Graduate Diploma in Journalism

Program summary

Program title: Graduate Diploma in Journalism
Award abbreviation: GDJourn
Degree type: coursework
Study mode: on campus
Duration: 1 year minimum full-time, 4 years maximum part-time
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Fee type 2012: postgraduate coursework places, international fee-paying places
Total courses: 8
USC program code: AR643
CRICOS code: 058566E

Develop your writing proficiency and improve your job prospects.

The Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma in Journalism offer an opportunity to develop your skills in contemporary journalism, and gain a qualification that has relevance, currency and credibility. The programs are ideal for professionals in corporate or government sectors who wish to upgrade their qualifications and expertise in a short time.

In today’s job market, the ability to write and communicate well has become increasingly important. USC’s journalism programs impart both knowledge and skills relevant for professional and business writing, and written communication in general. You develop competencies in research, writing, editing, and production; and examine the general communications required of journalists and the different media—print, broadcast and the internet.

Courses in the Graduate Certificate provide you with a solid introduction to journalism. Learn editing techniques across different media, participate in the online publishing process, build a portfolio of published articles, and learn basic photojournalism skills. You also examine the foundations of journalism, including its history and social and political relevance.

The Graduate Diploma in Journalism builds on the 4-course Graduate Certificate and you can apply the units completed to the higher award. Using your electives, you can choose to extend your expertise into areas such as computer-assisted reporting, online journalism, politics and the media, feature writing or even research.

To further your studies, the 8-course Graduate Diploma articulates into the Master of Communication. If you complete the Graduate Diploma in Journalism, you may apply for up to 8 courses (96 units) credit towards the coursework component of the Master of Communication.

Admission requirements

Candidates for this award are normally required to hold a Bachelor's degree or a relevant Graduate Certificate. To be eligible to undertake this award, students must not have undertaken a previous undergraduate degree or a major or minor in journalism. Students cannot undertake any course in this degree that they have completed previously at an undergraduate level. Entry by non-graduates who have extensive relevant industry experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

Program objectives

On completion of this program students should be able to:

• demonstrate proficiency in areas of journalism and professional writing
• identify and evaluate a particular audience, and develop the styles of written communication and modes of delivery accordingly
• identify the generic conventions of different forms of written communication
• discuss contemporary culture and social outcomes/reactions of trends in popular fiction
• analyse written and oral communications in order to identify and implement proper drafting, revising, and editing techniques
• graduate and pursue further vocational studies and apply theoretically advanced approaches to journalism

Enquiries

Faculty of Arts and Business
Tel: +61 7 5430 1259

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

Study Plan

This Study Plan is valid from Study Period 1, 2011.

For students who commenced study in this program prior to Study Period 1, 2011:

• Find the Student Handbook for the semester in which you commenced.
• Select the program in which you are enrolled.
• Scroll down to your relevant Program Structure.

Program requirements and notes

• Students are required to successfully complete 8 courses as listed below.
• Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses).
• The Graduate Diploma articulates into the Master of Communication. Students who undertake courses in the Graduate Diploma may apply for up to 8 courses advanced standing into the coursework components only of the Master of Communication. Please note: To gain the maximum of 8 courses advanced standing, students must complete CMN574 in the list below.
• Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.

Required courses: (4)

TOTAL UNITS 96

# Students are required to seek approval from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences prior to enrolling in this course.

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