Overview

The rise of online content marketing and brand journalism has ignited the demand for professionals who produce quality content that is accurate, informative, and generates readership. The University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Feature Journalism Professional Certificate program, equips you with the skills needed to research, write, and sell your features to a variety of publications. Guided by the award-winning journalist André Wiesner, you’ll refine and enhance your writing skills as you become a better journalist and build towards your writing career.

This highly practical online program explores the development of feature stories, research methods, and interview techniques, amongst other essential content elements such as language, structure, and editing methods. Navigate the legal aspects and ethical implications of journalism, and discover best practices for working with editors.

This professional certificate program is designed for anyone wanting to develop their professional writing by acquiring in-depth research and interviewing skills, as well as those hoping to improve their readers’ experience by refining their structuring and editing knowledge. This is valuable to anyone hoping to enter into the journalism industry, and existing writers who wish to further enhance their skill set and expand their expertise.

Syllabus

Courses under this program:
Course 1: Introduction to Feature Journalism

Explore what sets feature journalism apart from other journalistic forms in this course from University of Cape Town.

Course 2: Developing Feature Stories

Learn how to write rigorous and compelling feature stories in this course from the University of Cape Town.

Course 3: Writing Feature Articles

Take a deep dive into the craft of writing feature articles in this course from the University of Cape Town.

Courses

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4 weeks, 2-4 hours a week, 2-4 hours a week
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Feature journalism is an art which combines in-depth reporting, research, and thoughtful analysis with a creative approach to storytelling that engages as well as informs the reader. In this course you will explore what sets feature journalism apart from other journalistic forms and examine why feature articles add value to a wide-range of publication types. With a particular focus on the southern African context, you will also consider common ethical challenges and the risks of feature journalism, including the constraints related to freedom of speech and press freedoms. Finally, this course takes a look at the business side of feature journalism and provides some practical tips on how to identify and access publishing markets. Whether you are a seasoned journalist or a budding freelance writer looking to hone your skills, this course will provide you with an overview of the craft and useful advice for creating and selling compelling feature stories that inform, inspire, and engage your chosen audience.
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4 weeks, 2-4 hours a week, 2-4 hours a week
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Feature stories tell a compelling story, but they are built on fact and require writers to have in-depth reporting and research skills. This course will put you on the right path in your journey toward writing rigorous and compelling feature stories. You will learn the art and craft of finding feasible, yet ''newsworthy'', and ''photographable'' story ideas. Throughout the course, you will explore the process of gathering information and accessing different sources, different research methods, as well as common practices when conducting interviews.
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4 weeks, 2-4 hours a week, 2-4 hours a week
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This course focuses on the craft of writing feature articles. The first part of the course examines the essential content elements that a feature article should contain such as facts, anecdotes, and interview quotes and how to structure and articulate this content using a form of language that stimulates an experience for your reader. The second part of the course turns to the process of preparing your work for editing and the final step of publication.