Learn the art and science of journalism in our advanced newsrooms and studios. As a Murdoch Journalism student you’ll combine hands-on practical experience in reporting and writing for both print and broadcast journalism. You’ll learn about the world of contemporary global media and study media technologies, communication policy, media audiences and public opinion. Combined with a second major in a related are such as Radio, Screen and Sound or Politics & International Studies you’ll be able to turn your passion into an exciting career that can take you right round the world.
What can I do with my Journalism degree?
The field of Journalism offers a wide range of career options. In the world of print you might decide to work as a Journalist, Columnist, Writer, or Editor. You might pursue a career in television either behind the scenes or on camera. Government Departments and private corporations employ Media Liaison Officers to assist them with their public relations. During your degree you may discover a secret talent for radio announcing or program production or you might find your niche as a copy writer for an advertising company.
Our entry requirements tool will help you find the most appropriate and quickest pathways to admission. The tool will take you through a couple of steps to help identify the best pathways for you based on your situation. Once you have chosen the most suitable pathway you will also be provided you with information on how to apply based on the criteria you are using for admission.
Domestic student applications:
All undergrad applications for Semester 1 2009 need to be submitted through TISC. If you would like to apply for this course you can now:
Get your TISC help kit containing your course info, handy hints and advice to help make the application process even easier.
Get advice on how to structure your TISC preferences to give yourself the best chance of getting into the course of your dreams.
International student applications:
If you would like to apply for this course you can now:
We don’t have prerequisite subjects for any of our courses as we are a strong promoter of a well rounded education. However, remember that you will also need to demonstrate competence in English, normally through passing either English or English Literature or by getting a sufficiently high score in ESL.
Course Structure
Year 1
Foundation Unit
All new first year students take a Foundation Unit. These are designed so you have some idea what’s going on, because, let’s face it, you’ve never been to uni before!
Core Units
You must take these units for a particular major to gain a specialisation in this area.
Introduction to Mass Communication
Introduction to Journalism
General Electives
You must take these units to have enough units to graduate. General Electives give you the flexibility to learn from a variety of different areas.
Select five units offered by the University, subject to individual unit prerequisites
To take a double major, students simply take the core units from another major in place of their general elective units. Further details on double majors are available in the Prospectus.
Some recommended double majors are:
Radio;
Screen & Sound;
Politics & International Studies;
Sports Science and
Science Majors.
What are my Career Options?
As a Murdoch Journalism graduate, your employment outlook is enhanced, especially if you combine it with other disciplines. Depending on which skill combinations or specialisations you have, your Murdoch degree may lead you towards work and study opportunities in a number of areas. The following are some professions to consider, including extra majors that will improve your prospects of achieving them.
Profession
What they do
Suggested double majors
Journalist / Columnist / Writer / Editor
Journalists gather news and information by interviewing people and attending events. They undertake research to provide background information for articles, write them within an established style and format, and edit as necessary. Journalists who interpret the news or offer opinions to readers, viewers, or listeners are called Columnists. Writers and authors develop original fiction and non-fiction for books, magazines, trade journals, online publications, company newsletters, radio and television broadcasts, motion pictures, and advertisements. Editors review, rewrite, and edit the work of writers. Editors also decide what material will appeal to readers, review and edit drafts of books and articles, offer comments to improve the work, and suggest possible titles.
Communication, Technology and Policy
English and Creative Arts
Gender and Cultural Studies
Radio Reporter
Radio and Television Reporters often compose stories and report “live” from the scene. At times, they later tape an introduction to or commentary on their story in the studio. Some journalists also interpret the news or offer opinions to readers, viewers, or listeners. In this role, they are called Commentators or Columnists. Radio Announcers who broadcast music often are called disc jockeys (DJs). Some DJs specialise in one kind of music, announcing selections as they air them. Most DJs do not select much of the music they play (although they often did so in the past); instead, they follow schedules of commercials, talk, and music provided to them by management. While on the air, DJs comment on the music, weather, and traffic. They may take requests from listeners, interview guests, and manage listener contests.
Radio
Media Studies
Media Liaison Officer
Media Liaison Officers draft press releases and contact people in the media who might print or broadcast their material. Many radio or television special reports, newspaper stories, and magazine articles start at the desks of these specialists. Sometimes the subject is an organisation and its policies toward its employees or its role in the community. Often the subject is a public issue, such as health, energy, or the environment, and what an organisation does to advance that issue. They also arrange and conduct programs to keep up contact between organisation representatives and the public. For example, they set up speaking engagements and often prepare speeches for company and public sector.
Communication, Technology and Policy
Public Relations
