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Higher Certificate in Radio & Podcasting

1 year, full time, NQF Level 5 | SAQA ID 99532
JHB

As with all AFDA Higher Certificate programmes, the Higher Certificate in Radio and Podcasting programme has been designed with a two-fold purpose.  Upon successful completion of the one-year Radio and Podcasting programme, students have the ability to continue with degree level studies (i.e. the BA in Motion Picture Medium, BA in Live Performance, Creative Writing or Bcom Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship degree programmes).  Alternatively, they may choose to enter the entertainment industry as a radio studio assistant.

The AFDA Radio and Podcasting programme provides students with key foundational technical experience in studio and field recording, as well as producing live and recorded programmes for transmission. It also teaches them to function optimally in a studio environment through understanding managerial requirements and its associated processes.

Overview
Course Structure
View Modules

Total tuition fees for 2025:

R89 550

2025 Fees
Entry Requirements
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Overview

Higher Certificate in Radio & Podcasting

The Higher Certificate in Radio & Podcasting focusses on the basic skills to operate a podcast or radio studio.  The programme equips students with the skills to research and record podcasts and to conduct the logistical and technical running of a radio/podcast production. Students also learn about podcast and radio genres, presentation styles, basic station management, studio equipment and recording devices. In the 4th term students will either stream a pre-recorded podcast produced by themselves, or assist Live Performance students in the recording of a radio drama.

Please note that the Higher Certificate in Radio and Podcasting programme is only offered at the AFDA Johannesburg campus.

Course Structure

The Higher Certificate in Radio and Podcasting programme consists of 3 subjects and students are required to take all three.

 

1. Radio and Podcasting Literacy (RPL):

In Radio and Podcasting Literacy students enhance their general academic and computer literacies through research assignments and presentations on topics aligned to the content of the other two subjects.

2.  Radio and Podcasting Analysis (RPA):

In Radio and Podcasting Analysis students engage in research and the analysis of industry related texts for the production of podcast and radio programmes. Examples of these texts include hot clocks, interview formats, interview questions, pre-scripted ads, promos, and publishing protocols. The purpose of this analysis is to equip students with skills required to manage and generate these in the world of work.

3. Radio and Podcasting Technical (RPT):

In Radio and Podcasting Technical students attend practical workshops in the modules on offer. The workshops teach students assistant and production skills in the gear and facilities associated with podcasting and radio.

Disciplines

Over the four terms of this 1-year Higher Certificate programme, students are introduced to different aspects of industry relevant skills training in the Radio and Podcasting field.  Sound studio competency, media literacy and correct interpretation and development of a brief, script and/or concept is addressed, along with industry expectations, communication skills and a focus on teamwork. The Higher Certificate student also emerges with a strong academic and attitudinal foundation in preparation for further education at AFDA.

Radio and Podcasting students can be placed in an internship at some point during the four term programme. This internship opportunity could include assisting at a Radio station, assisting with professional podcasting and sound studio recordings, or assisting with recording voice overs at a post-production facility.

The Modules:

Introduction to radio:  

This module introduces the students to the sound recording studio.  There is a particular emphasis on sound studio competency and an introduction to radio genres and formats.

Applying equipment competency in recording – Part 1

This module trains and guides the studio-competent student in successfully recording both a podcast and a voice over. Skills training in editing audio is also applied. Throughout the year, the students will continuously be challenged to apply the competency received in the preceding modules.  The students in the Higher Certificate programme will also interact with the AFDA School of Live Performance in shared, industry relevant outcomes.

 Applying equipment competency in recording – Part 2

The second part of this module trains and guides the equipment competent student in successfully recording a live radio show and a radio advertisement. The student also receives training in audience research techniques; as well as receiving an introduction to legislative frameworks and media ethics.

Advanced recording competency and industry readiness

This prepares the student in developing podcast concepts and recording of their own radio demos. They will create their own CVs for industry.  There is an emphasis on conceptual training and preparation for the radio and podcasting industry, and further interaction with the AFDA Live Performance school in recording of a radio drama, timetable permitting.

Modules

Over the four terms of this 1-year Higher Certificate programme, students are introduced to different aspects of industry relevant skills training in the Radio and Podcasting field.  Sound studio competency, media literacy and correct interpretation and development of a brief, script and/or concept is addressed, along with industry expectations, communication skills and a focus on teamwork. The Higher Certificate student also emerges with a strong academic and attitudinal foundation in preparation for further education at AFDA.

Radio and Podcasting students can be placed in an internship at some point during the four term programme. This internship opportunity could include assisting at a Radio station, assisting with professional podcasting and sound studio recordings, or assisting with recording voice overs at a post-production facility.

The Modules:

Introduction to radio:  

This module introduces the students to the sound recording studio.  There is a particular emphasis on sound studio competency and an introduction to radio genres and formats.

Applying equipment competency in recording – Part 1

This module trains and guides the studio-competent student in successfully recording both a podcast and a voice over. Skills training in editing audio is also applied. Throughout the year, the students will continuously be challenged to apply the competency received in the preceding modules.  The students in the Higher Certificate programme will also interact with the AFDA School of Live Performance in shared, industry relevant outcomes.

 Applying equipment competency in recording – Part 2

The second part of this module trains and guides the equipment competent student in successfully recording a live radio show and a radio advertisement. The student also receives training in audience research techniques; as well as receiving an introduction to legislative frameworks and media ethics.

Advanced recording competency and industry readiness

This prepares the student in developing podcast concepts and recording of their own radio demos. They will create their own CVs for industry.  There is an emphasis on conceptual training and preparation for the radio and podcasting industry, and further interaction with the AFDA Live Performance school in recording of a radio drama, timetable permitting.