Applications invited: Mastering Social Media course for Journalists

Mastering Social Media

New media like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and blogs have had a profound effect on the way information is spread and consumed. Get to grips with the impact of these social platforms while learning how to use them as a source as well as a medium for your stories.

"Social Media is such a new field. There is no written book about it. To find a course that can combine social media and journalism is amazing. Here we found people with a lot of experience who learned to deal with new media. I’m glad that this course exists" says Mariana Marcaletti from Agentina.

Course aim

New media like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and blogs have had a profound effect on the way information is spread and consumed. Get to grips with the impact of these social platforms while learning how to use them as a source as well as a medium for your stories.

The course Mastering Social Media is a unique course for journalists who want to learn how to use 'new' media like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, blogs for the benefit of their profession.

Who`s it for

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

Course outline

The first week of the course will focus on using new and/or social media as a source for reporting. Social media provide an abundance of information that needs to be screened for trustworthyness and reliability.

• knowledge of the technical aspects of checking sources as well as the best way to establish reliability
  
  
• how can social media help in building new networks of subject specialists, background sources, informal groups of activists etc.
  
  
• best practices in which traditional journalism has used social media to its advantage or detriment
  
  

During the second week course participants will learn how to use social media to extend the impact of their stories.

• which platforms can be best used to further distribute the article, the interview, the short documentary
• how to be an effective participant in the communication on social platforms

• culture of discussion on different platforms

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, you are able to:

• find, assess and use information from social media outlets in the traditional way: balanced, checked and reliable
• use social media to further extend their contacts network
• write for social media, start their own blog
• organise and administer their (organisations') own social media accounts (in effect become a 'social media editor')

Admission requirements

Applicants must meet the following admissions requirements:

• You are currently working as a broadcast, print or online journalist and have a minimum of three years experience in journalism
• You have successfully followed secondary education, and professional education or training in media
• You are used to working with computers, using the Internet and have good computer skills
• Your speaking and writing skills in English (the course language) are sufficient
• 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. Applications from countries where English is not the official language or the language of education should include a certified statement from a recognised authority establishing proficiency in English. 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 2,050 includes pick-up from the airport, insurance, accommodation & meals, cost of local transport and travel assignments. Participants must cover their international travel costs.

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.

There are NFP fellowship available for the course.

Information and registration

For more information on registration, visit our 'How to apply' section.

For any questions, please contact us at info@rntc.nl.