Program summary
Program title: Graduate Diploma in Journalism
Award abbreviation: GDJourn
Degree type: coursework
Mode of study: on campus
Duration: 1 year minimum full-time, 4 years maximum part-time
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Fee type 2011: postgraduate coursework places, international fee-paying places
Total courses: 8
USC program code: AR643
CRICOS code: 058566E
Highlights
- Enhance your writing and communication skills
- Discover the nuances of journalistic reporting
- Create a portfolio of published works
Develop your writing proficiency and improve your job prospects.
The Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma in Journalism offer an opportunity to develop your skills in contemporary journalism, and gain a qualification that has relevance, currency and credibility. The programs are ideal for professionals in corporate or government sectors who wish to upgrade their qualifications and expertise in a short time.
In today’s job market, the ability to write and communicate well has become increasingly important. USC’s journalism programs impart both knowledge and skills relevant for professional and business writing, and written communication in general. You develop competencies in research, writing, editing, and production; and examine the general communications required of journalists and the different media—print, broadcast and the internet.
Courses in the Graduate Certificate provide you with a solid introduction to journalism. Learn editing techniques across different media, participate in the online publishing process, build a portfolio of published articles, and learn basic photojournalism skills. You also examine the foundations of journalism, including its history and social and political relevance.
The Graduate Diploma in Journalism builds on the 4-course Graduate Certificate and you can apply the units completed to the higher award. Using your electives, you can choose to extend your expertise into areas such as computer-assisted reporting, online journalism, politics and the media, feature writing or even research.
To further your studies, the 8-course Graduate Diploma articulates into the Master of Communication. If you complete the Graduate Diploma in Journalism, you may apply for up to 8 courses (96 units) credit towards the coursework component of the Master of Communication.
Admission requirements
Candidates for this award are normally required to hold a Bachelor's degree or a relevant Graduate Certificate. To be eligible to undertake this award, students must not have undertaken a previous undergraduate degree or a major or minor in journalism. Students cannot undertake any course in this degree that they have completed previously at an undergraduate level. Entry by non-graduates who have extensive relevant industry experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
Program objectives
On completion of this program students should be able to:
- demonstrate proficiency in areas of journalism and professional writing
- identify and evaluate a particular audience, and develop the styles of written communication and modes of delivery accordingly
- identify the generic conventions of different forms of written communication
- discuss contemporary culture and social outcomes/reactions of trends in popular fiction
- analyse written and oral communications in order to identify and implement proper drafting, revising, and editing techniques
- graduate and pursue further vocational studies and apply theoretically advanced approaches to journalism
Study Plan
This Study Plan is valid from Study Period 1, 2011.
For students who commenced study in this program prior to Study Period 1, 2011:
- Find the Student Handbook for the semester in which you commenced.
- Select the program in which you are enrolled.
- Scroll down to your relevant Program Structure.
Program requirements and notes
- Students are required to successfully complete 8 courses as listed below.
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses).
- The Graduate Diploma articulates into the Master of Communication. Students who undertake courses in the Graduate Diploma may apply for up to 8 courses advanced standing into the coursework components only of the Master of Communication. Please note: To gain the maximum of 8 courses advanced standing, students must complete CMN574 in the list below.
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
Program structure
Required courses: (4)
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| CMN130 Human Physiology | |||
| CMN213 Human Anatomy | |||
| CMN228 Biodiversity and Ecology | |||
| CMN235 Physics |
PLUS select 4 courses from:
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| CMN214 Foundations of Sustainability | |||
| CMN227 Introduction to Journalism | |||
| CMN237 Editing for the Communications Professional | |||
| CMN240 The Writer and the Law | |||
| CMN249 News Writing: Print and Broadcast | |||
| CMN256 Computer-Assisted Reporting | |||
| CMN272 News Rounds | |||
| CMN574 Online Journalism | |||
| INT270 Digital Photojournalism and Feature Writing |
TOTAL UNITS 96
The University attempts to ensure this information is accurate and up-to-date. However, the University reserves the right to discontinue or vary program/course information at any time without notice.
Enquiries
How to apply
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Tel: +61 7 5430 1259
Program Leader
Dr Folker Hanusch
Tel: +61 7 5430 2852
Email: fhanusch@usc.edu.au
# Students are required to seek approval from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences prior to enrolling in this course.