Photojournalism and Documentary Practice

Our one-year immersive program is designed to educate creative leaders who can drive positive change in Africa and beyond through the art of visual storytelling. At Dikan, we offer a truly global visual education, providing students with the opportunity to become masters in the craft of storytelling. Our program strongly emphasizes leadership and authenticity and empowers participants to emerge as impactful storytellers. Our teaching philosophy centers around a learner-centered approach, striking the perfect balance between theory and practice. We promote collaboration, critical thinking, real-world application, and research excellence, fostering a vibrant sense of community through seminars, interactive class discussions, and constructive critiques.

 Guided by accomplished instructors and experts in photography and journalism, this program offers a comprehensive set of skills and diverse perspectives in news coverage, documentaries, editorial work, and multimedia projects. Participants will learn effective strategies for publishing their work and have the opportunity to undertake news assignments and long-term documentary projects that delve into the depths of the human experience. By the end of the program, participants will be equipped with essential investigative skills needed for impactful visual storytelling. They will learn to research, analyze, and capture stories with depth and accuracy. Participants will also develop mastery in technical visual storytelling skills, particularly in still photography, ensuring proficiency in the use of equipment, lighting, and post-production techniques. Participants will gain hands-on experience in conceiving, executing, and exhibiting visual stories, including a valuable one-month industry internship and paid fellowship.

 

Program Date - 1st March - December 2024

Applications closed

Courses & Workshops

  • Nyansapo

  • Leading Self

  • Photojournalism and Documentary Practice Seminar

  • Visual History of Africa

  • Research & Writing

  • Theories of Photojournalism and Documentary Practice in Africa

  • Digital Workflows

  • Finding Light - Studio and Environmental Portraiture

  • Photo Editing – Finding the narrative

  • Writing for News

  • Journalism: Perspective and Theory

  • Design Thinking & Entrepreneurship

  • Archives and the documentarian

  •  Immersive Storytelling 

  • Audio Stories and Podcast

  • Photoshop & Printing

  • Learning Multimedia

  • On Assignment 

  • Media Ethics & Law 

  • Advocacy & Community

  • The Photobook: Advocacy and Social Stories

  • Curator’s Perspective

  • Paid Fellowship & Internship

  • Final Project and End of Program Exhibition

First Semester

From March to June, the first semester of the Photojournalism and Documentary Practice Certificate program will focus on essential courses like Leadership, Core Skills, Visual History, and Humanities. In the initial weeks, our priority is nurturing students' ethical leadership and creativity. Our courses will cover self-awareness, emotional intelligence, goal setting, and personal effectiveness strategies. Our aim is to mold them into ethical leaders and changemakers in their communities and across Africa.

 Our approach is multidisciplinary, providing students with an immersive learning experience in leadership, innovation, research, and writing. Our curriculum encourages exploration of pressing contemporary questions and dilemmas specific to the African context. Through reflective activities and discussions, students will sharpen their critical thinking skills, enabling them to analyze contemporary social issues in more profound and nuanced ways. At the end of the first semester, there will be a two-week break. This break allows students to pause, reflect, and integrate the foundational knowledge gained during the initial part of their certificate program.

 Second Semester

In the second semester, from July to November, our photography program focuses on teaching students essential skills for professional photography. They will learn technical aspects like Visual Journalism, Immersive Storytelling, Documentary Practice, and Photo Editing through hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge.

 Students will also engage in practical assignments, including paid fellowships and internships, to develop social responsibility, adaptability, innovation, and resilience. We emphasize real-world practice and mentorship. Internships with news agencies and organizations are a vital part of our program, providing practical exposure and enhancing technical skills. In December, students will have portfolio reviews by industry experts to refine their work and align it with industry standards. The program ends with a graduation ceremony and a photo exhibition showcasing students' best work, offering networking opportunities with professionals.