Internet for Journalists

General information

Media: Radio, Television and Internet
Type of Diploma: Certificate

Printable Info sheet (10 September- 19 October 2012)

Printable Info sheet (13 May - 21 June 2013)

Course aim

The course Internet for Journalists will strengthen your capacity as a broadcast, print or online journalist to use the internet (including social media) for the purposes of research, publication and distribution.

Who`s it for

Mid-career journalists with at least three years experience in broadcast, print and/or online journalism.

Course outline

Upon completing the course, the participants will be familiar with:

• Using the internet (including social media platforms) to check, research and gather information and ideas for stories, as well as to generate attention and feedback
• Writing, sourcing and making digital photos, recording and editing audio and video for online publication in a variety of online journalistic formats
• The characteristics of journalistic websites (broadcast, print and online) and examples of best practice
• The impact and use of social media in the practice of online and multimedia journalism
• Working in a multimedia newsroom, generating story ideas and content for a multimedia website

Learning outcomes

The course will deepen understanding of the internet as a resource and as a publishing medium for journalists. Theoretical and practical work will focus on writing and reporting for the internet using text, photos, audio and video. Attention will be given to effective online research, as well as to the publication of stories, using a variety of content management systems and social media platforms. Practical exercises and assignments will be analysed and evaluated in group feedback sessions. Working visits to broadcast, print and online newsrooms will enable the participants to examine the impact of new and social media on the practice of journalism – highlighting ethical issues and changes in working practices. For their final assignments the participants will work in a multimedia newsroom generating news, blogs, dossiers and multimedia features which they will publish on the course website.

Admission requirements

Applicants must meet the following admissions requirements:

1. You are currently working as a broadcast, print or online journalist and have a minimum of three years experience in journalism
2. You have successfully followed secondary education, and professional education or training in media
3. You are used to working with computers, using the Internet and have good computer skills
4. Your speaking and writing skills in English (the course language) are sufficient
5. You must submit a letter of motivation in English (150-250 words) explaining why you want to follow the course

English language proficiency:

Since English is the working language of the course, proficiency in English is an absolute necessity. Successful candidates will have a level of proficiency in English equivalent to scores of 550 (paper based) or 213 (computer based) for TOEFL and 6 for IELTS. Those whose first language is English or who come from countries in which English is their national language, and/or have completed higher education taught entirely in English will have the required level of proficiency. If you are in doubt about whether you are sufficiently proficient in English please contact RNTC at info@rntc.nl.

After submitting a motivation letter, a phone/Skype interview will be conducted with shortlisted applicants to assess the level of understanding of spoken English and discuss expectations for the course.   

Fees, costs and fellowships

The course fee of EUR 3,500 includes pick-up from the airport, insurance, and travel assignments. Participants must cover their own costs of travel, accommodation and meals. These costs are estimated at EUR 82 per day, or EUR 574 per week.

More information on costs can be found here.

If you are looking for a fellowship to sponsor your study at RNTC then you must take a number of steps. RNTC will assist you in making it possible.

More information on NFP fellowships can be found here.

Information and registration

For more information on registration, visit our 'How to apply' section.
For any questions, please contact us at info@rntc.nl.