ObjectivesCSU's Bachelor of Arts (Communication - Journalism) degree covers the gathering, handling and dissemination of information for the mass media and other organisations involved in professional communication.
Academic titleBachelor of Arts (Communication - Journalism)
Course descriptionAbout the course
The Bachelor of Arts (Communication – Journalism) course has been recognised by the University as a Nationally Outstanding 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.
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.
Course components
The Bachelor of Arts (Communication - Journalism) course is made up 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.
Professionals teaching you
The course is taught by dedicated professionals with a wide range of industry experience. They include 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
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. Broadcast Journalism students also work in the University's community radio station and supply news to the public radio network on a regular basis. Print Journalism students prepare regular publications to tight deadlines in the process of learning about the industry in a hands-on way. Emphasis is increasing on multimedia journalism, as it is becoming standard industry practice.
Graduation requirements
To graduate, students must satisfactorily complete 192 points (normally equal to 24 subjects). Unless otherwise permitted by the course Coordinator, these must include at least two Politics subjects. These subjects may be completed as part of the Politics minor or the Politics/English minor or, for print journalism students, as restricted electives.
Note: since broadcast journalism students complete only one restrictive elective, they must meet the Politics requirements by undertaking either the Politics minor or the Politics/English minor.
Further study
An Honours year is available
Graduate Certificate in Journalism
Graduate Diploma of Journalism [exit point only]
Master of Arts (Honours)
Master of Arts (Journalism)
Doctor of Communication
Doctor of Philosophy
Graduate comment
"The practical experience I gained through the on campus radio station, has been invaluable. Through the course I've been able to make very good industry contacts. I did a one-month internship at Radio National and it looks like I'll be employed there next year. I know I'll be able to move into metro radio in a year or two. The grounding I've received from CSU makes this achievable."
Matthew Martyn-Jones Bachelor of Arts (Communication - Journalism)