Journalism Courses overview
Journalism is the gathering and presentation of news through rigorous investigation and eloquent writing. Professionals in the field must hold their research to a high standard so stories they present and events portrayed are accurate. Postgraduate study offers a range of opportunities, from proper communication in the case of disasters to advanced public writing and social media management.
The field found its roots at various times across the world. Early newspapers in China have been discovered dating back to the second century. Conversely, the first French newspaper only saw publication in the 17th century by the will of the king’s physician. It wasn’t until the 19th century that newspapers and journalism became widely utilised in most areas of the world.
Nowadays, journalism is a hotly debated topic. Public discourse is saturated with enormous quantities of suspect material. Professional journalists must now strive to uphold the truth despite these odds.
Is journalism for me?
Journalism is for curious investigators wanting to uncover the truth of a claim, story or event. It requires an enormous amount of patience and dedication, making it for meticulous and detail-oriented individuals wishing to put their skills to use. It is for those who can separate themselves from their stories so they can be unbiased.
Study pathway
Journalism can be studied up to master level, with each course providing different levels of detail.
Graduate certificates are six-month programs designed to provide an entry-level understanding of the field. Students can expect institutions like Griffith University to provide units in proper communication, advanced public writing and media decision-making capabilities. These courses are perfect for aspiring journalists, requiring a bachelor degree from any field with a passing GPA (50%). This makes them even more accessible than most other graduate courses.
Graduate diplomas are for students desiring a more advanced skill set. Programs from the University of Melbourne and others offer specialised capabilities that cater to student interests and career aspirations. Examples of these include units in video journalism, investigative journalism, advanced non-fiction writing and data journalism. These courses traditionally take a year of full-time study to complete, requiring relevant undergraduate study and a high credit GPA (70%) for entry.
Master degrees in journalism provide comprehensive knowledge of the craft. They are offered by Monash University and others with the intent to give students plenty of options. Theirs, in particular, offers a vast selection of electives in war journalism, politics, digital storytelling, design, editing, investigative reporting, global change, feature writing and many more. The degree tends to feature practical opportunities as well, such as internships and studio projects. This makes it a highly employable qualification, taking two years of full-time study to complete if undergone full time. Students require at least an undergraduate degree in any discipline to enter, with cognate disciplines potentially leading to faster completion.
Employment options
Advertising copywriter
The time spent honing literary skill throughout postgraduate journalism prepares graduates well for the world of advertising. Writing for billboards, websites, catalogues and more is the bread and butter for these professionals. Companies like McCann and Blackbocks require advertising copywriters to create effective promotional materials for their clients to help them grow their brands.
Newspaper journalist
Newspaper journalists research public events from state to national level in order to inform the public. Editorials and opinion pieces are also used to shape these stories. Large newspapers like The Canberra Times and The Sydney Morning Herald thrive on the work done by their journalists, as they are the crucial component that allows them to function.
Public relations officer
These professionals walk the line between copywriter and newspaper journalists, instead of using their journalism skills to sway public opinion in favour of a client. They can work for massive corporations or individuals, acting as a necessity in modern brand development tactics. Companies like Ball PR and PPR function by the efforts of public relations officers, who in turn make their clients shine.
Specialisations
Journalism qualifications lead to a great variety of specialised careers, not just working at a newspaper. The following are examples: