Program Overview

MJ-JRN - Journalism and Content Production

Overview

This Major blends news reporting, podcasting and journalistic content creation to develop skills in writing, audio, video and digital media production. With ethical standards and critical thinking at the Major's core, students will be immersed in the creation of engaging, accurate and impactful content. Key components of this Major include podcasting, reels, visual storytelling, data visualisation, photojournalism and emerging media technologies, alongside traditional journalistic practices, investigative reporting, media law and media literacy.

Structure

The Major consists of 24 credit points, comprising:

• Required Units: 18 credit points
  • COM109: Introduction to Digital Media Skills (3 cp)
  • COM104: News Reporting and Writing (3 cp)
  • COM208: Podcasting (3 cp)
  • COM217: Digital News, Content and Data Journalism (3 cp)
  • COM245: Media Law and Ethics for Communicators (3 cp)
  • COM322: Digital Newsroom (3 cp)
• Specified Elective Units: 6 credit points
  • Reporting and Investigating Stream: 6 credit points
    • Required Unit: 3 credit points
      • COM209: Media and Democracy (3 cp)
    • Specified Elective Unit: 3 credit points
      • COM300: News Project: Specialised Reporting (3 cp)
      • OR
      • COM304: Communicating Global Issues (3 cp)
  • Content Journalism Stream: 6 credit points
    • Required Unit: 3 credit points
      • COM301: Video Content and Presentation Skills (3 cp)
    • Specified Elective Unit: 3 credit points
      • PHO124: Introduction to Photography (3 cp)
      • OR
      • SCR101: Screen Production 1 (3 cp)

Available in courses

This Major is available in the following courses:

• B1362 - Bachelor of Criminology / Bachelor of Communication
• H1274 - Bachelor of Laws Honours / Bachelor of Communication
• B1353 - Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Communication
• B1344 - Bachelor of Communication / Bachelor of Creative Media
• B1342 - Bachelor of Communication

Admission requirements

• Entry requirements (onshore): As per normal undergraduate admission requirements.
• Entry requirements (transnational): As per normal undergraduate admission requirements.
• English language requirements: Equivalent of an Academic IELTS overall score of 6.0 with no band less than 6.0.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this Major, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a broad understanding of the history, theory and principles of journalism.
2. Recognise the power and influence of the news media in society, its role as the fourth estate in a western liberal democracy, and the associated responsibilities of journalists in cultural and political contexts.
3. Develop a thorough understanding of journalistic ethics, news gathering and story writing techniques to operate in a professional media environment.
4. Apply industry standards to gather information for the production of multimedia editorial content in text, audio and video formats.
5. Use research and interview techniques to gather news according to journalistic principles and ethics.
6. Produce professional and ethical stories, news packages or features that are suitable for publication to diverse audiences across a range of platforms.
7. Apply technical skills to produce news reports or packages that are suitable for publication.
8. Draw on skills and knowledge of journalistic theory to respond to editorial direction.
9. Utilise journalistic tools and technologies to enhance or add value to news reports.

Professional outcomes

This Major prepares students for careers in journalism and content production, with a focus on:

• Fourth estate
• Media law
• Ethics
• Storytelling
• Journalism practice
• Investigation
• Research
• Communication
• Content creation

Additional information

This curriculum aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:

• Goal 1: No poverty
• Goal 2: Zero hunger
• Goal 3: Good health and well-being
• Goal 4: Quality education
• Goal 5: Gender equality
• Goal 6: Clean water and sanitation
• Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy
• Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth
• Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure
• Goal 10: Reduced inequalities
• Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities
• Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production
• Goal 13: Climate action
• Goal 14: Life below water
• Goal 15: Life on land
• Goal 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions
• Goal 17: Partnerships for the goals

Version and ownership

• Version: 02
• Version start date: 01/01/2026
• Owning college: College of Law, Arts and Social Sciences
• Owning school: Media and Communication
• Enrolment pattern(s): Part Time, Full Time
• Credit points: 24