Master of Journalism

Testamur Title of Degree:	Master of Journalism
Abbreviation:	MJour
Home Faculty:	Faculty of Creative Arts
Duration:	12 months full-time or part-time equivalent
Total Credit Points:	48
Delivery Mode:	On Campus
Starting Session(s):	Autumn or Spring
Location:	Wollongong
UOW Course Code:	573
CRICOS Code:	026812E

Overview

The Master of Journalism (MJ) 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.

Entry Requirements / Assumed Knowledge

The MJ is available only to students who have completed the Graduate Certificate in the relevant stream or individuals with considerable industry experience.

Direct entry is also available to the following groups of Journalists: In the case of the Master of Journalism program, direct entry will be available to people with between 3 and 5 years experience. For the Advanced Master of Journalism program, a minimum of 10 years experience is required. Entry is also dependent on the provision of a portfolio of work and an interview.

To complete the MJ students are required to undertake 48 credit points of study either within the School of Journalism and Creative Writing or in combination involving Journalism and other Faculties. Students will be required to have completed at least 60% of their program of study in the School of Journalism and Creative Writing to qualify for the Master of Journalism and Master of Journalism Advanced degrees.

Qualified journalists who do not have an undergraduate qualification are eligible for consideration on the basis of documented evidence of at least five years full-time experience.

Qualified journalists who possess an undergraduate degree will be considered for entry with three years professional journalism 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).

Applicants must provide an 800 word opinion article on the topic “Journalists - who are they really?” If applying on basis of industry experience, samples of work published in the print or electronic media are required, as well as letter(s) from employer(s) to verify details of employment.

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/index.html. Selected applicants may be required to attend an interview.

Advanced Standing

Advanced standing may be granted for a particular subject(s) on the basis of previous education, training or professional experience. A letter seeking advanced 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 Structure/Requirements

Students are required to undertake a program of study totalling 48 credit points made up of a combination of subjects offered within the Journalism Schedule or in combination with other Faculties. The program of study must be discussed with the Journalism Program Coordinator prior to enrolment.

Subjects		Session	Credit Points
Compulsory
JRNL910	Journalism and Society	Autumn: Wollongong,	6
JRNL911	News Writing Fundamentals	Autumn: Wollongong	6
JRNL912	Legal and Ethical Issues	Autumn: Wollongong	6
JRNL913	Introduction to Convergent Journalism	Autumn: Wollongong	6
Plus 24 credit points chosen from the following:
JRNL915	Professional Writing 2	Not on offer in 2009	6
JRNL916	Journalism Investigation and Research	Autumn: Wollongong	6
JRNL917	Feature Writing	Autumn or Spring: Wollongong	6
JRNL918	Radio Journalism	Spring: Wollongong	6
JRNL919	Television Journalism	Spring: Wollongong	6
JRNL920	Journalism Project	Autumn or Spring: Wollongong	6
JRNL921	Advanced Journalism Project	Spring: Wollongong	12
JRNL922	Major Journalism Project	Spring: Wollongong	24
JRNL923	Advanced Convergent Journalism	Spring: Wollongong	6
JRNL925	International Journalism	Autumn: Wollongong	6
MEDA901	Multimedia Documentary	Not on offer 2009	6
With approval of the Course Co-ordinator, up to 12 credit points may be selected from subjects from other faculties.