Find your future
at our Open Days
Book nowat our Open Days
Level 7 Senior Journalist
The Senior Journalist degree apprenticeship (Level 7) is an exciting programme designed to specifically upskill existing journalists. The University of Kent are proud to be working with the BBC and are actively looking for other industry employers to partner with on this apprenticeship standard.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to inform the public – either through news and current events, or through the creation of authoritative features, opinion or analysis. An employee in this occupation will be responsible for researching and reporting, creating, as well as commissioning, content. This can include filming, recording and editing audio and video in a deadline driven environment; this could be to inform or entertain on TV, radio, online or in print. This could be across multiple genres – from crime to politics to technology to sport to fashion. An employee may also commission work, source material, speak to contacts, head assignments and in some cases, lead a team, where resources will have to be allocated and managed, and develop/mentor junior staff. They will talk directly and engage with the audience and be called upon to make strategic decisions, in what can be unpredictable or changing circumstances and understand the need for audience/readership engagement and analysis of audience analytics. They will have full responsibility for finding, researching and telling stories tailored to employer’s needs and target audience. alone, making decisions on content and publication, reporting to an editor (or similar figure).
Duration
This apprenticeship is taught over 18 months with three months to complete the End-point Assessment, plus a further 3 months with the employer.
Delivery
This apprenticeship is delivered through blended learning. Apprentices will study one day per week online, with two residential face-to-face blocks each year.
Qualification
Upon successful completion, apprentices will gain the Level 7 Senior Journalist Apprenticeship Award and a National Qualification in Journalism (NQJ) Level 6 (non-degree qualification).
Assessment
The main method of assessment will be through coursework and the building of an online portfolio. There are also two NQJ examinations.
Entry Requirements
Apprentices must hold GCSE / Level 2 qualifications in English Language and Maths prior to starting the course. All apprentices must be employed in a relevant role within journalism or News on a full-time basis.
Fees and funding
The maximum funding for this apprenticeship is £14,000, which can be covered by the Apprenticeship Levy or by government co-investment.
Modules
| YEAR 1 | |
|---|---|
| Industry Contexts | |
| Digital, social and mobile journalism | |
| Advanced reporting skills | |
| Teamwork, leadership and communication | |
|
Media law and ethics in practice |
|
|
YEAR 2 |
|
|
Broadcast journalism |
|
|
Data journalism and multimedia storytelling |
|
|
End-point Assessment |
Next Steps
Employers and Employees
Our team are there to offer support with developing apprenticeships in your organisation, be it upskilling existing employees or recruiting for new roles.
Contact us by emailing recruitapprenticeships@kent.ac.uk or by calling 01634 888467 (9:30am - 4pm Monday to Friday).
Students and Prospective Apprentices
Apprenticeships are available to those already employed in a relevant position and require the support of an employer to take part. If you are not already employed in a relevant role, please visit our please visit our Becoming an Apprentice page.