Journalism
This course information is for local students only
Year
2012
Award
Bachelor of Journalism
Length
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Campuses
Melbourne
Course description
Content is king like never before, as the evolution of the internet threatens to deluge individuals with more information than they can handle.
The Bachelor of Journalism provides students with the opportunity to hone their skills in research, writing, editing and media production in preparation for a media career, while also delivering a broad understanding of the media’s role and operation.
Every component of this degree is thoroughly grounded in industry-based education, with students required to write for upstart, La Trobe’s student-run web magazine for emerging journalists . Students are offered the opportunity to gain experience as an editor on upstart and to undertake internships in the media industry.
Reflecting the myriad of potential work opportunities in newspapers, radio, television, websites and corporate communications teams, this course requires students to develop writing skills and a practical understanding of journalism across a range of media, including expertise in the professional and ethical use of social media.
The program draws on the extensive journalism experience of La Trobe staff and features guest lectures and industry case studies from the breadth of Australia’s mediascape.
Course structure
Students study compulsory core subjects at each year level, including Making the News, Writing for the Media, Press and Society, Journalism Research, Online Journalism Production, Broadcast and Journalism Practice. They are encouraged to undertake electives outside the media studies stream - for example, in politics, history, and sociology.
A third-year internship program offers valuable supervised work experience; students complete 120 hours' attendance at an approved workplace and 3x3-hour workshops.
Contact hours
Approximately 12 -15 contact hours per week if studying full-time.
Subject details
Major areas of study
Journalism, media studies.
Overseas study opportunities
Overseas study opportunities are available.
Please see
www.latrobe.edu.au/international/exchange
for more information
Application
VTAC or Late Direct Application.
Direct Entry Mid-Year may be available. Contact the Future Students Centre for more information - see contact details below.
Fee type
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Scholarships
Applicants who are Australian citizens or who hold permanent humanitarian visas are eligible for a range of University-wide scholarships, including Commonwealth Scholarships. For details please see http://www.latrobe.edu.au/scholarships/future-undergraduatesThe Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences awards ten academic merit scholarships annually to students with the highest ATAR. See details at: www.latrobe.edu.au/humanities/awards
Other awards and prizes are also available for current students through individual Schools/programs. See details at: www.latrobe.edu.au/scholarships/current/huss
Middle Band
Re-ranking is based on performance in English (any), Humanities (any), LOTE (any), Drama, Theatre Studies, Legal Studies and Psychology. Consideration is also given to Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) criteria.
Selection
ATAR 84.70 (2011)
Guaranteed Entry (Year 12 applicants only): applicants with an ATAR of 90 or above receive a first-round offer. Those with lower ATARs are considered through normal selection processes.
Non-Year 12 selection may be based on ATAR, Pi form, GPA, STAT Multiple Choice, and/or an essay.
Extra requirements
Non-Year 12 applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Pi form if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work experience or reasons for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application. Some may also be required to submit an autobiographical essay; for more information call (03) 9479 2023.
Prerequisites
VCE Units 3 & 4: study score of at least 30 in English (ESL) or 25 in any other English.
Semester starts
Semester 1 and 2 (February and July)
Industry experience
The following types of industry experience are available in this course.
- Workplace experience for academic credit
Additional information
Mid-year entry may be available.
Career opportunities
Graduates are likely to enter the media and communications industries in areas such as local and regional newspapers, corporate communications, online information design and development, and government communication.