In the Master of Journalism degree you’ll build the knowledge and skills you need to gather, analyse and present different kinds of news – whether you’re looking to build a new career in journalism or hone your skills in a changing media landscape.

The Master of Journalism is designed by leading academics and news media practitioners, and our degree teaches the skills required in contemporary journalism.

In core subjects, you’ll have the chance to develop cross-platform capabilities in audio, video and photo journalism – and delve into the history, principles and techniques of professional journalism in Australia and around the world.

Broaden your knowledge with elective subjects across key fields affecting modern journalism such as media law, management theory, globalisation, health policy, and climate change. Or choose options that dig deeper into key specialisations within the industry, such as podcasting, data journalism, or writing and editing for magazines.

To finish your degree you’ll complete a capstone project, with opportunities to extend your studies into the areas that matter to you, including:

• Building real-world experience by completing a placement and professional project under industry-standard supervision
• Integrating your knowledge and research skills by planning and executing a research-based project
• Focussing on your craft by completing a substantial professional project – such as a portfolio of articles, a podcast or a multimedia presentation  – under industry-standard supervision.

The Master of Journalism offers a bridge between study and your career in the contemporary media industry. You’ll engage with key industry figures such as renowned Australian journalists, senior editors, former broadcasters and experts on media ethics.

Who is it for?

Whether you’re new to journalism or an established media practitioner looking to update your skills, this program offers tailored options based on your existing proficiencies and experience in the industry.

Enter from any undergraduate study and complete the full program, or take your existing knowledge from a relevant undergraduate degree or professional experience and apply for advanced standing to complete your degree sooner.

200 point program (2 years full-time or part-time equivalent)

This is our most popular program for those who have completed undergraduate study. No experience is necessary.

• 25 point of Compulsory subject
• 75 points of Core subjects

AND

• 100 points of Elective subjects (Coursework option)

OR

• 37.5 points of Minor Thesis subjects (Thesis option)
• 62.5 points of Elective subjects (Thesis option)

150 point program (1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent)

This is for graduates of a relevant undergraduate degree, or equivalent.

• 62.5 points minimum of Core subjects
• 87.5 points maximum of Elective subjects

100 point program (1 year full-time or part-time equivalent)

This is for relevant honours graduates or those who have completed at least one year professional work experience in a closely related field, in addition to relevant background study.

• 62.5 points minimum of Core subjects
• 37.5 points maximum of Elective subjects

Capstone requirement

Students must complete one of three available Capstone streams for this degree at the 200 point level (some are Coursework-based and some are Thesis-based). For more information on subjects, Capstone streams, and detailed information, please view the Handbook entry for this course.

As a Master of Journalism, expect to advance your career in areas including:

Graduate with a deep understanding of best practice in traditional and emerging media, and be prepared for careers across journalism, communications, public relations, and the media.

Our graduates are ready to advance their careers in areas such as:

• Broadcast, print and digital journalism
• Corporate communications
• Media advocacy
• Mobile and social media
• Public relations.

Graduates work for national and global media organisations, including:

• The Age
• The Guardian
• The Australian
• ABC Radio National
• Canberra Times
• Channel Nine
• Xinhua
• The Monthly
• Double Helix magazine, produced by CSIRO.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this course, graduates will be able to:

• Produce high-quality journalism across a wide variety of traditional and new platforms using skills in journalistic research, investigation and communication
• Reflect on professional issues and develop innovative forms of practice
• Link theory and practice through a reflective, critical and ethical understanding of challenges in the industry
• Demonstrate the knowledge and skills to shape the profession at a time of great change.

200 point program: an undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of at least 70% (or equivalent). 150 point program: an undergraduate degree (o

IELTS (academic English Only): Overall 7.0 (with written 7.0 and no band less than 6.0)
TOEFL Internet-based test: 94 + ; Writing 27; Speaking 18; Reading 13; Listening 13;
Pearson Test of English Academic: 65 + written communicative skill of 65 and no other communicative skill below 50
Cambridge English: Advanced/ Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): 185 + no less than 185 in Writing and 169 in each other skill