Bachelor of Journalism

Program summary

Program title: Bachelor of Journalism
Award abbreviation: BJourn
QTAC code: 011131
OP/Rank for 2012 entry: OP-16 / Rank-67
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Study mode: on campus
Recommended prior study: English
Fee type 2012: Commonwealth supported places, fee paying places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 288
USC program code: AR343
CRICOS code: 057535J. Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student Visa.

Journalism is a rewarding, interesting vocation that offers opportunities to meet new people, travel, and explore events and decisions that shape lives around the world.

In this program you are provided with professional skills and a theoretical understanding across different media: print, broadcast, and the web. Courses are taught by respected industry professionals and include news writing, online journalism, feature writing, digital photojournalism, media law, editing, and computer-assisted reporting. You develop professional-level projects and most can participate in an internship to gain industry experience, while building a portfolio of published work. You can also select a minor in another discipline to broaden your degree and enhance career opportunities.

Career opportunities

Print/radio/television/web journalism, photo-journalism, editing/sub-editing, creative writing, multimedia, travel writing, corporate/government/non-profit communications, technical writing in areas such as science and medicine.

Enquiries

• Contact Student Administration for application and admission information
• Contact the Faculty of Arts and Business for program advice

Program Leader
Dr Folker Hanusch
Tel: +61 7 5430 2852
Email: fhanusch@usc.edu.au

Program requirements

In order to graduate you must:

• Complete all 16 required courses, 2 core courses and 6 electives.
• Complete no more than 10 introductory level courses, including core courses.

Program notes

• Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.
• Some required introductory courses may count towards some minors.
• As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the Global Opportunities (GO) Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues.
• Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
• When enrolling, refer to the Study Plan.

Program structure

Core courses

Select 2 core 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 (1) one introductory level course other than Communication from the School of Communication or School of Social Sciences

Plus select (1) one introductory level course from the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering

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 Online Journalism
CMN240 Digital Photojournalism and Feature Writing
CMN249 Advanced News Reporting
CMN256 Research into Journalism
CMN272 Industry Research Project (Journalism)

Elective courses

Select 6 elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

TOTAL UNITS 288

Study Plan

The Bachelor of Journalism Study Plan is for students commencing in the current semester.

Core courses (2)

Select 2 core courses from:

Required introductory courses: (6)

Plus select (1) one introductory level course other than Communication from the School of Communication or School of Social Sciences

Plus select (1) one introductory level course from the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering

Required advanced courses (10)

Elective courses (6)

Select 6 elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

TOTAL UNITS 288

Why choose USC? 

It’s the best of both worlds. Students choose USC for its industry focused degrees, experienced academics, student support, overseas study opportunities and relaxed campus atmosphere.

Am I eligible for university study?

Find out what qualifications you need to apply for entry into your proposed study program. If you don’t have the required qualifications, there may be alternative pathways you can take to gain entry to USC.

If you have previously undertaken university or TAFE studies, you may be eligible for credit transfer. 

If English is not your first language, you need to meet the minimum English language requirements for your chosen program. This requirement applies to all students intending to study at the University.

How do I submit an application?

• Current Year 12 students—regardless of whether you are OP-eligible or not—apply for university using the Twelve to Tertiary (TTT) application service on the QTAC website
• Non-school leavers use the Apply by Web (ABW) online application service on the QTAC website
• Postgraduate applicants apply directly to USC
• International students apply directly to USC International
• All other applicants

When should I apply?

Check if the program is offered in Semester 1 and / or Semester 2, then follow the deadlines on the application calendar. The academic calendar provides all the key dates you need to know as a student at USC.

What happens next?

Accept your offer with QTAC (if applicable) and USC, enrol in your classes and attend Orientation.

Where can I ask more questions?

If you have more questions about how to apply:

• Online: find answers to commonly asked questions in the Student FAQs
• Email: information@usc.edu.au
• Phone: Student Administration on +61 7 5430 2890
• In person: Student Central, Building C

If you have questions about your program:

• Contact the Faculty of Arts and Business

As a USC student, you will need to refer to your study plan to enrol in the appropriate courses each semester or session.

Find out more about how to enrol or follow these steps:

1. Check the open enrolment dates and the academic calendar for key dates
2. Refer to your Study Plan to plan your courses for the study period
3. Find your courses and decide on your classes in the class timetable
4. Log on to USC Central and enrol in courses and classes
5. Register your major or minor with your faculty (if applicable)
6. Apply for credit transfer or cross-institutional study (if applicable)
7. Pay required study fees by the fee due date

Useful links

• Getting Started Guide
• USC Central Guide
• Common enrolment problems
• Class timetables
• Academic Calendar
• Faculty major and minor offerings
• Student-related policies, plans and procedures
• Contact Student Administration

Where can I ask more questions?

If you have more questions about how to enrol:

• Online: Refer to the USC Central Guide
• Email: information@usc.edu.au
• Phone: Student Administration on +61 7 5430 2890
• In person: Student Central, Building C

If you have questions about your program:

• Contact the Faculty of Arts and Business