Duration: Four weeks
Location: Cardiff, UK
Dates: June 27 to July 22, 2011

Course summary

This multimedia course focuses on the key skills journalists and communication professionals need to prosper in a converged media world.

Over four action-packed weeks, you will be engaged with online, news, analysis, features and ethics as well as learning how to shoot and edit quality video packages.

During the course you will build a portfolio of stories, uploaded and showcased on the course’s own online news platform: Park Place Online.

With interviews, high-profile guest lectures, field shooting sessions and editing experience, every participant will leave with the tools and confidence  to operate successfully across a range of media environments.

Each weeks focuses on a different theme.

• Week 1 will give you a foundation in online skills, including writing for the web, blogging and using a range of listening, search and social media tools.
• Week 2 will go back to basics to hone news values and writing skills across print and broadcast platforms.
• Week 3 puts the spotlight on the law and ethics, and explores new story forms for making an impact in a converging media world.
• Week 4 focuses on practical filming and editing techniques using broadcast-standard equipment and software.

Who’s it for?

Journalists (employed or freelance) and communications professionals with some experience of print, television, radio or online media, and a passion for expanding their skills in a fast-moving, interactive and team-focused learning environment.

A competent level of computer skills is essential, as is the ability to take on board new technology, although no prior experience of video, audio or other multimedia editing programmes is required.

Places for this course are strictly limited to ensure maximum learning potential. For more information about course costs and place availability, please contact the Thomson Foundation today.

Participants will be expected to propose a 1500-word feature idea in advance of arrival.

Course leader: David Quin manages the Foundation’s training across 16 EU neighbourhood countries, part of the 6-million Euro, EU-backed, European Neighbourhood Journalism Network project.

He previously worked on long-term projects throughout the Middle East, the Balkans, the Caucasus and South East Asia. Prior to joining the Foundation, David reported for TV, radio and print for ABC, CBC, France 24, IWPR and the UK newspaper, the Independent.

Support trainer: Dan Mason is a journalist, multimedia trainer and editor with over 25 years experience spanning print, online and senior management.

His assignments for the Thomson Foundation have included working with journalists, media organisations and NGOs in Azerbaijan, Nigeria, Kenya, Cyprus, the United Arab Emirates and beyond. He was previously an award-winning editor of daily newspapers and online operations in the UK, and has a special interest in media convergence, blogging, citizen journalism and social media.