Postgraduate diploma in Journalism and Media Studies
Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism and Media Studies
Rhodes University’s Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Media Studies (PGDip JMS) helps you to fast-track a career in journalism or media work. Our graduates have gone on to become print, online and broadcast reporters, feature writers, editors, foreign correspondents, freelancers, academics, communication officers and even spokespeople for government and big corporates.
As a residential campus, Rhodes University offers a unique environment for students to sharpen their craft or polish a media specialisation under the supervision of experienced journalism educators within a real-world context. Graduates emerge from the course with a strong portfolio of published and publishable work in print and online. Students gain hands-on journalism experience by writing and reporting for South Africa’s oldest independent newspaper, Grocott’s Mail and its website, Grocott’s Mail Online.
Rhodes University is recognised by Unesco as one of Africa’s Potential Centres of Excellence for Journalism Education.
Q: Who can apply to study the Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Media Studies?
A: One need not have any specialised qualification to do the PGDip besides a recognised first degree. This is because the PGDip course requirements make certain assumptions of prior learning which make it very difficult, if not impossible, for someone without a first degree to succeed. That is why it’s called a post-graduate diploma (and not a higher diploma which could bridge from a certificate or another diploma). Places in the PGDip are competitively awarded, and applicants have to motivate for entry. (See below)
Q: Can a student use the PGDip as stepping stone to pursue other postgraduate courses?|
A: The PGDip is a stand-alone qualification and is not designed as a bridge to any other qualification in the School of Journalism and Media Studies. However, a student is free to apply for entry into the MA or the BA Honours on completion. Each application either for the PGDip or for other courses in JMS is considered on its own merit.
Q: What do I need to apply?
A: You need the following:
1. A completed Rhodes University External Application Form
o Rhodes graduates can apply by filling out the following form.
o Graduates applying from universities other than Rhodes must fill out the following form.
o You can also get a hard copy of the application forms by contacting The Registrar’s Division, Rhodes University, PO BOX 94 Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; +27 46 603 8111; Fax: +27 46 622 5049; Email: registrar@ru.ac.za.
2. You will need to include:
o a certified copy of both your degree certificate and full transcript from your previous or current university in your submission.
o (600-800 words). an up-to date Resume (or CV) with at least two referees and their current addresses.
o The full application must be sent to the Registrar’s Division at Rhodes University (address above) and not to the School of Journalism and Media Studies.
All applications must reach the Registrar’s office by 5 October 2012.
Prospective students who need Financial Aid usually need to apply earlier.
Q: What are the selection criteria for the PGDip?
A: A maximum of 12 students are accepted. A successful application will therefore be one that meets all the entry requirements. It will also have a strong motivation. While the selection process is fair, equitable and sensitive to the transformation agenda at Rhodes University and South Africa generally, it is also a very rigorous process considering the large number of applicants. Prospective students are therefore advised to take particular care when preparing their applications.
Q: What does the course cost?
Fee increments are only finalised at the year end. The cost of the Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Media Studies for 2012 is R36 330. In 2012, residence fees ranged between R45000 and R35000.
Q : What financial aid or scholarships are offered to PGDip students?
A: The School of Journalism and Media Studies administers a limited number of full and partial scholarships. Only students who have been accepted to study for the following academic year are eligible for scholarship consideration. We regret that no scholarships are presently available for international students.
Click for more information about scholarships administered by the Rhodes School of Journalism and Media Studies.
Media24 also offers bursaries for students from various universities to undertake post-graduate studies in journalism. Find out more about the Grad24 Bursary Opportunity at http://www.careers24.com/media24grads/?v=195445.
In addition to scholarships, Financial Aid is available to South African students. Inquire about this from the Registrar’s Division. Prospective students are advised to apply early if they want to be eligible for Financial Aid.
Q: What next?
If you are accepted to study the PGDip JMS, the Rhodes University Registrar division will contact you and ask you to complete an Acceptance of Offer form. Details will also be provided about registration process and the Minimum Initial Payment (MIP) required.
The academic year begins in February.
Click for application procedure
Click for more information on scholarships
