Journalism and Communications Post-Graduate Certificate
Arts and Media
This program is designed for students who have already graduated from college or university and want to upgrade their writing and communications skills and increase their employability.
In just one year, you will learn to write a basic news story, practice storytelling techniques, develop the skills to interview people effectively, and learn how to use social media to promote your story. You will hone your reporting skills in print, online, and broadcast settings.
You will also develop practical skills to succeed in the world of freelance writing and content creation by learning how to pitch stories, invoice, file taxes and set up your own website.
January 2027
Prince of Wales Campus
Program Length
1 Year
Credential
Post-Graduate Certificate, journalism and communications
Canadian Tuition
International Tuition
Canadian Applicants
Accepting Applications
International Applicants with a Valid Study Permit
Accepting Applications
Other International Applicants
Accepting Applications
Post-secondary diploma or degree
Résumé including work and volunteer experience with applicable dates, membership in groups, associations or athletics, awards and distinctions, and any other information about yourself relevant to the program.
Notes:
If your first language is not English, please review our English Language Requirements.
This program accepts Mature Student applications.
Course Code:SAFE-1005
An overview of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of Prince Edward Island. Students examine the legislation, how PEI employees are protected while on the job and the responsibilities of employees and employers.
Credit Value:0
Course Code:JRNL-1010
Learn to create compelling story structures, ledes, headlines, subheads, photos, and cutlines to communicate information in news and communications formats. Learn the importance of accuracy, spelling and grammar, style, note-taking, quotes and paraphrasing, and writing in a clear and concise manner. Discover the elements of presenting information used to maintain reader interest. Learn the basics of using an SLR camera and composing photographs to maximize impact.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:JRNL-1025
Develop advanced storytelling techniques used in writing for news and communications. Present the 5Ws and various structures designed to make stories more engaging to readers. Students bring a story to life by finding and writing about people who are directly involved in a story, and people who will feel the consequences of an action, event, or situation.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:JRNL-1035
Learn to plan, develop, and create online content that is engaging and effective across social media platforms, including text, photos, and videos with an objective of attracting viewers to promote brand identity, and direct to news sources, social media sites, websites, and blogs.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:JRNL-1040
Learn the building blocks and processes of news reporting, communications writing, and presentation. Explore problem-solving techniques as applied to various technical skills. Discover the professional standards, and routines and demands of news and communications organizations.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:JRNL-1045
An introductory course in basic copy editing skills focused on editing headlines, editing cutlines for photos, using proper English grammar, using industry standard spelling according to the Canadian Press style guide, and using industry-based software for basic video editing.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:JRNL-1065
An introduction to and analysis of interview techniques used by professionals and applied to personal interviews. Learn about important interview objectives, and how to gather and organize information from interviews to create stories. This course aligns with Storytelling, and students learn how to organize information into a cohesive structure, including a lede, quotes, context, and transitions.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:JRNL-2015
Explore important works of creative non-fiction and analyze and discuss in terms of style and structure. Learn techniques to pitch, research and produce feature-length creative non-fiction work.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:JRNL-2130
An exploration of the foundations of public relations theory and practice. Students study the development of the field including concepts, issues, and principles of practice as well as models and theories guiding the practice. Apply theory to public relations planning and management. Students acquire competency in clear workplace language, writing, and proofreading skills expected in a professional, technologically sophisticated workplace setting. Draft and evaluate various correspondence including employment documents as well as demonstrate oral communication skills through business presentations.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:JRNL-2165
Build on journalism skills of researching, reporting and interviewing and apply them to video and audio presentation. Develop planning, storyboarding, writing and presentation skills while enhancing technical ability by using multimedia equipment and software.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:JRNL-2190
Explore the use of technology and business processes while learning how to transfer journalistic and communication skills to create and manage a freelancing practice.
Credit Value:3
At the end of your first term, you will complete a practicum to get a sense of what it’s like to work in a professional setting.
In your second term, you will study creative non-fiction and learn the techniques to pitch, research, and produce creative non-fiction work. Using the skills and techniques developed in this course, you will produce a significant feature-length project. Past projects have included a podcast episode, a chapter of a book, short video documentaries, and magazine-length articles.
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
An internship placement provides you with the opportunity to enhance the skills you learn in the classroom.
In just two semesters I gained confidence in my writing and editing skills and learned how to take good photos and video footage. All things I use for my blog. Every day I learned something new from instructors who made going back to school for a 40-something an absolute joy. I would highly recommend this program for anyone who wants to improve their writing and storytelling skills.
- Julia, Class of 2022
Learn how to write & develop the skills to become a digital journalist, communications specialist, and content creator.
Learn technical skills and advanced techniques to capture dynamic images and video.
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