The Diploma in Journalism aims to provide learners with the theoretical knowledge and the critical intellectual and practical skills that they need to function as journalists in an ever-changing and convergent media environment in a complex society. The qualification further provides learners with the graduate attributes of a strong focus on ethics, and a desire to contribute meaningfully to the developmental agenda of the country and the continent.
While emphasis is placed on the acquisition of journalistic skills, the revised curriculum aims to engender the ability to exercise fundamental cognitive skills such as clear, critical thinking and an appreciation of sub-text and symbolism, in order to augment the professional skills of writing, editing and cross-platform media production which span industries. The intent is to confer attributes that benefit both the graduate and the wider social context as opposed to the simple transference of skills.