Master Of Journalism

The purposes of the Master of Journalism by coursework are:

(a) to provide critical education and vocational training in journalism;

(b) to assist students in adapting to structural and technological change in journalism;

(c) to promote critical evaluation of professional journalism processes through teaching and research.

Length of course and requirements for admission

Students shall be admitted under the rules covering the University's Master of Arts degree offerings, with the additional provisions below:

(a) Admission to candidates shall be on the recommendation of the Head of School. Applicants should have a relevant first degree. Qualified journalists are eligible for consideration to be admitted on the basis of documented evidence. All applicants unless otherwise stated, must submit a 800 word essay on a topic determined by the Head.

(b) Pass students are required to successfully complete a program of studies approved by the Head which must total 48 credit points, except where advanced standing is given for completion of equivalent subjects in a comparable course. Exemption from core subjects may be granted by the Head on the basis of documented professional experience.

(c) All students must complete the core subjects, except where advanced standing is awarded or exemption is given, and such other compulsory subjects as the Head may prescribe. Both JOUR901 and JOUR933 must be completed successfully before commencing any electives unless the Head determines otherwise.

(d) With the approval of the Head, and the relevant Faculties and Departments, students may also take a maximum of three subjects from other postgraduate and undergraduate courses where it can be shown that this will assist in the development of specialist skills in journalism. Approved vocational electives in the undergraduate level are offered by the Faculty of Creative Arts.

(e) Students may also complete a major project approved by the Head, or an internship in a professional media organisation, or such field work as the Head may prescribe.

(f) Students shall discuss their proposed program with an academic adviser from the Graduate School of Journalism prior to enrolment.

(g) The Master of Journalism shall be available both as a full-time and part-time program. Full-time pass students are expected to complete the degree in two academic sessions, and part-time pass students in four sessions.

(h) Overseas students with no previous experience in academic presentation in English have the option of taking as part of their approved course the subject ELS151 Introduction to English for Academic Purposes offered by Modern Languages in the Faculty of Arts. Overseas students with limitations in English expression may also choose, on the advice of the Head, to take other ELS subjects as part of their course.

Subjects Leading to the Master of Journalism.

Compulsory Core Subjects:

JOUR901	News and Feature Writing*
JOUR902	Journalistic Method and Practice*
JOUR903	Ethics, Law and Standards*
JOUR933	On-Line and Research Journalism*

Elective Subjects:

JOUR905	Specialist Journalism 1
JOUR906	Specialist Journalism 2
JOUR931	Broadcasting Journalism*
JOUR932	Television Journalism*
JOUR934	Print Production and Publication*
JOUR936	International Journalism*
JOUR942	Current Affairs Journalism
JOUR943	Directed Readings in Journalism*
JOUR945	Advanced Journalism Project*
JOUR949	Multicultural Journalism*
JOUR991	Major Journalism Project
JOUR992	Major Journalism Presentation (Honours students only)

Not all subjects are offered each session.

* These subjects are also available through Wollongong OnLine (WOL).