Master of Arts (Journalism)
What is this course about?
CSU's Journalism program is designed for graduates of any discipline who wish to gain a professional qualification in journalism, and aims to prepare students for entry-level positions in journalism
These courses are designed for graduates of any discipline who wish to gain a professional qualification in journalism, and aims to prepare students for entry-level positions in journalism. No prior journalism or media experience is required.
Credit and articulation
The Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma (exit point only) articulate with the Master degree and credit is awarded in the Master degree for the subjects completed in the Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma. Credit is not given for the Graduate Certificate in Print Journalism.
Access to allowances for study
The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) now offers student income support to students undertaking study in a number of professionally-oriented Master by coursework degrees.
Eligible students undertaking approved Master degrees will be able to access Youth Allowance, AUSTUDY, ABSTUDY or Pensioner Education Supplement. To be eligible for student income support through Youth Allowance and AUSTUDY, students will still need to be studying full-time and to satisfy all other Youth Allowance and AUSTUDY program requirements, including personal, parental or partner income tests. Students who have queries about masters courses and their income support entitlements should contact Centrelink on 13 24 90 for further information.
Campus
Bathurst
Duration
Master: 3 years
Graduate Certificate: 1 year
Graduation requirements
To graduate with the Graduate Certificate in Journalism, students complete the first four 8 point subjects (total of 32 points). Students enrolled in the Master degree may exit with the award Graduate Diploma in Journalism after successful completion of an additional two 16 point subjects (total of 64 points).
To graduate with the Master degree, students must satisfactorily complete 96 points.
All students undertaking the Master degree must complete:
- three foundation theory subjects designed to provide the necessary background and context for news and public affairs reporting
- one specialist subject detailing aspects of media law and ethics as they affect professional journalism practice
- two specialist subjects in journalism designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in journalism and public affairs reporting in both public and commercial media
- a theory and research subject examining problems and issues confronting journalism practice
- a journalism project, comprising a major series of news stories and features either for print or broadcast media and examining a significant social, cultural or political trend in Australia or overseas.
Admission requirements
To study this course, you will need to indicate your likelihood of success through previous studies and other attainments and experience.
Cost of study
When weighing up the costs of study, consider the benefits of having the qualification you need to achieve your personal and professional goals.
The Graduate Certificate consists of 32 credit points chosen from:
- five subjects designed to provide the necessary background and context for news and public affairs reporting in the contemporary communication landscape
The exit point only Graduate Diploma consists of 64 credit points comprising:
- the five subjects offered at Graduate Certificate level, plus
- one specialist reporting subject that prepares students for journalistic roles in a range of media.
The Master degree (by project) consists of 96 credit points from:
- the five subjects offered at Graduate Certificate level, plus
- two specialist reporting subjects that prepares students for journalistic roles in a range of media, and
- a journalism project subject comprising analysis and production of news stories and features either for print, broadcast or online media examining a significant social, cultural, ethical, historical or political trend in Australia or overseas.
The Master degree (by dissertation) consists of 96 credit points from:
- the five subjects offered at Graduate Certificate level, plus
- one specialist reporting subject that prepares students for journalistic roles in a range of media, and
- a dissertation subject that provides a theoretical framework for the exploration of a significant social, cultural, ethical, historical or political trend in a journalistic context.
Enrolment in the dissertation option is by approval of the Course Coordinator.
Enrolment pattern
Students may enter at the Graduate Certificate or Master level.
Graduate Certificate students may enter in Session 1, 2 or 3.
MA students may only enter in Session 1 or 2.
Graduate Certificate - Session 1 intake
Session 1
JRN524 Journalism Cultures
JRN520 Research and Reporting for Journalism
Session 2
JRN523 Newswriting
JRN504 Journalism, Law and Ethics
MA students may elect to exit at this point and graduate with the award Graduate Certificate of Journalism GradCertJourn.
Graduate Certificate - Session 2 intake
Session 1
JRN523 Newswriting
JRN504 Journalism, Law and Ethics
Session 2
COM531 Issues, Risk & Crisis Communication (16)
MA students may elect to exit at this point and graduate with the award Graduate Certificate of Journalism GradCertJourn.
Graduate Certificate - Session 3 intake
Session 1
COM531 Issues, Risk & Crisis Communication (16)
Session 2
JRN524 Journalism Cultures
JRN520 Research and Reporting for Journalism
Master degree - by project - Session 1 intake
Sessions 1-2 as above for the Graduate Certificate - Session 1 intake
Session 3
COM531 Issues, Risk & Crisis Communication (16)
Session 4
JRN521 News Reporting (16)
Students may elect to exit at this point and graduate with the award Graduate Diploma of Journalism GradDipJourn
Session 5
JRN522 Specialist Reporting (16 points)
Session 6
JRN519 Journalism Project (16)
Master degree - by project - Session 2 intake
Sessions 1-2 as above for the Graduate Certificate - Session 2 intake
Session 3
JRN524 Journalism Cultures
JRN520 Research and Reporting for Journalism
Session 4
JRN522 Specialist Reporting (16)
Students may elect to exit at this point and graduate with the award Graduate Diploma of Journalism GradDipJourn
Session 5
JRN519 Journalism Project (16)
Session 6
JRN521 News Reporting (16)
Master degree - by dissertation - Session 1 intake
Sessions 1-2 as above for the Graduate Certificate - Session 1 intake
Session 3
COM531 Issues, Risk & Crisis Communication (16)
Session 4
JRN521 News Reporting (16)
Students may elect to exit at this point and graduate with the award Graduate Diploma of Journalism GradDipJourn
Session 5
JRN525 Journalism Dissertation (32) - commenced
Session 6
JRN525 Journalism Dissertation (32) - completed
Master degree - by dissertation - Session 2 intake
Sessions 1-2 as above for the Graduate Certificate - Session 2 intake
Session 3
JRN524 Journalism Cultures
JRN520 Research and Reporting for Journalism
Session 4
JRN525 Journalism Dissertation (32) - commenced
Session 5
JRN525 Journalism Dissertation (32) - completed
Session 6
JRN521 News Reporting (16)
Articulation
The Graduate Certificate and the exit point only Graduate Diploma articulate with the Master degree. Credit is awarded in the Master degree for subjects completed in the Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma.
Admission requirements
Applicants must have an undergraduate degree in a discipline other than journalism, or its equivalent in professional experience.
Applicants without tertiary qualifications may demonstrate equivalent professional experience through five years full-time employment and/or attainment of industry accreditations in a discipline other than journalism.
English language proficiency
Applicants will be deemed to have sufficient English proficiency if they:
- have completed all their formal studies in one or more of the following countries; or
- were born in one of the following countries and have completed at least one qualification in one of those countries; or
- have completed senior secondary study or at least one year of full-time University study in one of the following countries: American Samoa, Australia, Canada, Fiji, Ireland, Kenya, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, United Kingdom, USA, Zambia
or - have successfully completed one year of full-time (or part-time equivalent) post-secondary study at an affiliate institution of the University, with English as the medium of instruction and assessment.
All other applicants must explicitly demonstrate proficiency.
Acceptable tests for English proficiency
Any of the following results, attained within the last two years, can be used to demonstrate English proficiency:
- an Academic IELTS (International English Language Testing System) overall score of at least 6.0, and with no score below 5.5;
- a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) paper-based score of 550 and TWE of 5.0;
- a TOEFL computer-based score of 213 and Essay Rating of 5;
- a TOEFL internet-based score of 80 for undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs, and 90 for postgraduate research candidates with a minimum score of 25 in the writing section.
- a Combined Universities Admission Test (CULT) overall score of at least 65;
- a C pass in English at the GCE 'A' level examinations in either Singapore or the United Kingdom;
- completion of the International Baccalaureate diploma with English A2 at higher or sub. Level;
- a C pass in 'Use of English' in the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE);
- completion of the UNSW Foundation Studies Certificate with a C pass in 'Use of English';
- completion of an AQF Certificate IV (including English for Academic Purposes);
- successful completion of at least one year of study in a course at Associate Diploma or Diploma level on the Register of Australian Tertiary Education;
- a score of 155 in the verbal component of the STAT test;
- a Pass grade in the Uniworld English College English for Tertiary Entrance course; or
- IRI Diploma of English.
An applicant who does not otherwise meet the University's requirements may be admitted on the recommendation of the Dean of the appropriate faculty.
Internet access
CSU places great emphasis on services to its students. It is a leader in the provision of online services and, in particular, the use of the internet in the support of teaching, administration and communications with students.
The online environment is so integrated into all aspects of student life and the learning experience at CSU that the University now assumes that all on campus and distance education students at CSU will have ongoing access to an internet connected computer capable of communicating with CSU online systems.
Students enrolled in Information Technology subjects (i.e. with an ITC subject code) may be required to have additional hardware and/or software that is deemed essential for the completion of the learning activities in that subject.
fee-paying
csp
international-distance
Apply now
This course is available to commence study in
Session 1; Session 2; Session 3
Australian and New Zealand students
Apply online
Admission code:
- Master
- Fee paying - OAMC
- Commonwealth supported place - EAMC
- Graduate Certificate
- Fee-paying place - OACP
- Commonwealth supported place - EACP
Mail your application
International Students
Apply online
Admission code: Master - JAMJ
Graduate Certificate - JACJ
Mail your application
Recruitment agent
Contact a Recruitment agent in your country who can answer your questions about CSU as well as help with the student visa application process.
More information:
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Follow on study:
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