualification specification To achieve the Diploma in Journalism for Press Photographers and Photojournalists candidates must complete four mandatory units and at least one optional unit. The four mandatory units are General Photographic Knowledge, Photographic Practice, Media Law for Photographers and Portfolio for Press Photographers and Photojournalists. The optional units include Caption Writing for Press Photographers and News Writing for Photojournalists. Candidates must complete at least one unit from this group if they wish to obtain the full qualification. Mandatory units: 1. General Photographic Knowledge LO1. Understand the importance of light in the work of a photographer. LO2. Understand the nature of colour and how it affects a photographer s work. LO3. Be able to use all the current technology available for imaging, handling and the transmitting of stills and video LO4. Be able to shoot video to a publishable standard AC1.1 Explain the nature of light and how to use it AC2.1 Explain the reproduction of colour and output for different uses AC3.1 Take digital still and moving pictures AC3.2 Prepare still and moving pictures for a variety of published uses AC3.3 Transmit still and moving pictures AC4.1 Use a range of shots and positions when shooting a video AC4.2 Light shots when necessary AC4.3 Record sound when interviewing AC4.4 Edit video and sound AC4.5 Use and add titles, captions and graphics to a video report AC4.6 Identify the equipment commonly used in the industry and how this affects quality 2. Photographic Practice for Press Photographers and Photojournalists LO1. Work in a safe way while producing images on location or on the employer s premises LO2 Be able to operate an electronic picture desk LO3. Operate as a freelance journalist and understand the commitments in running your own business LO4 Be able to use stills and video cameras on a variety of journalistic assignments LO5. Understand a photographer s role in a multimedia environment and the news production process for different publishing platforms AC1.1 Explain the duties of an employer and employee with regard to Health and Safety legislation AC1.2 Identify hazards and potential hazards when on assignments AC1.3 Carry out risk assessments when preparing for assignments and while on assignment AC1.4 Identify symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder AC2.1 Monitor picture input to the desk AC2.2 Communicate with photographers in the field, internal departments and external clients AC2.3 Receive pictures transmitted from remote locations AC2.4 Edit pictures received AC2.5 Pass pictures to relevant departments or transmit to clients AC3.1 Define potential markets for news stories AC3.2 Explain how to research potential sources of work - 4 -

5 AC3.3 Explain the work and role of commissioning editors AC3.4 Pitch ideas for work to commissioning editors AC3.5 Market the pictures they produce AC3.6 Carry out simple book-keeping, invoicing and recording payments and be able to maintain a cash flow AC3.7 Keep records to comply with HM Revenue and Customs regulations AC3.8 Negotiate rates for work AC4.1 Identify the medium for publication AC4.2 Select the appropriate method for covering the assignment AC4.3 Cover a range of journalistic assignments from a range of settings using stills and video cameras AC5.1 Explain the roles and responsibilities of journalists and production staff in a news publishing company AC5.2 Describe the convergence between print, online and broadcast media and the development of news websites AC5.3 Outline the development of news and picture agencies 3. Media Law for Press Photographers and Photojournalists LO1. Understand the legal system and court structure in England and Wales LO2. Understand the restrictions placed by statute and regulatory (self-regulatory) industry codes on reporting proceedings involving juveniles and sexual offences LO3. Understand the operation of the Contempt of Court Act and its relevance to media reports LO4. Understand the general principles of defamation law LO5. Understand the operation of copyright law LO6. Understand how the law of confidence works LO7. Understand the law of privacy LO8. Understand how the law of trespass affects the work of photographers LO9. Understand how the laws on obscenity affect photographs LO10. Understand how and why photographer can be prosecuted the Official Secrets Acts LO11. Understand other ethical consideration in media reports LO12. Understand the scope of relevant anti-terror legislation and its impact on photographing AC1.1 Outline the sources of law AC1.2 Explain the divisions between civil and criminal law AC1.3 Use the correct legal terminology AC1.4 Outline the role, composition and powers of the main criminal and civil courts AC2.1 Explain the statutory restrictions placed on photographs and media reports in cases involving juveniles under the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 AC2.2 Identify the legal reasons for lifting the reporting restrictions on cases involving juveniles AC2.3 Recognise and explain the scope of restrictions conferred on complainants in sexual offences cases AC2.4 Recognise and apply the ethical considerations as regards identifying complainants in sexual offences cases from the relevant regulatory (self-regulatory code) [PCC and OFCOM] AC3.1 Identify when the provisions of the Contempt of Court Act (COCA) apply AC3.2 Identify who has power under the Contempt of Court Act to instigate proceedings for contempt AC3.3 Explain how and why a photograph might create a substantial risk of serious prejudice in media reports of active proceedings AC3.4 Identify and explain relevant defences for the media under the Act AC3.5 Outline the restrictions on photography, videoing and filming inside and around the courts, including publication AC3.6 Outline the restrictions imposed on the publication of names and other matters by section 11 of the Contempt of Court Act AC3.7 Explain the financial penalties under the Courts Act for serious misconduct which results in a wasted or aborted trial AC4.1 Explain the tests a claimant must satisfy to bring a case in libel AC4.2 Explain what makes a photograph defamatory with reference to relevant examples AC4.3 Identify the key libel defences (justification, fair comment and statutory privilege) and correctly outline the scope, requirements and application of each defence AC4.4 Explain the defence offered to media organisations by section 1 of the Defamation Act for material published online AC5.1 Identify what material is covered by copyright under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 and the Copyright Act 1956 AC5.2 Recognise who owns copyright of photographs under both Acts and how long copyright lasts AC5.3 Explain remedies for a breach of copyright AC5.4 Explain the moral rights offered to copyright owners under the Copyright Designs and Patents Act AC5.5 Explain the scope and operation of the fair dealing exemptions under the CDPA AC5.6 Explain the privacy rights of commissioners of photographs commissioned for private and domestic use under the CDPA AC6.1 Recognise the elements of a breach of confidence as laid out in the Megarry judgment AC6.2 Identify the remedies for a breach of confidence - 5 -

6 AC6.3 Outline the defences to a breach of confidence AC7.1 Outline the privacy protection afforded under Article 8 and Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights AC7.2 Recognise that in cases involving the media the courts are required to consider relevant regulatory codes AC7.3 Outline the scope of the relevant PCC and OFCOM codes in relation to privacy and harassment AC7.4 Apply relevant case law to a discussion of privacy law AC7.5 Explain the relevant OFCOM or PCC clauses relating to intrusion into grief, shock, suffering or distress AC7.6 Explain the protection of children s privacy and welfare in regulatory codes AC8.1 Explain the criminal offence of aggravated trespass under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, including remedies AC8.2 Explain the civil tort of trespass through unauthorised entry onto private property including trespass ab initio and available remedies AC8.3 Explain the civil tort of trespass to goods in relation to the unlawful seizure of photographic equipment and material and available remedies AC8.4 Explain the civil tort of trespass to the person and/or assault if a photographer is manhandled when taking pictures AC8.5 Outline how a photographer might fall foul of the police at major incidents including the risk of arrest for behaviour likely to cause a breach of the peace AC9.1 Outline the provisions of the Obscene Publications Act related to what constitutes an obscene image and the potential defences in criminal proceedings AC9.2 Summarise how the Protection of Children Act 1978 and Criminal Justice Act 1988 make it an offence to possess an indecent photograph or pseudo photograph of a child, including storing such images on computer AC10.1 Summarise how the media can breach the official Secrets Acts 1911 and 1989 and outline the offences of disclosure under both Acts AC10.2 Outline the purpose and scope of Defence Advisory Notices and the power of the Defence, Press and Broadcasting Advisory Committee AC11.1 Outline the scope of the relevant clauses of the PCC code in relation to harassment including public interest exemptions AC11.2 Explain the protection of children s privacy and welfare in the PCC Code including public interest exemptions AC11.3 Explain the relevant PCC clauses relating to intrusion into grief, shock, suffering or distress including public interest exemptions AC11.4 Explain the PCC Code guidance on taking photographs in hospitals including public interest exemptions AC12.1 Explain the provisions in sections 44 and 43 of the Terrorism Act 2000 and outline how these provisions can be lawfully used in relation to taking photographs AC12.2 Explain how section 58A of the Counter Terrorism Act 2008 may be used to prohibit photographs deemed useful to terrorists 4. Portfolio for Press Photographers and Photojournalists LO1. Be able to use stills and video cameras on a variety of journalistic assignments LO2. Be able to produce video packages from a range of settings LO3. Be able to tell a story through online slideshows and picture galleries LO4. Develop and create picture stories and captions for a range of subjects and platforms AC1.1 Identify the medium for publication AC1.2 Select the appropriate method for covering the assignment AC1.3 Cover a range of journalistic assignments from a range of settings using stills and video cameras AC2.1 Identify suitable stories for a video report and gather material including interviews and other relevant footage AC2.2 Write a script and voice the audio track to accompany a video report AC2.3 Interpret a brief and produce a video package of 90 seconds to two minutes in length that can be published online AC3.1 Take still images to tell a story AC3.2 Use software to include narration, recorded interviews and ambient sound recorded on location AC3.3 Use software to apply additional techniques to enhance a slide show AC4.1 Carry out background research and assess ideas for suitability for further development AC4.2 Respond to opportunities for photographic, video and audio coverage AC4.3 Write picture stories and captions for publication on various platforms that will attract the interest of the reader, viewer or listener AC4.4 Prepare unbiased picture stories and captions that demonstrate proper attribution AC4.5 Write picture stories and captions to a word limit or time limit within a specified deadline AC4.6 Prepare pictures and captions for publication on various platforms that contain no errors or misrepresentations that would demand a correction or an apology

7 Optional Units: 5. Caption Writing for Press Photographers LO1. Be able to collect and record information for caption writing LO2. Be able to write accurate, clear and vigorous captions for use across a range of platforms and media LO3. Be able to conduct interviews to gather information and pictures for a variety of different platforms. LO4. Be able to write captions for various platforms from information gathered from interviews AC1.1 Carry out background research AC1.2 Record and store information for use when caption writing AC1.3 Carry out interviews to gather necessary information AC1.4 Use social media to gather information AC2.1 Carry out background research and assess ideas for suitability for further development AC2.2 Respond to opportunities for photographic, video and audio coverage AC2.3 Respond to changing circumstances as a story develops AC2.4 Prepare unbiased captions that demonstrate proper attribution AC2.5 Prepare captions for use across a range of platforms/media AC2.6 Ensure photographs and captions are accurate, legally sound and in accordance with relevant codes of practice. AC3.1 Identify who to interview AC3.2 Communicate effectively with the interviewee AC3.3 Ask relevant questions to gain key information to produce a news caption AC3.4 Explain when and how to use a relevant interview techniques for a variety of different platforms AC3.5 Use an appropriate interviewing style to meet the needs of the story and interviewee AC3.6 Conduct a structured interview in the most time-efficient way AC4.1 Identify when it is necessary to carry out further inquiries AC4.2 Prepare captions for publication on a variety of platforms as a result of interviews 6. News Writing for Photojournalists LO1. Be able to collect and record information for writing news stories to pictures and writing captions LO2. Be able to write accurate, clear and vigorous news stories to pictures and captions for use across a range of platforms and media LO3. Be able to conduct interviews to gather information and pictures for a variety of different platforms. LO4. Be able to write news stories and captions for various platforms from information gathered from interviews AC1.1 Carry out background research AC1.2 Record and store information for use when writing news stories to pictures and captions AC1.3 Carry out interviews to gather necessary information AC1.4 Use social media to gather information AC2.1 Carry out background research and assess ideas for suitability for further development AC2.2 Respond to opportunities for photographic, video and audio coverage AC2.3 Respond to changing circumstances as a story develops AC2.4 Prepare unbiased news stories and captions that demonstrate proper attribution AC2.5 Prepare news stories and captions for use across a range of platforms/media AC AC2.6 Ensure photographs, news stories and captions are accurate, legally sound and in accordance with relevant codes of practice. AC2.7 Write news stories and captions to a specified word limit and/or time limit within a specified deadline AC3.1 Identify who to interview AC3.2 Communicate effectively with the interviewee AC3.3 Ask relevant questions to gain key information to produce a news story and caption AC3.4 Explain when and how to use relevant interview techniques for a variety of different platforms AC3.5 Use an appropriate interviewing style to meet the needs of the story and interviewee AC3.6 Conduct a structured interview in the most time-efficient way AC4.1 Identify the facts and best quotes for a story AC4.2 Identify when it is necessary to carry out further inquiries AC4.3 Prepare stories and captions for publication on a variety of platforms as a result of interviews NCTJ 2012