Evolution of the programme
One of the exciting features of this programme is that it has been developed, from the outset, in collaboration with representatives of the media industry. When we, at The University of the West Indies here in St. Augustine, were first approached by these representatives, we responded to the sense of urgency expressed. We understood that the industry is taking its own steps towards greater professionalization. And of course, we believe that a professional standard of journalistic practice is essential for any country or region that wants to become more developed. At the UWI, a significant part of our mission is to promote national and regional development in the Caribbean. So we were only too happy to work with the industry to develop this programme.
At every step of the way, we worked together. Our programme development committee included media representatives, as well as academic staff from the UWI who are trained in curriculum development. So we knew that at every step of the journey our programme had to stand up to scrutiny as to whether it was INDEED providing an experience that professionals in the industry saw as being desirable and useful for journalists. It also had to meet the university’s standards for quality academic programmes. And I think, all in all, that we HAVE met both those requirements.
But we have no intention of stopping here. We know that one of the challenges we must now address is how to make the programme accessible to journalists across the Caribbean who have expressed interest in enrolling. Another step forward that we are already planning, is deciding how best to take this programme to another level. This is the pilot stage for this certificate programme. However, we are continually monitoring its progress to ensure that it will be even further refined. WE expect that it will continue to evolve to meet the needs of the industry and also, to contribute to the growth of knowledge about the field.
