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Humanities and Social Sciences |
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Media Studies ProgramBachelor of Journalism
BackgroundThe Bachelor of Journalism, is a three year degree program which combines print, broadcast and online journalism training with a study of the social, political and economic roles of the media. You will develop critical skills, professionally oriented research, writing, editing and production skills and you will learn about the role of the media in social and cultural life and the operation and regulation of the media. Also, you will have an opportunity to study the new digital media which are transforming the traditional media landscape. We believe that a combination of journalism skills, a broad understanding of the media, and the ability to think critically are essential for people who are planning careers in the rapidly evolving media industries. Career possibilitiesThe media industries are evolving rapidly. Apart from the traditional publishing and broadcasting industries, and emerging on line media, there is a growing awareness of the need to employ graduates with media, communication and journalism skills in many areas of government and industry. Our graduates will be suited to entry levels positions in journalism, public relations, corporate and government communications, broadcasting, media consultancies and the information and entertainment industries. Honours and postgraduate studyA fourth, Honours year is available and successful completion of the Honours program can lead to either a Masters by Research, a Master of Global Communication or a PhD. The Honours year involves a traditional written thesis or a combination of a creative work and an accompanying written thesis. A creative thesis can be useful in building a portfolio of work to show prospective employers. InternshipsWe have an internship program which allows students to work in an industry setting and develop links with potential employers. The placement and the academic work associated with an internship is given academic credit. Our students have been placed with newspapers, publishers, television and radio broadcasters, media production organisations, government departments and corporate communications units. These include Age, The Sun Herald, ninemsn, Crikey, Leader Newspapers, the Geelong Advertiser, the Border Mail, ABC News, ABC Online, ABC Local Radio community radio stations and advertising and public relation companies. International students are able to undertake an internship in their home country. Some of the internships completed by our international students include placements with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in Australia and TV2, NHK and Aftenposten in Norway, and the European Parliament in Belgium. International exchange programsYou are eligible to participate in the Exchange Program. La Trobe University has exchange arrangements with universities world-wide. The Media Studies Program has specific arrangements with The Missouri School of Journalism, 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. Teaching staffYour teachers will be experienced academic staff with a strong interest in research and teaching. In addition you will be taught by experienced journalists and professionals who are currently working in the media industries. Technical facilitiesFor your formal studies requiring production facilities you will have access to a dedicated online journalism laboratory as well as a fully equipped three-camera television studio, an audio recording studio, portable audio and video recording equipment and digital editing suites. Our editing suites can be accessed 24 hours every day. These facilities are maintained and developed by dedicated technical staff. (For more details follow the Production Facilities link) Student activitiesStudents are involved in a wide range of activities outside the classroom. Some are involved in community newspapers and radio stations. 2006 graduate James Dowling has already built an impressive career with Leader Newspapers, winning a Quill award in 2009. Several graduates have been employed by the online finance publication, Business Spectator. In 2007, three of our students were working on radio programs on SBS. For some years the student-run La Trobe Media Group has produced Rumpus Room, a thirty minute comedy television program for Melbourne's community television station, Channel 31. The group's multimedia performances have been a part of the Melbourne Comedy Festival. This project utilises students with a wide range of journalism, writing and media production skills. Other students have independently produced award winning radio and television programs. Entry requirementsA study score of at least 25 in VCE units 3 and 4 English or equivalent is required. There are no high school subject requirements and for local students entry is based on your ENTER score. For interstate or international students your high school grades are assessed. There is provision for mature age entry into the program. Application proceduresLocal students should apply through VTAC. International students should apply through La Trobe University’s local representative in your country. If you do not know the name of your local representative please contact the International Office. SelectionPlaces in this course are in high demand and entry is based on your ENTER score. Portfolios, media-related subjects studied at high school and work experience are not taken into account for recent high school graduates. TransfersFrom the Media Studies major: Contact the Media Studies Program Office. Course structureFirst YearMST1CCO Constructing Communication Second YearMST2CAJ Journalism Research Third YearMST3AJD Advanced Journalism and Design Bachelor of Journalism Handbook Entry Content Approved by: Head of School
Page maintained by: Program Administrator Last Updated: 1 June, 2009 |