Master of Journalism

Overview

The Master of Journalism is a practical coursework program, designed to provide critical educational and vocational training in journalism. It assists students in adapting to structural and technological change and promotes critical evaluation of professional journalism processes through its teaching and research.

The educational foundation for the course is built on practical skills - orientated towards the philosophical, ethical, and critical aspects of the news media in the context of comparative journalistic realities.

The Graduate Program in Journalism, formerly offered through the Graduate School of Journalism since its inception, is now offered through the School of Journalism and Creative Writing.

Entry Requirements / Assumed Knowledge

A Bachelor degree (any discipline) or equivalent from a recognised institution with a credit average or higher. Qualified journalists are eligible for consideration on the basis of documented evidence of at least two years full-time experience. Applicants with an undergraduate degree must provide certified academic transcripts and curriculum vitae (CV) outlining work history and/or academic study. Applicants with experience in journalism or a media related industry must provide details of employment history (CV) and include letter(s) from employer(s) to verify details of employment.

Applicants must provide an 800 - word opinion article (refer to application form) or if application is on basis of industry experience, samples of work published in the print or electronic media are required.

All applicants must be able to provide documented proof of English language proficiency. The University of Wollongong's English Language Requirements are outlined at: www.uow.edu.au/prospective/international/english/

Advanced Standing

Advanced standing may be granted for a particular subject(s) on the basis of previous education, training or professional experience. A letter requesting advance standing must be accompanied by verified copies of documents or other evidence to substantiate the request. Evidence may include academic transcripts, samples of published work, letters from employers verifying experience and length of service.

Course Requirements

The program of study for the Master of Journalism must total 48 credit points. The four core subjects JOUR901, JOUR902, JOUR903 and JOUR933 must be completed successfully before commencing the requisite 24 credit points of elective subjects unless the Program Coordinator determines otherwise. Exemption from core subjects may be granted by the Coordinator on the basis of documented professional experience.

With the approval of the Coordinator, students may 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. Students may also complete a major project approved by the Coordinator, or an internship in a professional media organisation, or such field work as the Program Coordinator may prescribe.

Students using on-line WebCT will need to have access to a computer with a cross-platform capability and have a web browser and Acrobat Reader installed.

All students will be required to use email. Off-campus students will receive either printed hard copy or digital CD Rom based materials for subjects (on offer), and for some subjects, video materials will also be provided.

Students will need to discuss their proposed program with an academic adviser from the Graduate Program prior to enrolment.

Course Program