- Program summary
- Program overview
- Career opportunities
- Special features
- Advanced standing, recognition of prior learning, credit and articulation
- Program structure
- Program requirements and notes
- Enquiries
- Recommended enrolment patterns
Program summary
QTAC code: 011131
OP/Rank for 2009 entry: OP-17 / Rank-66
Award abbreviation: BJourn
Degree type: undergraduate
Mode-of study: on campus
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Fee type 2009: Commonwealth supported places, visiting non-award domestic places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 288
Recommended prior study: English
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
CRICOS code: 057535J
New students: selecting courses for 2009
Program overview
Journalism is a rewarding, always interesting, and sometimes exciting vocation that offers opportunities to meet new people, travel, and explore events and decisions that shape lives around the world.
In a newsroom, abilities to collect, analyse and present information quickly and accurately are essential for success, as is a general understanding of media, current affairs, and the structure of society.
USC’s Bachelor of Journalism focuses on journalism as a significant, ethical profession in a democratic society. It encourages you to develop professional skills and theoretical understandings across the different media—print, broadcast and the web.
The program has been developed in conjunction with industry, and courses are taught by respected professionals, including practising print and broadcast journalists.
A strong practical focus will see you complete professional-level journalism projects, while an internship with a media organisation will allow you to gain valuable experience and build a portfolio of published work. USC journalism graduates have a high success rate in gaining employment in their chosen field.
Courses in the program focus on news writing, online journalism, feature writing, digital photojournalism, media law, editing and computer-assisted reporting. You will also undertake studies in economics, science and Australian politics, and can undertake a minor (four courses) by choosing from a range of study areas.
Career opportunities
Graduates work as journalists in print, broadcast and web formats, in a range of media organisations around the world. Skills are also transferable across a variety of communications roles in the public and private sectors. Jobs may be found in:
- journalism and photo-journalism for media companies
- corporate/government/non-profit communications
- creative writing
- editing/sub-editing
- multimedia
- journalism in converged media environments
- news/features/sport photo-journalism
- print/radio/television/web journalism
- professional writing in areas such as science and medicine
- technical writing
- travel writing
- web writing/editing
Special features
- strong internship program supported by key media outlets
- emphasis on multi-skilling—students learn to work across a mix of media platforms: print, broadcast and the web
- graduates are sought after by industry—most leave university ‘work-ready’ and capable of working in more than one medium
Program structure
Core courses
Select 2 courses from:
COR109 Communication and Thought
COR110 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
COR111 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
Introductory courses
4 required courses:
BUS102 Economics for Business
CMN102 Communication Theory and Practice
CMN130 Introduction to Journalism
INT140 An Introduction to Australian Politics: The Makings of a Republic?
Plus select 2 introductory courses:
1 introductory Arts and Social Sciences course from an area of study other than Communication.
1 introductory Science course (Semester 2 any year)
Advanced courses
10 required courses:
CMN213 Editing for the Communications Professional
CMN214 Computer-Assisted Reporting
CMN227 News Rounds
CMN228 The Writer and the Law
CMN235 News Writing: Print and Broadcast
CMN237 Writing for the Web
CMN240 Digital Photojournalism and Feature Writing
CMN249 Advanced News Reporting
CMN256 Research into Australian Journalism
CMN272 Industry Research Project (Journalism)
Elective courses
Select 6 elective courses from any faculty (Arts and Social Sciences, Business or Science, Health and Education)
It is recommended that students utilise electives to complete a minor (4 courses) in one of the following areas:
- 3D Design Advertising Australian Studies Communication Studies Counselling Creative Writing e-media Design Environmental and Planning Studies Graphic Design Historical Studies Indonesian Italian Japanese Justice and Legal Studies Politics and International Relations Public Policy Public Relations Social and Community Studies Sociology
Course substitution: the GO (Global Opportunities) Program
As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the GO Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider
Program requirements and notes
- No more than 10 introductory level courses are to be completed, including core courses.
- Some required introductory courses may count towards some minors.
- No courses may be counted towards more than one major or minor.
- Refer to the Academic Rules.
- Refer to explanation of terms.
- Refer to the recommended enrolment patterns.
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including, for example, essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests, and examinations.
How to apply
Apply for an undergraduate program.
Enquiries
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Tel: +61 7 5430 1259