Journalism Courses in Australia

Introduction to studying a journalism degree

A journalism degree in Australia typically lasts three years for a bachelor's degree and covers news reporting, writing, editing, multimedia storytelling, and broadcast journalism. Students also delve into journalism's ethical, legal, and social aspects, gaining a solid understanding of the industry's principles and practices. Australian journalism courses often emphasize practical experience through internships, industry placements, and opportunities to work on real-world media projects, ensuring students are well-prepared for the dynamic field of journalism.

The practical and hands-on approach to journalism education in Australia allows students to build a robust portfolio and network with professionals in the industry. Graduates with Australian journalism degrees are well-regarded globally, and upon completing a journalism degree in Australia, international students can explore diverse career opportunities in the media industry.

Typical employers include newspapers, magazines, television and radio stations, online media outlets, and public relations firms. Journalism graduates may find roles as reporters, editors, content producers, broadcast journalists, digital media specialists, or communications professionals. The skills acquired during the program, including critical thinking, research, and effective communication, equip graduates to navigate the evolving landscape of journalism and contribute meaningfully to disseminating information in the digital age.

Types of Journalism Degrees in Australia

Australian universities offer various types of journalism and mass communication degrees, such as undergraduate and postgraduate. Some institutes and universities also provide certificates and diploma programs to strengthen their foundation in the subject. Here is the list of the journalism degrees available in Australia. 

Bachelor’s in Journalism (BA Journalism)

A bachelor’s degree in journalism is an undergraduate program that makes you an expert in the news industry. The course is a blend of theory and practical knowledge to begin a career in journalism and communication. Journalism coursework will guide you through critical thinking and analysis of the industry’s historical, theoretical, and cultural contexts. 

You will also learn and actively develop modern news-gathering and production skills through lectures, overseas study, workshops, fieldwork, and tutorials. The topics covered include media and society, international journalism, and multimedia. Some careers that you can opt-in journalism are news reporter, public relations coordinator, and broadcaster. 

• Course duration: three years
• Course fees: $37,440
• Entry requirements: excellent academic scores with ILETS-6.5/TOEFL- 79/PTE -58

Master’s in Journalism (MA Journalism)

A master’s in journalism is a postgraduate degree that teaches skills in public communication and techniques to gather, analyse, and present different kinds of information and news. You will also be able to develop cross-platform capabilities in audio, video, and photojournalism. At the end of the course, you will be allowed to produce a capstone project, with opportunities to extend your studies into the areas of matter, including building real-world experiences and integrating knowledge and skills by planning and executing a research-based project. 

After completing a master's in journalism in Australia, you can advance your career in public relations, mobile and social media, and media advocacy. 

• Course duration: two years
• Course fees: $41,024
• Entry requirements: bachelor’s in journalism with IELTS - 7.0 or TOEFL-94+

PhD in Media and Journalism

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in media and journalism is a research degree that provides a framework to focus and investigate different fields of journalism. Researchers and postgraduates are involved in various projects funded by the Australian Research Council and philanthropic and commercial organisations. 

You can research, work and evaluate in various fields, such as Asian media, marketing, journalism, creative writing, screen production, and music industries. Besides, you will be an active research community member and have access to resources and workshops to help you succeed. 

• Duration: three to four years
• Fees: $34,560
• Entry requirements: master’s degree in journalism with relevant years of work experience and required English language requirements

Scholarships

Here are some top scholarships offered by Australian universities for journalism and mass communication studies -

Jobs and Careers

Journalism is a booming career in Australia; many international students want to enter it. It’s a challenging field that offers several work opportunities. You can work as a news reporter, freelance journalist, writer, or editor. To accelerate your journalism career, you can also take up internships or get into placements in various organisations, like the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Fairfax Media, and News Corp, which will gain them experience. 

Salary

Journalism is one of the most popular careers in Australia, as it offers the opportunity to work in many fields, such as print, radio, television, and digital media. At an entry-level (mainly freelance) position, one can earn around $35 per hour, going around $100,000 annually according to skills and knowledge gained. On the other hand, a person with four to five years of experience in journalism can earn around $101,000- $150,000 annually. 

Top Universities to Study Journalism in Australia

Learn more about Australian universities that offer journalism courses below:

• University of Melbourne
• Monash University
• University of Queensland
• University of New South Wales
• University of Adelaide
• University of Technology Sydney
• Queensland University of Technology
• Curtin University
• University of Wollongong
• Swinburne University of Technology

Study Journalism in Australia

If you want to learn more about studying for a journalism degree at an Australian university, arrange a free consultation with SI-Australia today.

FAQ

What is the cost of studying journalism in Australia for international students?

The course fees for journalism and mass communication vary according to the degree and credit scores of the program. For example, the average fee for a bachelor’s in journalism is around $37,440 - $50,300. 

Are there opportunities for internships and practical experience in journalism programs in Australia?

Many Australian universities offer internships during the academic year, where you can work and collaborate with media professionals and industry experts to build your portfolio. Some renowned organisations and companies include the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), News Corp, British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), and Fair Fax. 

Are there language requirements for international journalism students in Australia?

International students willing to pursue their studies in journalism must meet the English language requirements, such as IELTS and TOEFL. 

What is the typical duration of a journalism program in Australia?

The duration of the program depends on the degree enrolled. For BA Journalism, the course duration is three years, and for MA, it is two years. However, the course duration is different for part-time degrees.