COURSE TITLE: Capstone Project: Multimedia Journalism Portfolio

Course Code: JM 299
Credit Value: 3 Credits

Contact Hours

• Project Supervision: 2 hours/week

• Portfolio Development / Practical Studio: 2 hours/week

Duration: 15 Weeks (One Semester)
Prerequisite: Completion of all Level 100 and Level 200 Journalism, Media and Communication core courses, or permission of the Programme Coordinator.

1. Course Description

The Capstone Project is the culminating academic and professional experience of the Associate Degree in Journalism, Media and Communication. It requires students to integrate theoretical knowledge, technical skills, ethical principles, and professional competencies acquired throughout the programme into a comprehensive multimedia journalism portfolio.

Working under faculty supervision, students identify a significant public-interest issue or communication theme, conduct research, develop a project proposal, gather and verify information, produce multimedia content, and publish a coherent portfolio demonstrating proficiency across multiple media platforms. Projects may include combinations of news reporting, feature writing, investigative journalism, photography, audio production, video production, documentary storytelling, podcasts, data visualisation, strategic communication materials, and digital publishing.

Students are expected to demonstrate independent project management, editorial judgement, audience awareness, legal and ethical compliance, and reflective professional practice. The course concludes with a formal portfolio presentation and oral defence before a faculty assessment panel.

The Capstone Project serves as evidence of students' readiness for professional employment or transfer to bachelor's degree programmes in journalism, media, and communication.

2. Course Objectives

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Integrate journalism, media, and communication knowledge into a comprehensive professional project.

2. Conduct independent research and apply appropriate journalistic methodologies.

3. Produce high-quality multimedia journalism using professional production standards.

4. Demonstrate ethical, legal, and socially responsible journalism practices.

5. Apply project management and editorial planning throughout the production process.

6. Present and defend professional work before an academic audience.

7. Critically evaluate their own professional development and future learning needs.

8. Produce a portfolio suitable for employment, internships, or transfer into bachelor's degree programmes.

3. Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will be able to:

• Design and execute an independent multimedia journalism project.

• Apply advanced reporting, writing, interviewing, and verification techniques.

• Produce professional-quality text, photography, audio, video, and digital media content.

• Demonstrate effective editorial planning and project management.

• Apply legal, ethical, and professional standards throughout the production process.

• Communicate effectively with diverse audiences using appropriate media platforms.

• Critically reflect on professional practice and lifelong learning.

• Present a polished multimedia journalism portfolio demonstrating bachelor's-level competencies.