Bachelor of Sport Studies / Bachelor of Communication (Journalism)

What is this course about?

CSU's Bachelor of Sport Studies / Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) is a double degree combining expertise in two of the fastest growing areas in contemporary society, the media and the sport and recreation industries.

The double degree covers the core subjects of both the Bachelor of Sport Studies and the Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) to provide students with expertise in both these areas. Students are able to undertake Journalism subjects with either a Broadcast Journalism or Print Journalism emphasis.

Professional experience

Professional practice sessions are scheduled which offer opportunities to apply knowledge and skills gained from the academic components to real-life work situations. Placements in health, corporate and community wellness settings, exercise science and recreation and media agencies bring students into direct contact with professional workers in these fields.

Additional admission requirements

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 will it take you

The four-year double degree program provides the ideal pathway into occupations in the sport, recreation and journalism industries. Students can expect to find employment in areas such as sports journalism, sports broadcasting, sports webcasting or positions in a sports agency, team or league or as a corporate media information officer.

The course consists of a core of six (6) communication subjects (one of which is 24 points), a core of eight (8) journalism subjects (all of which are 8 points), one (1) compulsory Indigenous subject (IKC101 , a core of thirteen (13) sport studies subjects, an elective of one (1) communication/journalism subject, and an elective of one (1) sport studies subject.

Core Communication

CCI100 Introduction to Media Production
CCI300 CCI Professional Practice (24 point)
COM111 Professional Writing
COM114 Presenting for Communication
COM124 Communication in Context
COM321 Communication Fieldwork

Core Journalism

JRN101 Newsgathering & Writing
JRN112 Journalism in Society
JRN200 Convergent Storytelling
JRN205 Data Mining and Research
JRN207 Multiplatform Publishing & The Law
JRN225 The Specialist Reporter
JRN318 Deadline: Multiplatform Delivery
JRN322 Beyond News: Longform Journalism

Core Sport Studies

EHR101 Sociocultural Foundations of Human Movement
EHR109 Introduction to Sport and Exercise Behaviour
EHR128 Understanding Research
EHR126 Sports Media 1
EHR213 Applied Psychology for Sport and Exercise
EHR217 Principles of Sport Coaching and Performance
EHR129 Contemporary Perspectives of Health
EHR220 Sports Media 2
EHR303 Contemporary Issues in Physical Activity
EHR320 WIL Project
EHR327 Indigenous People: Sport, Identity & Culture
EHR328 Ethics in Sport
EHR333 Politics & Economics of Sport

Compulsory Indigenous Australian Studies

IKC101 Indigenous Cultures, Histories and Contemporary Realities

Elective Communication/Journalism

Students to choose one (1) elective from available CCI/JRN coded subjects, as approved by the Course Director.

Elective Sport Studies

Students to choose one (1) elective from available EHR coded subjects, as approved by the Course Director.

Enrolment pattern

YEAR 1
Session 1

COM111 Professional Writing
EHR101 Sociocultural Foundations of Human Movement
EHR128 Understanding Research
JRN112 Journalism in Society

Session 2
JRN200 Convergent Storytelling
EHR126 Sports Media 1
IKC101 Indigenous Cultures, Histories and Contemporary Realities
JRN101 Newsgathering & Writing

YEAR 2
Session 1

CCI100 Intro to Media Production
COM114 Presenting for Communication
EHR109 Introduction to Sport & Exercise Behaviour
EHR217 Principles of Sports Coaching & Performance

Session 2
COM124 Communication in Context
EHR129 Contemporary Perspectives of Health
EHR333 Politics & Economics in Sport
JRN225 The Specialist Reporter

Session 3
EHR320 WIL Project

YEAR 3
Session 1

EHR327 Indigenous Peoples: Sport, Identity & Culture
JRN205 Data Mining & Research
[ ] Communication/Journalism elective

Session 2
COM321 Communication Fieldwork
EHR213 Applied Psychology for Sport & Exercise
EHR303 Contemporary Issues in Physical Activity
JRN207 Multiplatform Publishing & the Law

YEAR 4
Session 1

EHR220 Sports Media 2
JRN318 Deadline: Multiplatform Delivery
JRN322 Beyond News: Longform Journalism
[ ] Sports Studies elective

Session 2
CCI300 CCI Professional Practice (24 pts)
EHR328 Ethics in Sport

Special admission requirements

Literacy requirement

To be successful at studies within certain courses, students must be highly competent in spoken and written English literacy.

All students who do not have this level of competence in spoken and written English will be required to independently organise some form of coaching in English literacy, such as a short TAFE course or other form of tuition to improve their skills. Students will be advised of their options by the Head of School from the campus where they are enrolled.

If, after an agreed period of study in English literacy, a student's English literacy standard has not improved, the appropriate Head of School will provide further advice with regard to alternative career options.

Workplace learning

There is a total of 200 hours of practicum across the program. These practicum hours include time for preparation of lesson plans and resources as well as evaluation and the  delivery of training. Students are responsible for organising appropriate sites in which to undertake their practicum and need to meet any site-related requirements and associated costs.

The practicum-related subjects are:

  • EEE303 Training Design and Assessment
  • EPT320 High Level Facilitation Skills for Post Compulsory Education
  • EPT322 Training in Workplaces
  • EPT327 Effective Teaching in VET

Admission requirements

To be admitted into the course, prospective students need to indicate their likelihood of success through:

  1. previous studies, and
  2. 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.

National Criminal Record Check

Students may be required to undergo a criminal record check and/or complete a Prohibited Employment Declaration under the Child Protection Act 1998 as part of professional experience requirements. These checks are intended to identify people who might, because of convictions for such things as violence or sexual offences, put students/clients' personal safety or health at risk. Traffic violations and other minor offences are not of interest.

As such, prospective students should be aware that an inability to obtain a criminal record clearance or complete a Prohibited Employment Declaration may limit practicum opportunities in some organisations and industries. Furthermore, criminal convictions involving violence or sexual offences may limit continued enrolment in a course and/or employment opportunities after completing the course.

If you have any queries regarding these matters, including the opportunities available for review of a particular case, contact the Course Director.

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This course is available to commence study in

Session 1; Session 2

Australian and New Zealand students

Apply through UAC

Full-time on campus study commencing in Session 1 or Session 2

Admission code: 213377

Apply online

Admission code: On campus - KESJ

International Students

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Admission code: IEJS

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Contact a Recruitment agent in your country who can answer your questions about CSU as well as help with the student visa application process.

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