Program summary

Program title: Graduate Certificate in Journalism
Award abbreviation: GCJourn
Degree type: coursework
Mode of study: on campus
Duration: 6 months minimum full-time, 2 years maximum part-time
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Fee type 2011: postgraduate coursework places 
Total courses: 4
USC program code: AR543
CRICOS code: Not available to international students on a Student Visa

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. 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.

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 the 4 required 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 Certificate articulates into the Graduate Diploma. Students who undertake 48 units in the Graduate Certificate may apply those units to the Graduate Diploma.
• Not available to international students on a Student Visa.

Program structure

Required courses: (4)

PLUS select 3 courses from:

TOTAL UNITS 48

Enquiries

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

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