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National code: CUA41220

Certificate IV in Screen and Media (Journalism)

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Overview About this course

Learn the foundations of good journalism and writing for media production including how to research for stories, copyright, interview techniques and ethics. Turn your ambitions of becoming a journalist into a reality and start your dynamic media career.

Outcomes What you'll gain

Learning outcomes

Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:

  • Set up equipment for interviews

  • Develop techniques for presenting to camera

  • Research topics and current issues

  • Develop stories into effective content for publishing on multiple platforms

  • Work collaboratively to create content and presentations

  • Plan and conduct interviews

Course outcomes

Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.

  • Obtain a thorough introduction to the screen and media industry with a comprehensive look at the various practices, expectations and roles that make this industry exciting and unique

  • Work on a variety of projects in journalism, radio broadcasting, film and television

  • Apply script language in authoring, create storyboards, edit dialogue and sound, prepare audio and video assets

  • Write content for a range of media

  • A strong pathway to continue your study and enhance your career opportunities

Suitability Is this course right for you?

Entry requirements

Some courses require evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol

  • There are no entry requirements for this qualification. You can enrol today.

  • This course is offered as a traineeship. Enquire today to check the eligibility requirements.

Entry recommendations

To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:

  • An interest in, or understanding of the skills and knowledge required in the industry

  • Completed a Certificate III in Screen and Media or have equivalent industry experience

  • Access to a computer and internet access

  • Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) at a Year 10 high school level

  • TAFE NSW may ask you to complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills test. This skills test helps us to understand your individual study needs, to design an individualised plan that supports your study success

  • and ensures your LLN skills match the demands of the course.

TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.

Pathways Future career and study options

Career pathways

Our graduates go onto roles like: journalist, copywriter, reporter, radio presenter, podcast presenter, audio narrator, editor, assistant producer and assistant director.

Study pathways

Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:

Previous study 1 Course

Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.

Further study 2 Courses

Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

Related study 5 Courses

Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.

Your experience counts

At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.

Units Units taught in this course

Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Certificate IV in Screen and Media (Journalism) qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 13 units of competency, including 4 core and 9 speciality units.

Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.

Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.

  • Develop personal work priorities BSBPEF402

  • Work effectively in the creative arts industry CUAIND311

  • Develop and implement own self-care plan in the creative industries CUAMWB401

  • Apply work health and safety practices CUAWHS312

TAFE NSW services Facilities and support

TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.

  • TAFE NSW Disability Support Service

  • TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support

  • TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)

  • TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service

  • TAFE NSW Libraries

  • Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential

  • Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home

  • LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills

  • Student associations – get social with our student community

Study options Find a location to enrol

Choose from the below study options and locations to discover what works with your lifestyle. Heart your favourites and compare courses.