Cape Peninsula University of Technology Journalism Department

By | November 21, 2023

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Cape Peninsula University of Technology Journalism Department

img journalism deptCape Peninsula University of Technology Journalism Department, Thomas Jefferson wrote that ‘the cornerstone of democracy rest on the foundation of an educated electorate’… and our Journalism programme takes this responsibility very seriously.

We feel that South Africa, as a republic in transition, requires civic-minded journalists with a strong sense of ethics and a deep-seated respect for constitutional values and diversity… including diversity of opinion. We encourage debate and dissent as we push students to interrogate their own and others’ beliefs in a manner that opens space for dialogue in classes and in their future careers.

Working in the media requires mastery of many inter-connected skills and so we have integrated our courses more than ever before as lecturers work closely together to prepare students for the demands of the market while expanding their perspectives of global media. So, for example, students simulate the work of pundits by engaging in televised debates for Broadcast while drawing on information from Political Theory and using grammatical and rhetorical skills acquired in English.

This in-depth approach to topical issues is then translated into professional practices that simulate workplace conditions as students produce material for print, radio and television.

Class projects

Hole in the Head: Our newest publication is the pride of the first-year class which is made up of ambitious students who are determined to out-do their predecessors. So far, they’re giving the senior students a run for their money as the first edition of HitH includes a feast of features and opinion pieces on almost any topic you could imagine. www.hithonline.com

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CPUT Buzz: Still in its genesis, this is a bi-weekly student tabloid that focusses on campus events and issues. This is where our students test their investigative skills as they poke and prod under the ‘hood’ of the institution, ruffling a few feathers along the way. It is also a chance for students to hone their Design skills on the industry-standard software InDesign while demonstrating the potentially awesome power and responsibilities of the Fourth Estate.

Catalyst: More a blog portal than an online magazine, Catalyst pushes students to produce text every week. The wide range of topics and increased frequency of news cycle serves a ‘final polishing’ function for students as they prepare for their internships in industry. The current version awaits the return of its authors from their six-month stints at some of Cape Town’s most prestigious media establishments.

Career Opportunities

More than just working in media, any graduate will be trained to communicate with skill and grace, thus enabling them to work in any Communication-related field.

Contact the Journalism Department

Tel: +27 21 469 1110
Tel: +27 21 469 1130
Email: americaa@cput.ac.za

Physical address:
80 Roeland Street
Cape Town

Postal address:
PO Box 652
Cape Town
8000