Master of Arts (Journalism)

course overview

These courses are designed for graduates of any discipline who wish to gain a professional qualification in journalism, and aims to prepare students for entry-level positions in journalism. No prior journalism or media experience is required.

Credit and articulation

The Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma (exit point only) articulate with the Master degree and credit is awarded in the Master degree for the subjects completed in the Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma. Credit is not given for the Graduate Certificate in Print Journalism.

Access to allowances for study

The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) now offers student income support to students undertaking study in a number of professionally-oriented Master by coursework degrees.

Eligible students undertaking approved Master degrees will be able to access Youth Allowance, Austudy and Abstudy. To be eligible for student income support through Youth Allowance and Austudy, students will still need to be studying full-time and to satisfy all other Youth Allowance and Austudy program requirements, including personal, parental or partner income tests.

More information from DEEWR

Admission requirements

Applicants must have an undergraduate degree in a discipline other than journalism, or its equivalent in professional experience.

Applicants without tertiary qualifications may demonstrate equivalent professional experience through five years full-time employment and/or attainment of industry accreditations in a discipline other than journalism.

English Language

Internet Access

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).

enrolment pattern and unit details

Read Unit Details

The Master degree (by project) consists of 96 credit points from:

the five subjects offered at Graduate Certificate level, plus

two specialist reporting subjects that prepares students for journalistic roles in a range of media, and

a journalism project subject comprising analysis and production of news stories and features either for print, broadcast or online media examining a significant social, cultural, ethical, historical or political trend in Australia or overseas.

The Master degree (by dissertation) consists of 96 credit points from:

the five subjects offered at Graduate Certificate level, plus

one specialist reporting subject that prepares students for journalistic roles in a range of media, and

a dissertation subject that provides a theoretical framework for the exploration of a significant social, cultural, ethical, historical or political trend in a journalistic context.

Graduation requirements

To graduate with the Graduate Certificate in Journalism, students complete the first four 8 point subjects (total of 32 points). Students enrolled in the Master degree may exit with the award Graduate Diploma in Journalism after successful completion of an additional two 16 point subjects (total of 64 points).

To graduate with the Master degree, students must satisfactorily complete 96 points.

All students undertaking the Master degree must complete:

three foundation theory subjects designed to provide the necessary background and context for news and public affairs reporting

one specialist subject detailing aspects of media law and ethics as they affect professional journalism practice

two specialist subjects in journalism designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in journalism and public affairs reporting in both public and commercial media

a theory and research subject examining problems and issues confronting journalism practice

a journalism project, comprising a major series of news stories and features either for print or broadcast media and examining a significant social, cultural or political trend in Australia or overseas.

Sub courses
Master of Arts (Journalism) Units
English language proficiency
Internet access