Journalism
Why study Journalism?
Social media and the internet have revolutionised the quantities of information generated and shared around the world – but have also heightened the demand for high quality information. Journalism and professional communication courses offer a wealth of career opportunities, from reporting roles with traditional media, to production roles in new media, to public relations and communication roles in organisations across the community.
La Trobe's journalism courses offer a thorough grounding in the past and current roles of media as well as the practical aspects of content development – with a strong emphasis on industry experience. Each program offers opportunities for internships and work placements, as well as education and tuition to equip graduates with the skills required for a media career.
Study the social, political, economic and cultural role of the media. Learn about print, broadcast and online journalism and digital media. Develop skills in research, writing, editing and production.
If you are interested in studying journalism, we've prepared a list of frequently asked questions that both current and prospective students have about journalism at La Trobe.
Frequently Asked Questions [PDF 75KB].
Career opportunities
Television, film, radio, print and online production, journalism, media law, marketing, advertising, teaching, communications, industry funding organisations, campaign or advocacy officer, media expert, policy and research officer (Government, business, academic, NGO).
Courses
Local students
2013
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Arts Education
- Duration :
- 4 years full-time or part-time equivalent
- Semester starts :
- Semester 1 (February)
- Campus/ATAR:
- Melbourne 83.3
- Year
- 2013
- Course description
- This double degree program provides graduates with two degrees and a qualification to teach in the secondary or adult education sectors - all within four years.
Students are able to specialise in areas of interest, such as politics, history, or anthropology, providing the rigour and flexibility of an Arts Degree, while also studying education theory and practice for their education qualification. The curriculum includes subjects in teaching methods and education theory, and provides in-school teaching experience. - Prerequisite
- VCE Units 1 & 2: two units of General Mathematics Or Mathematical Methods.
VCE Units 3 & 4: study score of at least 30 in English (ESL) or 25 in any other English. - Year 12 and non-year 12 extra requirements
- Non-Year 12 selection may be based on ATAR, VTAC Personal History online, GPA, STAT Multiple Choice, and/or an essay.
If you didnt get the ATAR there are other ways to get into this course.
Non Year 12 applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Personal History online if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work or community experience or reasons for applying.
For more information about VTAC Personal History online please visit our Extra Requirements page. - Middle band
- Re-ranking is based on English (any), Humanities (any), LOTE (any), Drama, Theatre Studies, Legal Studies and Psychology. Consideration is also given to Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) criteria.
- Fee amount
- Indicative (2010): CSP student contribution $5,310 (per 120 credit points).
- Costs
- Successful applicants must apply for a Working with Children Check prior to commencing teaching placements. The cost is approximately $76.10 and is valid for five years. For further information please visit: www.justice.vic.gov.au/workingwithchildren
- How to apply
- VTAC or Late Direct Application.
- Professional recognition
- The course is accredited by the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT).
- Full course details
- Arts/Arts Education Melbourne
Bachelor of Journalism
- Duration :
- 3 years full-time or part-time equivalent
- Semester starts :
- Semester 1 and 2 (February and July)
- Campus/ATAR:
- Melbourne 75
- Year
- 2013
- Course description
- Contemporary journalism encompasses many formats and genres in print, broadcast and online media, offering many career options. Whether students are interested in reporting on/writing about politics, technology, the arts or another specialist field, this course aims to hone skills in research, writing, editing and media production in order to assist students in stepping into their dream careers. It also aims to provide a thorough understanding of the media's role and operations, including media ethics.
Every component of the curriculum is grounded in industry practice, and all lecturers have extensive industry experience. The course also features guest lecturers and industry case studies to bolster knowledge of the industry and how it works. Finally, it provides practical industry experience via chances to write for or edit upstart, La Trobe's student-run web journal for emerging journalists. - Prerequisite
- VCE Units 3 & 4: study score of at least 30 in English (ESL) or 25 in any other English.
- Year 12 and non-year 12 extra requirements
- 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, VTAC Personal History online, GPA, STAT Multiple Choice, and/or an essay.
If you didnt get the ATAR there are other ways to get into this course.
Non-Year 12 applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Personal History online 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.
For more information about VTAC Personal History online please visit our Extra Requirements page. - 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.
- Fee amount
- Indicative (2010): CSP student contribution $5,310 (per 120 credit points).
- Additional information
- Mid-year entry may be available.
- How to apply
- Apply direct to the University for Semester 1 or Semester 2, 2013.
- Full course details
- Journalism Melbourne
Bachelor of Journalism (Sport)
- Duration :
- 3 years full-time or part-time equivalent.
- Semester starts :
- Semester 1 and 2 (February and July)
- Campus/ATAR:
- Melbourne 81.05
- Year
- 2013
- Course description
- Sports journalists need a specific set of skills which equip them to deliver accurate, rapid and well-informed assessments of sports news and events.
This vocationally-oriented course aims to equip students with the skills they need for a career across various platforms in the complex field of sport media.
The curriculum covers sport management, sport reporting, and sport media production. It provides thorough coverage of the media's role and operation, and extensive research, writing, communication and production work. - Prerequisite
- Units 3 and 4: Study score of at least 30 in English (ESL) or 25 in any other English.
- Year 12 and non-year 12 extra requirements
- Non-Year 12 selection may be based on ATAR, VTAC Personal History online, GPA, STAT Multiple Choice.
If you didnt get the ATAR there are other ways to get into this course.
Non-Year 12 applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Personal History online 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.
For more information about VTAC Personal History online please visit our Extra Requirements page. - 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.
- Fee amount
- Indicative (2010): CSP student contribution $5310 (per 120 credit points).
- Additional information
- Mid-year entry may be available.
- How to apply
- Apply direct to the University for Semester 1 or Semester 2, 2013.
- Full course details
- Journalism (Sport)Melbourne
Bachelor of Strategic Communication
- Duration :
- 3 years full-time or part-time equivalent.
- Semester starts :
- Semester 1 and 2 (February and July)
- Campus/ATAR:
- Bendigo 58.7
- Melbourne 70.2
- Year
- 2013
- Course description
- The growth of internet and social media communication alongside traditional media has made communication strategy critically important for organisations around the world.
This industry-focused degree provides a thorough practical grounding in the realities and challenges of public relations. With practical insights into professional communication careers, this course offers training in developing and implementing ethical and effective communication strategies.
Students will learn how to analyse and understand public relations, advertising, marketing and journalism and how they combine to shape public attitudes and actions. Students will also have the opportunity to undertake internships as part of their course, gaining valuable experience and a network of contacts.
The course provides an outstanding grounding for careers in public relations and marketing communications. Accreditation with the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA) is currently being negotiated. - Prerequisite
- VCE Units 3 & 4: study score of at least 30 in English (ESL) or 25 in any other English.
- Year 12 and non-year 12 extra requirements
- 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, VTAC Personal History online, GPA, STAT Multiple Choice, and/or an essay.
If you didnt get the ATAR there are other ways to get into this course.
Non-Year 12 applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Personal History online 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.
For more information about VTAC Personal History online please visit our Extra Requirements page. - 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.
- Fee amount
- Indicative (2010): CSP student contribution $5,310 (per 120 credit points).
- How to apply
- Apply direct to the University for Semester 1 or Semester 2, 2013.
- Professional recognition
- La Trobe is submitting an application for course accreditation to the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA).
- Full course details
- Strategic CommunicationMelbourne
Strategic CommunicationBendigo
Want to know more?
Feel free to ask us a question about any course for local students.
Fees and scholarships
Undergraduate courses are Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) for eligible Australian and New Zealand citizens. The domestic fee calculator can be used to calculate the cost of subjects this year.
There is also a wide range of scholarships available for local students.
International students
2013
Bachelor of Journalism (040821J)
- Duration :
- 3 years
- Semester starts :
- Semester 1 and 2 (March and July)
- Annual Tution Fee (AUD) :
- 22 750
- Campus
- Melbourne
- Year
- 2013
- Course description
- Contemporary journalism encompasses many formats and genres in print, broadcast and online media, offering many career options. Whether students are interested in reporting on/writing about politics, technology, the arts or another specialist field, this course aims to hone skills in research, writing, editing and media production in order to assist students in stepping into their dream careers. It also aims to provide a thorough understanding of the media's role and operations, including media ethics.
Every component of the curriculum is grounded in industry practice, and all lecturers have extensive industry experience. The course also features guest lecturers and industry case studies to bolster knowledge of the industry and how it works. Finally, it provides practical industry experience via chances to write for or edit upstart, La Trobe's student-run web journal for emerging journalists. Melbourne - English Language Requirements
- Successful completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B certificate at postgraduate (EFS5 (70%) PG1) level conducted by La Trobe Melbourne; for more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.
IELTS (Academic): minimum score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0.
TOEFL Paper-based Test: minimum score of 575 (minimum score of 5 in the Test of Written English).
TOEFL Internet-based Test: minimum score of 80 with minimum overall for SLR 18; W 22.
La Trobe Melbourne Foundation Studies: 70 per cent final result in a course.
English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted.
Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English)
for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0.
Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): minimum score of 64 with no communicative skill score less than 59.
Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of B or higher.
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): a grade of C or higher.
or approved international equivalent. Melbourne - Academic entry requirements
- LTM Foundation Studies - 85
Aust. Yr 12 (ATAR) 2012 (indicative only) - 80.3 Melbourne campus
International Baccalaureate - 29
GCE A Levels - 9
Hong Kong A Levels - 7
HKDSE - 2 x Level 5
Sri Lankan A Levels - BCC
STPM - 9
MICSS (UEC) - 3
Canada Secondary School (or CPU) - 85
Norway Upper Secondary Certificate - 4.5
Sweden Slutbetyg - G/VG
All Indian Sen SC (Best 5 Subjects) - 80
Vietnam (Year 12) - 8.5
Indonesia (SMA) - 8.5
GAC Cert. IV - GPA 3.3
GAOKAO - see: the website
If you do not meet these entry requirements you might be interested in La Trobe's Foundation Studies and Diploma Programs, which provide an alternative pathway to La Trobe's undergraduate program. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website. Melbourne - Full course details
- Journalism Melbourne
Bachelor of Journalism (Sport) (073292A)
- Duration :
- 3 years
- Semester starts :
- Semester 1 and 2 (March and July)
- Annual Tution Fee (AUD) :
- 22 750
- Campus
- Melbourne
- Year
- 2013
- Course description
- Sports journalists need a specific set of skills which equip them to deliver accurate, rapid and well-informed assessments of sports news and events.
This vocationally-oriented course aims to equip students with the skills they need for a career across various platforms in the complex field of sport media.
The curriculum covers sport management, sport reporting, and sport media production. It provides thorough coverage of the media's role and operation, and extensive research, writing, communication and production work. Melbourne - English Language Requirements
- Successful completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B certificate at postgraduate (EFS5 (70%) PG1) level conducted by La Trobe Melbourne; for more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.
IELTS (Academic): minimum score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0.
TOEFL Paper-based Test: minimum score of 575 (minimum score of 5 in the Test of Written English).
TOEFL Internet-based Test: minimum score of 80 with minimum overall for SLR 18; W 22.
La Trobe Melbourne Foundation Studies: 70 per cent final result in a course.
English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted.
Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English)
for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0.
Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): minimum score of 64 with no communicative skill score less than 59.
Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of B or higher.
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): a grade of C or higher.
or approved international equivalent. Melbourne - Academic entry requirements
- LTM Foundation Studies - 85
Aust. Yr 12 (ATAR) 2012 (indicative only) - 80.7 Melbourne campus
International Baccalaureate - 29
GCE A Levels - 9
Hong Kong A Levels - 7
HKDSE - 2x Level 5
Sri Lankan A Levels - BCC
STPM - 9
MICSS (UEC) - 3
Canada Secondary School (or CPU) - 85
Norway Upper Secondary Certificate - 4.5
Sweden Slutbetyg - G/VG
All Indian Sen SC (Best 5 Subjects) - 80
Vietnam (Year 12) - 8.2
Indonesia (SMA) - 8.2
GAC Cert. IV - GPA 3.3
GAOKAO - see:the website
If you do not meet these entry requirements you might be interested in La Trobe Melbourne's Foundation Studies and Diploma Programs, which provide an alternative pathway to La Trobe's undergraduate program. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website. Melbourne - Full course details
- Journalism (Sport)Melbourne
Bachelor of Strategic Communication (075108A)
- Duration :
- 3 years
- Semester starts :
- Semester 1 and 2 (March and July)
- Annual Tution Fee (AUD) :
- 22 750
- Campus
- Bendigo, Melbourne
- Year
- 2013
- Course description
- The growth of internet and social media communication alongside traditional media has made communication strategy critically important for organisations around the world.
This industry-focused degree provides a thorough practical grounding in the realities and challenges of public relations. With practical insights into professional communication careers, this course offers training in developing and implementing ethical and effective communication strategies.
Students will learn how to analyse and understand public relations, advertising, marketing and journalism and how they combine to shape public attitudes and actions. Students will also have the opportunity to undertake internships as part of their course, gaining valuable experience and a network of contacts.
The course provides an outstanding grounding for careers in public relations and marketing communications. Accreditation with the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA) is currently being negotiated. Bendigo, Melbourne - English Language Requirements
- Successful completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B certificate at postgraduate (EFS5 (70%) PG1) level conducted by La Trobe Melbourne; for more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website
IELTS (Academic): minimum score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0.
TOEFL Paper-based Test: minimum score of 575 (minimum score of 5 in the Test of Written English).
TOEFL Internet-based Test: minimum score of 80 with minimum overall for SLR 18; W 22.
La Trobe Melbourne Foundation Studies: 70 per cent final result in a course.
English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted.
Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English)
for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0.
Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): minimum score of 64 with no communicative skill score less than 59.
Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of B or higher.
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): a grade of C or higher.
or approved international equivalent. Bendigo, Melbourne - Academic entry requirements
- LTM Foundation Studies - 85
Aust. Yr 12 (ATAR) 2012 (indicative only)- 72.45 Melbourne campus
International Baccalaureate - 25
GCE A Levels - 9
Hong Kong A Levels - 7
HKDSE - 2x Level 5
Sri Lankan A Levels - BCC
STPM - 9
MICSS (UEC) - 4
Canada Secondary School (or CPU) - 85
Norway Upper Secondary Certificate - 4.5
Sweden Slutbetyg - G/VG
All Indian Sen SC (Best 5 Subjects) - 80
Vietnam (Year 12) - 8.5
Indonesia (SMA) - 8
GAC Cert. IV - GPA 3.3
GAOKAO - see: our website Bendigo, Melbourne - Professional recognition
- The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences has applied for accreditation of the degree with the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA). Bendigo, Melbourne
- Full course details
- Strategic CommunicationMelbourne
Strategic CommunicationBendigo
How to apply?
Enquire now about any course for international students or find out how to apply.
Fees and scholarships
Estimated fees for international students are indicated for each course above. Fees are indicative only and set at 120 credit points per course, unless otherwise stated, and may vary depending on the number of credit points in which students enrol. Some courses may vary in credit point load and fees will be adjusted accordingly.
There is also a range of scholarships available for international students to assist students.
Your study experience
Other ways into undergraduate study
Learn how you can plan a pathway into your preferred degree, including single subject entry. See also La Trobe University Access and Equity programs which support a variety of ways into undergraduate study for applicants who have experienced educational disadvantage.
Journalism placement opportunities
A media internship (MST3INT) is available to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Media Studies and the Bachelor of Journalism. In this unit, students will develop contacts with, and work in, a media organisation. Students will develop an understanding of issues internal to the organisation such as its goals, structure, management and work practices.
Overseas study opportunities
La Trobe University has exchange arrangements with universities world-wide. The Media Studies Program has specific arrangements with Roy H. Park School of Communications at Ithaca College in Ithaca, New York and Queen Margaret College in Edinburgh, Scotland. Also, our students have studied at a range of University of California campuses. To learn more, please visit the Study Abroad program.
Student work
upstart is a project of La Trobe's Journalism, Media Studies and Cinema Studies programs. The site showcases the writing of emerging journalists.
Student and graduate profiles
Students of the Faculty talk about their experience at La Trobe.
About the academic staff
You'll get to meet a large number of academics during your course, from tutors through to lecturers. You can view all the staff from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences or focus on staff in Journalism.
Journalism events
There are no upcoming Journalism events. Browse other events.
