Description
This programme is designed to provide law enforcement officers with the required skills within the business of policing, to interact in a professional manner with the public media. The public’s perception towards law enforcement agencies is often negative due to media publicity. Successful candidates will also be able to apply their newly acquired skills to improve their performance as media relations’ officers. This programme is intended to assist front-line officers to effectively respond to media queries, to proactively promote open channels of communication with a wide array of reporters and to write effective communiqués.
Special attention will be given to media relations’ principles as well as the following: –
- The development of knowledge and skills in the field of communication, public relations and problem solving.
- Internal and external communication strategies.
- How to use the power of the media to the law enforcement agency’s advantage.
- Build strong relationships with the community and how to promote co-operation.
Accreditation and Duration
This is a part-time higher education programme accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). It is also registered at SAQA.
Duration:
- Minimum – 1 year of study (part-time)
- Maximum – 3 years of study (part-time)
Career Options
Learners could pursue a career as a:
- Media Relations Officer
- Public Relations Officer
- Communications Officer
Certification
Upon successful completion of your programme, you will receive a certificate depicting: – Higher Certificate in Law Enforcement Media Relations and an academic transcript. These documents will be issued at the annual graduation ceremony, couriered to the nearest branch or posted to you, provided that your account is in order.
It is the learner’s responsibility to ensure they meet all the programme requirements before a qualification can be issued.
Learner Material
Study material is largely supplied in digital format only. Printed copies can be ordered at the prescribed tariffs.
Prescribed textbooks are excluded and must be procured by the student. (Terms and Conditions apply)
The College has a small number of prescribed textbooks. Should you experience undue problems to acquire your textbooks, you may enquire at the College.
Lyceum College has prescribed textbooks in the Library that can be issued for a limited period on a first come first serve basis. Should you experience undue problems to acquire your textbooks, you may enquire at the College.
Progression/Articulation
A Higher Certificate at NQF Level 5 may progress to a Diploma at NQF Level 6.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) processes and Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT) are articulation mechanisms. The institution reserves the right to conduct a formal assessment for purposes of CAT. An evaluation will be conducted to recognise prior learning. This evaluation may or may not be based on a form of formal assessment and can include a portfolio of evidence submission. These mechanisms are in line with the HEQSF as envisaged in the NQF Act 67 of 2008 and the CHE “Policies on the Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Accumulation and Transfer, and Assessment in Higher Education” published by the CHE in August 2016.
The final approval for applications in respects of CAT and RPL is subject to academic vetting in terms of applicable legislation and institutional policies.
Enquire at your nearest Lyceum Branch Office for more information regarding the awarding of subject credits (Credit Accumulation and Transfer – CAT) towards Lyceum Qualifications.
Admission Requirements
The minimum entry requirement is the National Senior Certificate OR equivalent. For full details on admission requirements, contact Lyceum College.