Bachelor of Communication (Journalism)
What is this course about?
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CSU is launching new age Communication and Creative Industries programs from 2014. CSU has always been at the forefront of innovative and cutting edge delivery of communication and creative practices in Australia. The new programs recognise the changing industries and prepare students for the 21st Century and beyond. Current students will have the flexibility to graduate with their existing degrees or transfer to the new programs. More information about the new programs will be available online soon, or you can register an expression of interest.
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.
Campus
Bathurst
Duration
3 years full-time on campus
Admission rank cut-offs
ATAR + criteria
CRICOS code
006193D
Graduation requirements
To graduate, students must satisfactorily complete 192 points (normally equal to 24 subjects). Unless otherwise permitted by the Course Coordinator, these would normally include at least two Politics subjects
Career opportunities
Ready to make a real difference to the world? Discover more about where this course could take you.
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.
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
The course consists of fifteen core subjects (144 points) comprising one (1) politics subject, five (5) communication subjects (one of which is 16 points), seven (7) journalism subjects (two of which are 16 points), together with one compulsory journalism subject in either the print or broadcast strand (8 points) and, in addition, four (4) restricted electives, one of which must be chosen in each of Sessions 3 and 4 from a list of Group 1 (knowledgebased) subjects and one of which must be chosen in each of Sessions 3 and 4 from either the Group 1 list or from a list of Group 2 (skillsbased) subjects (for a total 32 points). The restricted electives are grouped in this way to ensure that the broad educational grounding typical of an Arts degree is maintained in the course while still allowing limited opportunities for vocationallyspecific skills development.
Fourteen Core subjects:
POL110 Australian History and Politics
COM108 Video Production
COM111 Professional writing
COM130 Media Production and Presentation (16 points)
COM115 Media Audiences and Public Opinion
COM340 Social Media
CLT209 Media Languages and Cultures
COM319 Media Ethics and Public Policy
JRN112 Principles of Journalism
JRN101 Newswriting
JRN215 Reporting (16 points)
JRN317 Research Methods in Journalism
JRN324 Journalism 3
JRN325Journalism Internship
JRN326 Professional Journalism Communication Practice (16 points)
In addition:
Print Journalism strand one compulsory subject:
JRN203 Print Journalism 2
Broadcast Journalism strand one compulsory subject:
JRN204 Broadcast Journalism 2
Four restricted elective:
Two restricted electives one each in Sessions 2 and 3 chosen from Group 1 (knowledgebased subjects) listed below:
LIT111 Texts and Meanings
LIT214 Australian Literature
LIT218 'The Woman Question' in Nineteenth Century England and America
LIT303 The English Novel From Austen to Lawrence
POL210 Politics of Identity
POL212 Global Politics and Culture
POL305 Politics and the Media
Two restricted electives one each in Sessions 3 and 4 chosen from either Group 1 (knowledgebased subjects) listed above or Group 2 (skillsbased subjects) listed below:
ACT110 Masked Theatre
ACT310 Australian Theatre
COM116 Principles & Practices of Public Relations
COM212 Scriptwriting
COM213 OnCamera Performance
COM218 Organisational Communication
COM229 Documentary and Information Programming
JRN203 Print Journalism 2 (Restricted elective in the Broadcast Journalism strand)
JRN204 Broadcast Journalism 2 (Restricted elective in the Print Journalism strand)
PHT115Black and White photography
VPA105 Digital Publishing and Typography
Geraldton Cohort
The course consists of eighteen core subjects (160 points) comprising nine (9) journalism subjects (two of which are 16 points), one (1) politics subject, five (5) communication subjects, one (1) culture studies subject, one (1) graphic arts subject, one (1) media studies subject, and, in addition, four (4) restricted electives, two of which must be chosen from the Group 1 list (knowledgebased) subjects and two of which must be chosen from either the Group 1 list or from the Group 2 list (skillsbased) subjects (for a total 32 points). The restricted electives are grouped in this way to ensure that the broad educational grounding typical of an Arts degree is maintained in the course while still allowing limited opportunities for vocationallyspecific skills development.
Eighteen Core subjects:
JRN101 Newswriting
JRN112 Principles of Journalism
JRN215 Reporting (16 points)
JRN203 Print Journalism 2
JRN316 Journalism Specialty
JRN317 Research Methods in Journalism
JRN324 Journalism 3
JRN325Journalism Internship
JRN326 Professional Journalism Practice (16 points)
POL110 Australian History and Politics
COM111 Professional writing
COM319 Media Ethics and Public Policy
COM115 Media Audiences and Public Opinion
COM340 Social Media
COM117 Digital Information Programs
GRP103 Introduction to Digital Technology and Design
MST114 Production Planning
CLT209 Media Languages and Cultures
Four restricted elective:
Two restricted electives chosen from Group 1 (knowledgebased subjects) listed below:
LIT214 Australian Literature
POL210 Politics of Identity
POL212 Global Politics and Culture
POL305 Politics and the Media
Two restricted electives chosen from either Group 1 (knowledgebased subjects) listed above or Group 2 (skillsbased subjects) listed below:
COM116 Principles & Practices of Public Relations
COM212 Scriptwriting
COM218 – Organisational Communication
COM217 – Indigenous People: Portrayals and Representations (subject to IBS approval)
VPA105 Digital Publishing and Typography
The course may be undertaken either fulltime or parttime.
Enrolment pattern
Broadcast Journalism strand
Session 1
JRN112 Principles of Journalism
COM111 Professional Writing
COM130 Media Production and Presentation (16 points commences)
POL110 Australian History and Politics
Session 2
JRN101 News writing
COM130 Media Production and Presentation (16 points concludes)
COM115 Media Audiences and Public Opinion
[ ] Elective (Group 1)
Session 3
JRN215 Reporting (16 points)
COM108 Video Production
[ ] Elective (Group 1 or 2)
Session 4
CLT209 Media Languages and Cultures
JRN204 Broadcast Journalism 2
[ ] Elective (Group 1)
[ ] Elective (Group 1 or 2)
Session 5
COM319 Media Ethics and Public Policy
COM340 Social Media
JRN317 Research Methods in Journalism
JRN 324 Journalism 3
Session 6
JRN316 Journalism Speciality
JRN325 Journalism Internship
JRN326 Professional Journalism Communication Practice (16 points)
Print Journalism strand
Session 1
JRN112 Principles of Journalism
COM111 Professional Writing
COM130 Media Production and Presentation (16 points commences)
POL110 Australian History and Politics
Session 2
COM115 Media Audiences and Public Opinion
JRN101 News writing
COM130 Media Production and Presentation 16 points concludes)
[ ] Elective (Group 1)
Session 3
JRN215 Reporting (16 points)
COM108 Video Production
[ ] Elective (Group 1 or 2)
Session 4
CLT209 Media Languages and Cultures
JRN203 Print Journalism 2
[ ] Elective (Group 1)
[ ] Elective (Group 1 or 2)
Session 5
COM319 Media Ethics and Public Policy
COM340 Social Media
JRN317 Research Methods in Journalism
JRN 324 Journalism 3
Session 6
JRN316 Journalism Speciality
JRN325 Journalism Internship (8)
JRN326 Professional Journalism Communication Practice (16 points)
Geraldton
Fulltime
Session 1
JRN101 Newswriting
JRN112 Principles of Journalism
GRP103 Introduction to digital Technology and Design
COM115 Media Audiences and Public Opinion
Session 2
COM111 Professional Writing
Elective (Group 1)
MST114 Production Planning
POL101 Australian Government and Politics
Session 3
JRN215 Reporting (16 points)
Elective (Group 1)
Elective (Group 1 or 2)
Session 4
CLT209 Media Languages and Cultures
JRN203 Print Journalism 2
COM117 Digital Information Programs
Elective (Group 1 or 2)
Session 5
COM319 Media Ethics and Public Policy
JRN324 Journalism 3
JRN317 Research Methods in Journalism
COM340 Social Media
Session 6
JRN316 Journalism Specialty
JRN325 Journalism Internship
JRN326 Professional Journalism Practice (16 points)
Parttime
Session 1
JRN112 Principles of Journalism
JRN101 Newswriting
Session 2
COM111 Professional Writing
Elective (Group 1)
Session 3
GRP103 Introduction to Digital Technology and Design
COM115 Media Audiences and Public Opinion
Session 4
MST114 Production Planning
POL101 Australian Government and Politics
Session 5
JRN215 Reporting (16 points)
Session 6
CLT209 Media Languages and Cultures
JRN203 Print Journalism 2
Session 7
Elective (Group 1)
Elective (Group 1 or 2)
Session 8
COM117 Digital Information Programs
Elective (Group 1 or 2)
Session 9
COM319 Media Ethics and Public Policy
JRN324 Journalism 3
Session 10
JRN316 Journalism Specialty
JRN325 Journalism Internship
Session 11
JRN317 Research Methods in Journalism
COM340 Social Media
Session 12
JRN326 Professional Journalism Practice (16 points)
Articulation agreements
There are no implications in the modification for institutional articulation agreements.
Special admission requirements
Year 12 students are admitted on the basis of their ATAR and one prescribed essay (approx 400 words).
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.
You can download more details about the essay topic here. 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 additional application form direct to CSU with their PREP application.
Admission requirements
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 proficiency
Applicants will be deemed to have sufficient English proficiency if they
- have undertaken an academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with an average score of 6.5, and with scores of 6 or higher in each of the individual skill areas within the last 12 months; or
- undertaken a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of 577 (or computerised TOEFL score of 233), with a Test for Written English Score (where reported) of at least 5.0 or an Internet-based score of 90 with a written score of 24 within the last 12 months; or
- undertaken other equivalent examinations, as determined by the Board of Graduate Studies; or
- completed a university degree where the language of assessment is in English;
The Presiding Officer of the Board of Graduate Studies may, in special circumstances, on behalf of the Board waive the above proficiency requirements after consulting the relevant Dean, Sub-Dean and nominated Supervisor.
NOTE: A Faculty may require a higher standard of proficiency than that specified above for programs deemed to be linguistically demanding.
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
Apply online
Admission code:
Mail your application
International Students
Apply online
Admission code: IARJ
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:
Consider also:
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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