Bachelor of Communication (Journalism)
What is this course about?
CSU's Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) focuses on the gathering, handling and dissemination of information for the mass media, convergent media and other professional communication environments.
About the course
This degree covers the gathering, handling and dissemination of information for the mass media and other organisations involved in professional communication in the areas of print, broadcast and online journalism. It is designed and taught to produce industry-ready graduates able to respond to the rapidly changing media environment.
Course components
The Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) course is the equivalent of 24 subjects.
You will study subjects in areas including: news writing, digital media, media audiences, communication law, media languages and cultures and news production subjects in radio, television, online and print media.
Note: Successful applicants may defer the first year of this course.
Hands-on experience
Students use state of the art technology to collect and produce news and current affairs to professional standards.
Practical experience
Internships of four weeks are taken with major print publishers, radio and television stations. Journalism students also work in the University's community radio station and supply news to the public radio network on a regular basis, and to its companion website. Emphasis is placed on multimedia journalism, as it is becoming standard industry practice.
Academic expectations
For each 8 point subject at CSU, students should normally expect to spend between 140-160 hours engaged in the specified learning and assessment activities (such as attending lectures or residential schools, assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, assignments or examinations). The student workload for some subjects may vary from these norms as a result of approved course design.
Students will be assessed on the basis of completed assignments, examinations, workplace learning, or other methods as outlined in specific subject outlines.
Where applicable, students are responsible for travel and accommodation costs involved in workplace learning experiences, or attending residential schools (distance education students).
Expectations relating to academic, workplace learning, time and cost requirements for specific subjects are provided in the subject abstracts and in course materials.
Where it will take you
Graduates work professionally as broadcast and print journalists.
You can work in:
Broadcast Journalism:
Graduates may be employed by metropolitan or regional and interstate radio and television stations. They work in news, current affairs and other program areas.
Print Journalism:
Graduates may be employed by metropolitan or regional newspapers and magazines as writers, researchers, editors, desktop publishers and multimedia journalists.
Professionals teaching you
The course is taught by dedicated professionals with a wide range of industry experience. They include former Sydney Morning Herald writer Chris McGillion, former ABC Radio editor Harry Dillon, former ABC journalist Kay Nankervis and former WIN News editor Margaret Van Heekeren.
Your course is recognised by industry
The School of Communication at CSU maintains strong industry links and frequently seeks feedback from industry professionals on the quality and relevance of its courses.
The latest facilities
Our facilities reflect industry standards and prepare students for employment in a range of media companies. These include:
- on campus community radio station
- online newsroom
- television studio
- multimedia production area
To successfully graduate from the Bachelor Communication (with specialisation) students will be required to complete 192 points. These comprise 80 points of Communication Foundation Studies, 64 points of Discipline Specialisation Studies and 48 points of Academic Enrichment Studies offered from within SCCI and/or externally as approved by the Course Director. This structure will also serve the Geraldton University Centre (GUC) offering of the BCommunication (Journalism).
The course structure is as follows:
Communication Foundation Subjects (80 points)
COM111 Professional Writing (8)
COM114 Presentation for Communicators (8)
CCI100 Intro to Media Production (8)
IKC101 Indigenous Cultures, Histories and Contemporary Realities (8)
COM124 Communication in Context (8)
COM221 Professional Ethics in Communication and Citizenship (8)
CCI300 Communication & Creative Industries Professional Practice (24)
COM321 Communication Fieldwork (8)
Advertising Specialisation Subjects (64 points)
ADV104 Understanding Advertising (8)
ADV105 The Advertising Business (8)
ADV205 Advertising Creative (8)
ADV206 Channel Planning (8)
ADV207 Channel Planning in Action (8)
COM224 Communication Research Strategies (8)
ADV317 Advertising Strategy and Planning (16)
Commercial Radio Specialisation Subjects (64 points)
COM113 Commercial Radio Industry (8)
ADV105 The Advertising Business (8)
ADV104 Understanding Advertising (8)
ADV205 Advertising Creative (8)
COM233 Media Sales Principles (8)
COM234 Media Sales Presentation (8)
COM236 Making it Happen: Event Management (8)
ADV206 Channel Planning (8)
Journalism Specialisation Subjects (64 points) (inc GUC offering)
JRN112 Journalism in Society (8)
JRN101 Newsgathering & Writing (8)
JRN200 Convergent Storytelling (8)
JRN205 Data Mining & Research(8)
JRN225 The Specialist Reporter (8)
JRN207 Multiplatform Publishing & The Law (8)
JRN322 Beyond News: Longform Journalism (8)
JRN318 Deadline: Multiplatform Delivery (8)
Public Relations Specialisation Subjects (64)
COM116 What is Public Relations (8)
COM232 Public Relations Strategy (8)
COM222 Public Relations Tactics (8)
COM223 Communication Management (8)
COM236 Making it Happen: Event Management (8)
COM224 Communication Research Strategies (8)
COM313 SOS: Issues and Crisis Communication (8)
COM322 Going Glocal: Regional & Global Public Relations (8)
Theatre/Media Specialisation Subjects (64 points)
THM108 Principles of Theatre Media (16)
THM207 Drama & Theatre For Young People (8)
THM208 Devised Performance (16)
THM308 Applied Production Research (16)
THM300 Theatre & Cultural Action (8)
Academic Enrichment (elective) Subjects (48 points)
Students undertake 6 electives to be taken as a combination of unrestricted electives and/or professional clusters (4 subjects per cluster) from within the School of Communication & Creative Industries, or from outside the School as approved by Course Director.
Enrolment pattern
Advertising Specialisation
Full time suggested study sequence
Session 1 (30)
ADV104 Understanding Advertising
COM111 Professional Writing
COM114 Presentation for Communicators
CCI100 Intro to Media Production
Session 2 (60)
ADV105 The Advertising Business
ADV205 Advertising Creative
COM124 Communication in Context
IKC101 Indigenous Cultures, Histories and Contemporary Realities
Session 3 (30)
ADV206 Channel Planning
COM221 Professional Ethics in Communication and Citizenship
Elective 1
Elective 2
Session 4 (60)
ADV207 Channel Planning in Action
COM224 Communication Research Strategies
Elective 3
Elective 4
Session 5 (30)
ADV317 Advertising Strategy & Planning (16)
Elective 5
Elective 6
Session 6 (60)
CCI300 Professional Practice in Communication & Creative Industries(24)
COM321 Communication Fieldwork
Commercial Radio Specialisation
Full time suggested study sequence
Session 1 (30)
COM113 Commercial Radio Industry
COM111 Professional Writing
COM114 Presentation for Communicators
CCI100 Intro to Media Production
Session 2 (60)
ADV105 The Advertising Business
ADV205 Advertising Creative
COM124 Communication in Context
IKC101 Indigenous Cultures, Histories and Contemporary Realities
Session 3 (30)
COM233 Media Sales Principles
ADV104 Understanding Advertising
COM221 Professional Ethics in Communication and Citizenship
Elective 1
Session 4 (60)
COM234 Media Sales Presentation
COM236 Making it Happen: Event Management
Elective 2
Elective 3
Session 5 (30)
ADV206 Channel Planning
Elective 4
Elective 5
Elective 6
Session 6 (60)
CCI300 Professional Practice in Communication & Creative Industries(24)
COM321 Communication Fieldwork
Journalism Specialisation
Full time suggested study sequence (including Geraldton cohort)
Session 1 (30)
JRN112 Journalism in Society
COM111 Professional Writing
COM114 Presentation for Communicators
CCI100 Intro to Media Production
Session 2 (60)
JRN101 Newsgathering & Writing
JRN200 Convergent Storytelling
COM124 Communication in Context
IKC101 Indigenous Cultures, Histories and Contemporary Realities
Session 3 (30)
JRN205 Data Mining & Research
COM221 Professional Ethics in Communication and Citizenship
Elective 1
Elective 2
Session 4 (60)
JRN225 The Specialist Reporter
JRN207 Multiplatform Publishing & The Law
Elective 3
Elective 4
Session 5 (30)
JRN322 Beyond News: Longform Journalism
JRN318 Deadline: Multiplatform Delivery
Elective 5
Elective 6
Session 6 (60)
CCI300 Professional Practice in Communication & Creative Industries(24)
COM321 Communication Fieldwork
Public Relations Specialisation
Full time suggested study sequence
Session 1 (30)
COM116 What is Public Relations?
COM111 Professional Writing
COM114 Presentation for Communicators
CCI100 Intro to Media Production
Session 2 (60)
COM232 Public Relations Strategy
COM222 Public Relations Tactics
COM124 Communication in Context
IKC101 Indigenous Cultures, Histories and Contemporary Realities
Session 3 (30)
COM223 Communication Management
COM221 Professional Ethics in Communication and Citizenship
Elective 1
Elective 2
Session 4 (60)
COM236 Making it Happen: Event Management
COM224 Communication Research Strategies
Elective 3
Elective 4
Session 5 (30)
COM313 SOS: Issues & Crisis Communication
COM322 Going Glocal: Regional and Global Public Relations
Elective 5
Elective 6
Session 6 (60)
CCI300 Professional Practice in Communication & Creative Industries(24)
COM321 Communication Fieldwork
Theatre/Media Specialisation
Full time suggested study sequence
Session 1 (30)
THM108 Principles of Theatre Media (commenced)
COM111 Professional Writing
COM114 Presentation for Communicators
CCI100 Intro to Media Production
Session 2 (60)
THM108 Principles of Theatre Media (continued)
THM207 Drama & Theatre For Young People
COM124 Communication in Context
IKC101 Indigenous Cultures, Histories and Contemporary Realities
Session 3 (30)
THM208 Devised Performance (commenced)
COM221 Professional Ethics in Communication and Citizenship
Elective 1
Elective 2
Session 4 (60)
THM208 Devised Performance (continued)
Elective 3
Elective 4
Elective 5
Session 5 (30)
THM308 Applied Production Research (16)
THM300 Theatre & Cultural Action
Elective 6
Session 6 (60)
CCI300 Professional Practice in Communication & Creative Industries(24)
COM321 Communication Fieldwork
Journalism Specialisation Geraldton cohort
Part time suggested study sequence
Session 1 (30)
JRN112 Journalism in Society
COM111 Professional Writing
Session 2 (60)
JRN101 Newsgathering & Writing
JRN200 Convergent Storytelling
Session 3 (30)
COM114 Presentation for Communicators
CCI100 Intro to Media Production
Session 4 (60)
COM124 Communication in Context
IKC101 Indigenous Cultures, Histories and Contemporary Realities
Session 5 (30)
JRN205 Data Mining & Research
Elective 1
Session 6 (60)
JRN225 The Specialist Reporter
Elective 2
Session 7 (30)
COM221 Professional Ethics in Communication & Citizenship
Elective 3
Session 8 (60)
JRN207 Multiplatform Publishing & The Law
Elective 4
Session 9 (30)
JRN322 Beyond News: Longform Journalism
Elective 5
Session 10 (60)
COM321 Communication Fieldwork
Elective 6
Session 11 (30)
JRN318 Deadline: Multiplatform Delivery
Session 12 (60)
CCI300 Professional Practice in Communication & Creative Industries (24cr)
Special admission requirements
Year 12 students are admitted on the basis of their ATAR and one prescribed essay (approx 400 words) on the topic "why you want to pursue a career in journalism". More information about the essay is available here.
Applicants should attach copies of any support materials (for example, references or evidence of relevant work experience) they think will assist their application.
Note: Remember to put your name, address and contact details on your essays.
If you are having problems with the link, your essays can be submitted by email to scci@csu.edu.au or mailed to:
The Admissions Officer
School of Communication and Creative Industries
Charles Sturt University
Panorama Avenue
Bathurst NSW 2795
For further information please telephone info.csu on 1800 334 733.
Principal's Report Entry Program applicants
Students applying for this course through PREP should submit the essay direct to CSU with their PREP application.
Admission requirements
To be admitted into the course, prospective students need to indicate their likelihood of success through:
- previous studies, and
- other attainments and experience.
Previous studies
Previous studies include:
- the NSW Higher School Certificate or interstate /overseas equivalent;
- the International Baccalaureate Diploma;
- a completed or part completed course of a university, college of advanced education or other accredited tertiary institution;
- a completed or part completed course of a TAFE college or other accredited post-secondary institution (including TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate);
- an approved Foundation Studies program certificate;
- completion of undergraduate subjects as an Associate Student with the University or through another University, or Open Universities Australia.
NSW and interstate school leavers are normally selected on the basis of their Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) or interstate equivalent. You may also be admitted on the basis of a strong performance in subjects relevant to your course preferences.
Currently no secondary school subjects are prerequisites for admission to particular CSU courses however some courses assume a certain level of knowledge. This will be specified in the course information if applicable.
English language proficiency
The University has minimum requirements for English language proficiency prior to entry to our courses. Some courses also have a requirement for a higher entry or exit level of English proficiency. More information on English language requirements.
Attainment and experience
You may also be admitted to a course based on other attainments and experience. These may include:
- voluntary or paid work experience;
- performance in tests and examinations conducted by professional recognised bodies;
- participation in continuing education programs and/or staff development programs conducted by adult education agencies, consultancies, professional bodies or employers;
- completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).
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.
international-oncampus
Apply now
This course is available to commence study in
Session 1
Australian and New Zealand students
Apply through UAC/VTAC
Full-time on campus study only
Admission code: 211237
International Students
Apply online
Admission code:
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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Prospective Student Inquiries
Australian campus business hours are Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm, Australian Eastern Time (GMT +10).
info.csu can provide support and guidance to prospective students on everything you need to know on the University, courses, fees, accommodation, etc.
within Australia 1800 334 733
International + 61 2 6338 6077 Fax (02) 6338 6001
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