The Freelance Journalism Course provides a complete toolkit to launch yourself as a professional writer in the magazine and webzine industry in South Africa and internationally.

As our most comprehensive journalism course, you will receive rigorous training in 20 writing assignments, with one-to-one guidance from a professional, award-winning journalist. You will walk away with two saleable articles, and the skills to be a writer - either as a full-time career, or on top of your day job.  In 11 modules, discover how to:   come up with ideas for articles pitch stories to magazines and webzines conduct interviews and research write compelling openers, article middles and closers write how to's, celebrity profiles, opinion pieces, topical scoops, informative pieces, human interest stories and humour columns write blurbs, pull quotes, sidebars and contributor bios understand editor protocol and industry regulations make an income as a freelance writer.

Magazines in which our students have been published:

Tutors for this course:

 

Tracey Hawthorne		Shamin Chibba
Award-winning writer Tracey Hawthorne has written features and columns for numerous publications, including Cosmopolitan, Fairlady, Femina, Getaway, GQ (for which she was books editor for 32 issues), House and Leisure, Men's Health, O The Oprah Magazine, Psychologies and Shape. More here.		Shamin Chibba has 13 years of writing experience, including three years’ as an editor. He has written in numerous formats, from long-form features for ­Al Jazeera Magazine and Brand South Africa.com to adaptations of classic tales for graphic novels. He also founded Seer Media, which provided news and information for NGOs in the Eastern Cape. More here.
Tamara Rothbart		Arja Salafranca
Tamara Rothbart is an award-winning magazine writer. She was voted Sanlam Fashion Journalist of the year in 2007 and again in 2008. In 2010 she was shortlisted for the Arise Africa Fashion Journalism Award. She began her writing career as an editorial assistant with the launch of Marie Claire in South Africa in 1996. See her full bio here>		Arja Salafranca has been a writer and journalist for over 20 years. She was the lifestyle and arts editor for The Sunday Independent from 2003 to 2016. In her role as editor she contributed travel articles, theatre, book and film reviews as well as profile interviews. She also encouraged the submission of a wide genre of work, from traditional journalism to ground-breaking personal and travel essays. Read more about Arja here>
		Award winning journalists Julienne du Toit and Chris Marais work together to bring over 60 combined years of journalism and editing skills to this course. Between them they cover a huge range of topics with a focus on careful research, work in the field, an eye for issues and human interest angles. See their full bio here>
Damaria Senne
Damaria Senne has worked for almost three decades as a freelance writer and journalist. She has also published a number of articles with magazines such as Fair Lady, True Love, Femina, BONA, Brainstorm and Built. She continues to work with local, national and international organisations to assist them to develop content for their online publications. See her full bio here>

(N.B. You may select a tutor in your application motivation or we will assign a tutor to you who we feel most suits your areas of interest)


See who has been published after completing the course

Course Curriculum

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Module 1 - The Genre of Magazine Writing

Distinguish magazine writing from other genres of writing Acquire an understanding of the elements that characterise magazine journalism Get answers to FAQ about a career in Magazine Journalism Writing Exercise 1: Practise writing scenes that “show” rather than “tell” (assessment and feedback task)

Module 2 - Targeting Your Market

Analyse a magazine in terms of content, style, format, tone, target market and demographic. Learn how to match your writing with that of a selected magazine. Distinguish between the different types of articles found in magazines. Writing Exercise 2: Analyze the demographic, style, tone and format of a selected magazine (assessment and feedback task)

Module 3 - Topics that Sell

Know where and how to find sellable ideas. Learn techniques for generating ideas Distinguish between a topic and an angle. Study an overview of prominent international publications. Writing Exercise 3: Refining topics into angles; Coming up with an angle for an article (feedback task)

Module 4 - Pitching Ideas to Editors

Find out how to write the perfect query letter Distinguish between writing on speculation versus querying and being commissioned Writing Exercise 4: Write a query letter

Module 5 - Getting the Facts Straight

Plan and map a structure of your piece Learn interviewing techniques Source reliable information Understand what plagiarism is, and how to avoid it. Writing Exercise 5: Map out your proposed article, ensuring logical flow of content (feedback task) Conduct your interviews and research.

Module 6- The Compelling Opener

Distinguish the critical elements for writing a compelling lead Identify the different types of introductions Writing Exercise 6: Write a compelling opening to your article (feedback and assessment task)

Module 7- Body-Building Part I

Identify the main components of an article Use a basic story structure to map out your piece Use transitions and logical flow to make reading easy Writing Exercise 7: Testing knowledge on logical flow of content, use of transitions, constant Point of View and tenses (assessment and feedback task) Writing Exercise 8: Begin to write up the body of your article

Module 8 - Body-building Part II

Identify the main grammar, style and punctuation rules Know the rules for apt usage of quotations Find out how to create catchy blurbs, sidebars and resource boxes Writing Exercise 9: Panel-beating the body into shape (feedback task)

Module 9 - Closing Off In Style

Identify the different types of closers Writing Exercise 10: Write the closer for your piece (feedback task)

Module 10 - The Final Cut

Edit your piece by following basic guidelines Understand the different kinds of cover letters and how to submit your piece in a professional way Invoice and organize payment for your stories Understand the basics of copyrighting and syndication Writing Exercise 11: Edit your piece and submit it with a cover letter. (assessment and feedback task)

Module 11 - Writing for Webzines

How writing articles for the Web is different Using keywords, headlines and hyperlinking Writing Exercise 12: Write a 600-word article according to a given brief for a specific online platform (assessment and feedback task)

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“It was overall a great learning experience; there were so many new things I was taught. Tracey walked every step of the way with me. I think the Writers College has a winning formula. The course was worth every cent! ” Ferdie du Toit, Magazine Journalism

 

 

Feedback on this course from past students

“The course has added great value to my skills as a writer and has highlighted things I would never have considered before. The course notes were very informative and interesting, and they were written in personable and professional language. I found the most value in the contact I had with my tutor. Lisa was great to work with. She gave me excellent advice and guidance around every corner, with quick feedback and thorough explanations. I learnt so much. The course taught me how to write like a freelance writer, but also how to think like one. I now know what to look for - article ideas and elements in my article. It has been informative, interesting, stimulating and fun. I look forward to the next course I do with the Writers' College.” Atka Young, Magazine Journalism Course, August 2012

“I loved the balance of theory and practice, the personal contact with a tutor and the independence of distance learning. I always looked forward to my next module and found the course notes and library articles engaging and interesting. I often thought how lucky I was to have Paul Smith as my tutor. I admired his teaching and writing skills, I appreciated his honesty and sensitivity and his generosity of time. I thoroughly enjoyed working with him.” Janet Hart, Magazine Journalism

“I believe I am now adequately trained and equipped to write publishable articles. I expected a basic course that would serve more as an introduction to Magazine Journalism, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that the course offered much more than that. It all depends on how much you are willing to put in! Tracey deserves a huge thank you. Her feedback was always straight-forward and frank, but never too critical. Her approach gave me the confidence to submit my assignments with knowledge that I could rely on her objective feedback to improve my work. She responded very promptly to my submissions and provided me with valuable information whenever I asked for it. She is definitely a natural tutor. I always wondered whether I really had the ability to write anything decent; the Writers' College and my tutor taught me and showed me that I did. I recommend this course to anyone who wants to venture into the field of Magazine Journalism.” Christine Vorster, Magazine Journalism Course.

“I was really impressed with the practicality of the course as opposed to it being a whole lot of theory. I found Karin extremely helpful and always willing to make herself available to help me. The feedback I received from Karin and Tracey was really good and I will use it now for submitting my very first article! Karin was very approachable and kept me motivated throughout. Her passion for what she does is very evident, she has inspired me to make the most out of what I learnt. I am very impressed that in only 6 months, the course and my lecturer were able to adequately arm me to go out into the real world in my first solo attempt at writing for a magazine. I highly recommend that anybody who is even thinking about doing some writing, sign up for a Writers’ College course that interests them.” Glenn Weldon, Magazine Journalism Course.

"I really enjoyed the course and found it challenging. At times it was hard to motivate myself but having regular assignments kept me focused and up to speed. I really enjoyed working with my tutor Paul Smith. His guidance was inspiring for me and he always came back with constructive criticism and/or encouraging feedback. I found the course easily accessible, the notes were clear and I feel like I have some really useful tools in my belt with the course notes and tutor feedback I have received." Amanda Bidwell, Magazine Journalism Course

"I was impressed with the amount of information about the industry and felt like I will now be able start my writing career. It is an excellent way to improve your writing skills in a way that suits your time and pocket." Claire Kivedo, Magazine Journalism Course

"The course was challenging and enjoyable. My tutor was very motivating and encouraging. She was accommodating when I went through some personal setbacks. Without this encouragement, I would not have been able to finish the course. Studying with The Writers' College was great, and the practical element was challenging. The course really took me out of my comfort zone. I'm so glad I did this course and now I have a fantastic new lifelong skill!" Janice McKay, Magazine Journalism

“Brilliant course. Well structured, easy to work online while having access to a tutor. Nichola, your college ROCKS. Can't wait to do my next course.” Nicky Pearce, Magazine Journalism

“The course was very insightful, helpful in clearing up things or misconceptions I had. Helped me be very clear about my writing. My tutor was very helpful and kind with regard to feedback on my modules. Very thankful to have had someone go the extra mile for me. Well worth my time and energy. Thanks.” Danielle Louw, Magazine Journalism Course

"I really enjoyed the course and found it challenging. At times it was hard to motivate myself but having regular assignments kept me focused and up to speed. I really enjoyed working with my tutor Paul Smith. His guidance was inspiring for me and he always came back with constructive criticism and/or encouraging feedback. I found the course easily accessible, the notes were clear and I feel like I have some really useful tools in my belt with the course notes and tutor feedback I have received." Amanda Bidwell, Magazine Journalism Course

“I think Paul Smith was the perfect tutor for me. He knew when and how to push me to get good results as I had several moments earlier on of self-doubt, procrastination and over-thinking things! As I said in my earlier email – if I had the money to start straight onto the Advanced Course – I would – and would be asking for Paul to be my tutor again.” Jackie Clark, Magazine Journalism Course

“My tutor was supportive, encouraging, gave useful critique and did all she could to keep me moving through the modules.” Christine Briston, Magazine Journalism Course

“Thank you for a fantastic course. Karin inspired me to really put all my effort in to this course and helped reignite my passion for writing. Koos was very organised and helpful. The course exceeded my expectations.” Micharn Pollock, Magazine Journalism Course

“Thank you for a very well structured course that is perfect for the guy with a busy schedule. My tutor was tough, on the ball and incredibly knowledgeable.” Stanley Rorke, Magazine Journalism Course

"Yvonne was excellent. She really knew what she was talking about and I held her opinion in high regard throughout. She was also very efficient at coming back with module feedback or to answer any queries. I was very impressed to have a Qantas Media Award winning journalist as a tutor." Natalie Maddigan, Magazine Journalism Course

“I found my tutor to be an inspiration and her critical analysis of my work was always prompt, professional and relevant. Her guidance and support was unfaltering. I am most impressed with the course content and the professionalism displayed by [my tutor] and the college. I feel I have made a worthwhile journey and look forward to the next stage.” Beth Stols, Magazine Journalism Course

“Leonie Joubert was a superb tutor. Even though everything is done via correspondence, it still felt as if I built a personal relationship, which is nice. She was supportive and took a genuine interest in what I was doing.” Mark Hohls, Magazine Journalism Course

“[My tutor] was absolutely wonderful to work with. I wouldn’t have made it without her! Thank you for your professionalism. It’s been a pleasure working with the college and I will definitely recommend it when I have the chance.” Liezl Durie, Magazine Journalism Course

“Thanks so much for your encouragement and excellent course! I have learned a huge amount. The course content and feedback was BRILLIANT. Thank you! Karin Schimke’s feedback on my assignments and article was invaluable and considerately conveyed. I’ve no doubt that her input has shortcut the process of getting published by a massive margin.” Naomi Estment, Magazine Journalism Course

“Tracey, I would like to thank you sincerely for being such an outstanding tutor. I very much liked and appreciated your approach in commenting on my assignments. In general I found your advice very relevant, professional and representative of your considerable skills and experience. I can highly recommend you to any students who want to do the magazine journalism course. And you certainly know how to work with an adult student like me who has a mind of her own! You made this course a most enjoyable experience for me. I wish you all the best with your future endeavours!” Madi Hanekom, Magazine Journalism Course

"From start to finish I was impressed with the professionalism of correspondence by my tutor. She is simply amazing! She is very encouraging in her responses, as well as constructive and honest in her criticism. She has played a significant role in my development as a writer (not only in magazine journalism)." Delia Stanhope, Magazine Journalism

“I just have to say that I loved doing this short course on magazine journalism. I haven't submitted my article yet, but will definitely revise it, make some changes thanks to the external assessor’s feedback, and submit it shortly. My tutor Tracey was so willing to help out, and always gave honest and fair advice - which is just what I wanted. I have learnt so much and have already advised others to go onto your website and start their dreams of writing!” Gwyneth King, Magazine Journalism

“I really enjoyed the course and thought the feedback and course material were of a very high standard.” Emily Davis, Magazine Journalism

"I’ve never done any writing courses before but I really think this course is excellent. I really enjoyed the course and it has given me a lot more confidence in my writing, especially for my work. I would love to do another course with the college, so hopefully next year you'll see my name again." Kim Govender, Magazine Journalism

“The course was indeed a valuable learning experience for me and I certainly did learn a lot from it. I have my degree in BA Journalism, but taking up the magazine writing course has specifically allowed me to gain a better understanding of the industry I want to work in.” Tal Halili, Magazine Journalism Course

"Lisa made this entire experience such a pleasure for me. It takes a special kind of lecturer to be able to give critique and feedback that empowers, gives insight and builds confidence. She has this gift. Whenever my courage started crumbling, she was right there showing me the way. I always felt safe in her hands. She is a great asset to your college! I feel very fortunate to have been able to work with her. I feel the course was extremely thorough and practical. So many times one does a course and afterwards sit with a book full of facts and no clue as how to implement them. This is not the case with your course! The knowledge you impart is directly related to the field and can be used in practice! Never have I felt so supported and encouraged by a team." Michelle Nothling, Magazine Journalism Course

“Thank you for the incredible knowledge and writing training as well as the confidence gained from the course. Karin was a wonderful lecturer. While she was very straight and strict, she was also very encouraging in her comments. I appreciated this. After the information gleaned on the course and the motivation from my tutor, I believe my articles will be published.” Jo Hedges, Magazine Journalism

"I have already completed the Basics of Creative Writing Course and it was on the strength of the enjoyment I derived from that, that I completed this course too. I thoroughly enjoyed the Magazine Journalism Course. Tracey was a fantastic lecturer. Her feedback was sent the following day after I submitted my work and she was always very approachable and full of encouragement." Ariella Caira, Magazine Journalism

"I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical, because I thought a college might not be able to give me the same amount of information that a university could, but I was proven wrong with each module. I gained knowledge of more than just the basics and I feel confident to write now. Karin is truly a wonderful lecturer and I can safely say that she becomes more than just that, she becomes a friend too. She tries to help whenever she can and she gave me very useful tips and tricks." Renette van der Merwe, Magazine Journalism Course

"I thought the course was extremely well run and I learnt a great deal from it. It suited me perfectly in terms of doing it part-time and Karin was an enthusiastic and inspirational tutor." Belinda Blomfield, Magazine Journalism

"I was very impressed with the quality of course content and applications. Straight up, realistic and professional. I knew what was expected of me and appreciated the help given. I looked forward to all the marks and comments and felt they were just what was needed to encourage me to go for it." Shannon Hunt, Advanced Magazine Journalism Course

"I have done a number of different writing courses, and while I always came away knowing more, I never felt I'd gained anything in terms of practical application or writing confidence. When I came across your College I decided to give myself one last shot at becoming a 'real' writer. I chose the Magazine Journalism Foundation Course because it seemed to be the fastest route towards earning a living as a freelance writer. It was, without a doubt, the very best decision I could have made. My writing has improved beyond measure. More importantly my confidence in myself and my capabilities as a writer has escalated tremendously. THANK YOU!" Angela Horn, Magazine Journalism

"I especially liked the way the course focused on industry protocol and commercial details like payment, invoicing, relationship with editors etc, rather than just teaching writing style and technique. I am used to academic studying where the actual links between what you learn and how it will be applied in the workplace are not so obvious. I liked that this course teaches one how to be a magazine journalist and not just how to write magazine journalism. A great course overall. I really enjoyed it." Leanne Johannson, Magazine Journalism Course

"An excellent foundation for any potential writer. Only the hard knocks of reality will develop skill. [My tutor's] honest and helpful comments changed my perception of the written word." Lydia Borg-Jorgensen, Magazine Journalism Course

"Thanks for all your support and motivation - I always thought I had a knack for this but your opinion as a professional is what I needed to take the next steps. I am quite humbled really by the fact that my first published piece will be coming out in two weeks' time (FHM), and hopefully the African Communications piece as well soon. I could not have asked for more of a fast track towards my writing goals, thanks to you." Kevin Willemse, Magazine Journalism

"In my opinion these courses are an absolute life-saver and a wonderful way to get experience and exposure without having to go and do a full BA in languages. The mentoring and advice offered are always spot on and challenge the way you look at your own writing, forcing you to step outside of your little box and try something new, stretching yourself and your ability. In addition, the material available in the student centre is not only interesting but really well written - it is easy to understand and to apply. Nicky Pantland, Magazine Journalism

"I can't believe it's all finished and done with! How sad! Thank you so much for all your help, you are a GREAT tutor and gave hidings when they were required and boosted my self confidence when it was getting a bit dented! You were fantastic *shakes pom poms*" Natasha Chandler, Magazine Journalism

"The course content and presentation is really excellent. It is very well put together and comprehensive. (Remember, I am a teacher and trainer as well so I guess I am quite well positioned to judge!) I learned a huge amount...The feedback and support is excellent. The whole system has been superbly designed and works extremely well. I have done online courses before but this one takes the cake!" Mandy Lebides, Magazine Journalism

"I thoroughly enjoyed completing the course. It taught me a lot; not only about journalism, but about myself and on how much I can actually stretch my abilities. Through doing this course I’ve realized that nothing is impossible and have already achieved things I never thought I would have…I really enjoyed having my tutor; she really has in-depth knowledge of journalism and English and taught me a lot. I almost felt like I bonded with her over this time and it’s sad to say goodbye." Kim Simpson, Magazine Journalism

"Thanks a mill, Karin… I've taken all your teachings and sage words to heart, and my writing has improved TEN FOLD! Both you and Beth Cooper have taught me well – the proof is evident just by me counting all my happy (new and not-so-new) clients. Thank you." Kate Turner, Magazine Journalism

"Thank you, for this – I enjoyed this course very much! It has been such a busy first half of the year and it was really just Lisa’s thoughtful feedback and encouragement that kept me at it. I was also very impressed with the way the course broke down the process through the line from concept to accounts into manageable modules. It really helped me get over my angst about writing and interviewing. I will definitely recommend this course." Nicole McCreedy, Magazine Journalism Course

"Thank you. It was great to do the course and I'm excited that FL accepted my piece! Lisa was a great tutor too." Briony Chisholm, Magazine Journalism

"I thoroughly enjoyed the course and would definitely recommend it to other aspiring writers." Leigh-Anne Hunter, Magazine Journalism

"Thanks, I have thoroughly enjoyed the course and I look forward to using what I've learnt to get myself published!" Elise Kirsten, Magazine Journalism

"The course has been very interesting and informative, so thanks for that. I look forward to getting stuck into some more writing!" Caminey Kuropatwa, Magazine Journalism

"This was a thoroughly enjoyable course, which has helped to give me more direction in terms of my writing. [The tutor was] incredibly helpful and supportive. …It was really valuable to learn the proper way of doing things for this genre." Belinda Glenn, Magazine Journalism

"As you will see I have NOTHING but praise [for the course]. I loved it all and Karin Schimke is a rock and mentor bar none!" Lisa Finkelstein, Magazine Journalism

"Hi Nichola - Thanks for a great course. I really learned a lot. It started something for me that is beyond words." Peet Steyn, Magazine Journalism

"Thanks so much for coordinating such a wonderful course. I enjoyed every second of it." Lerato Malekutu, Magazine Journalism

"Just a quick email to again say thanks for the wonderful work you're doing in the industry - the Magazine Journalism course I did has certainly helped me tremendously in my career!" Christo Valentyn, Magazine Journalism

"Now that I have completed [the course] I am thoroughly impressed and happy with the skills I have acquired in the process. So yes, in terms of learning more about the magazine industry and how to approach my work, it has exceeded all my expectations." Christo Valentyn, Magazine Journalism

"This course was very enjoyable, and delivered all that it promised. I would certainly recommend this course to anyone interested in starting out in journalism." Moira Golden, Magazine Journalism

"Thank you so much for all your effort and help. This is an invaluable opportunity you are offering." Benito Vergotine, Magazine Journalism

"I found everything about the course very well organised and presented. I really thought it was an excellent educational investment for me." Karen Huxham, Magazine Journalism

"Hi there – just a quick note to let you know my article, ‘Let’s cool it girl’ made the Feb ‘06 issue of Men’s Health. I’m so happy! And a huge ‘thank you’ for your input and support – it is so fulfilling to get done what you set out to do…." Marlene Marais, Magazine Journalism

"The foundation course was a great learning experience. It has instilled the confidence in me to go out and tackle the world as a freelance photojournalist." Margot Dolby, Magazine Journalism

“I have thoroughly enjoyed the Foundation Course. I started with high expectations and have certainly not been disappointed. The individual attention, guidance and feedback that I received have been invaluable. The course content is excellent, challenging and stimulating. An added benefit was that I was forced to write an article, whereas in my busy, everyday life, that would have just remained a dream. I will definitely be registering for the Advanced Course." Jennifer Dunkley, Magazine Journalism

"The course provided a great foundation for a future career in journalism. The lecturer, Nichola Meyer, was dedicated, involved, and obviously passionate about her subject. Her support has been invaluable." Brenda Walters, Magazine Journalism

"The lecturer knows what she’s doing, and really seems to want her students to get into the magazine industry. She’s always available to contact with any questions, and always gives constructive feedback." Caro Engelbrecht, Magazine Journalism

“This course was invaluable, inspiring and absorbing. It was far better than I expected, and highly professional. I was in awe of the calibre of the course and lecturer." Karen Engeldow, Magazine Journalism

"Thanks for a dynamic and very interesting course. I have enjoyed every second of it!" Chantal Di Donato, Magazine Journalism
 

More Testimonials Here