Program Overview
Murdoch University's Journalism Major trains students for a career in the digital news era, providing practical reporting, writing, and producing skills. The program focuses on industry-standard technologies, ethical reporting, and real-world experience through internships and simulated newsroom environments. Graduates can pursue careers as journalists, broadcasters, or media professionals in digital, print, or television.
Program Outline
Journalism Major at Murdoch University
Degree Overview:
The Journalism major at Murdoch University equips students with the skills necessary to thrive in the digital era of news.
- Master skills relevant to the evolving media landscape, such as practical reporting and writing, social media and video journalism, and website management.
- Gain proficiency in industry-standard software like Adobe Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and Audition, as well as drone operation for capturing unique perspectives.
- Understand the ethical, legal, and cultural contexts of media, analyzing the influence of journalism on society and the changing world of news delivery.
- Choose a specialization in either broadcasting or digital journalism.
- Gain real-world experience through internships at organizations like the ABC, the West, Channel Seven, The Fremantle Herald, and other Perth newsrooms.
- Participate in the on-campus student creative consultancy MESH and work on real projects.
- Build professional networks and connections through academics and their industry relationships.
Outline:
Total Credit Points:
21
Required Units (15 credit points):
- COM104 Introduction to Online Reporting (3 credit points): This unit introduces students to the fundamentals of online reporting, covering topics like newsgathering, writing for the web, and digital storytelling.
- COM240 Journalism and Society (3 credit points): This unit explores the relationship between journalism and society, examining the role of media in shaping public opinion, influencing social change, and holding power to account.
- COM245 Media Law and Ethics (3 credit points): This unit delves into the legal and ethical frameworks governing journalism, covering topics like defamation, privacy, copyright, and responsible reporting.
- COM322 Digital Newsroom (3 credit points): This unit provides a practical experience in a simulated digital newsroom environment, where students work collaboratively to produce news content for a student news website.
Specified Elective Units - Group 1 (3 credit points):
- COM206 Broadcast Presentation (3 credit points): This unit focuses on the skills and techniques required for effective broadcast presentation, including voice, delivery, and stage presence.
Teaching:
- The program is taught by industry-experienced lecturers who provide practical guidance and mentorship.
- Students engage in hands-on learning activities, including conducting interviews, shooting photos and videos, and creating multimedia content.
- The program utilizes a simulated online newsroom environment to provide real-world experience.
Careers:
- Journalist: Reporting and writing news stories for print, online, or broadcast media.
- Freelance Writer: Producing content for various clients, including websites, magazines, and businesses.
- TV News Reporter/Producer: Gathering, writing, and producing news stories for television broadcast.
- Foreign Correspondent: Reporting on international news events from overseas locations.
- Radio Journalist/Presenter: Reporting and presenting news and current affairs programs for radio broadcast.
- Media Liaison Officer: Managing media relations and communications for organizations.
- Documentary Producer: Developing and producing documentaries for television or online platforms.
Other:
- The program encourages students to join professional networks and build valuable connections through academics and their industry relationships.
- Students have the opportunity to specialize in either broadcasting or digital journalism.
- The program emphasizes the importance of ethical and responsible journalism practices.
Murdoch University
Overview:
Murdoch University is a public university located in Perth, Western Australia. It is known for its focus on practical learning, research, and engagement with the community. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.
Services Offered:
Murdoch University provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
The university offers a variety of academic support services, such as tutoring, workshops, and online resources.Career Services:
The Careers and Employability team assists students with career planning, job searching, and internship opportunities.Student Support:
The university provides support services for students with disabilities, mental health concerns, and other personal challenges.Library:
The Murdoch University Library offers a vast collection of books, journals, and online resources.Health and Wellbeing:
The university has a range of health and wellbeing services, including a chiropractic clinic, counselling services, and a psychology clinic.Sport and Recreation:
Murdoch University offers a variety of sporting and recreational activities, including fitness classes, team sports, and outdoor recreation.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Murdoch University offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience. Students can expect:
A beautiful and spacious campus:
The university's campus is located in a picturesque setting, with plenty of green spaces and modern facilities.A strong sense of community:
The university has a strong sense of community, with a variety of student clubs and societies.Opportunities for engagement:
Murdoch University encourages students to get involved in research, community service, and other extracurricular activities.Key Reasons to Study There:
Flexible study options:
Murdoch University offers a variety of flexible study options, including online learning, part-time study, and blended learning.Personalised courses:
The university offers a range of personalised courses that cater to individual student needs and interests.Career Learning Spine:
Murdoch University's Career Learning Spine helps students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen careers.World-class facilities:
The university has a range of world-class facilities, including a veterinary hospital, a media arts centre, and a state-of-the-art engineering lab.Academic Programs:
Murdoch University offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate programs:
The university offers a variety of undergraduate programs in areas such as business, law, science, engineering, and the arts.Postgraduate programs:
Murdoch University offers a range of postgraduate programs, including master's degrees, PhDs, and other research degrees.Research:
The university is a leading research institution, with a strong focus on areas such as food security, health futures, and sustainable development.Other:
Entry Requirements:
- Domestic Students:
- Recent Secondary Education:
- Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC): 70
- Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent):
- English ATAR
- Literature ATAR
- English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR
- Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.
- Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only).
- Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP):
- CPS 54 or higher.
- 50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma:
- Total score of 24 or higher.
- Higher level (HL): 3 or better.
- Standard Level (SL): 4 or better.
- Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)
- Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
- Successful completion of a Certificate IV or higher.
- Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)
- Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
- Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
- English ATAR
- Literature ATAR
- English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR
- Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.
- Overseas Year 12:
- Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE):
- Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower.
- Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following:
- English
- English Extension (Literature)
- English for ESL Learners.
- Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)
- Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
- Higher Education:
- Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
- Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses:
- Successful completion of one of the following:
- Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject
- MUPC (1 Trimester)
- Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.
- Creative Portfolio:
- Successful Portfolio application as assessed by the Academic Chair of the course.
- Certificate IV AQF level 4:
- Successful completion of a Certificate IV.
- Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only), OR
- Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only), OR
- STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010).
- Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6:
- Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
- Mature Age Pathway (MAP):
- MAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course.
- Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only).
- Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
- Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc.
- Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT):
- Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).
- Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only).
- Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
- GCE A Levels:
- Aggregate of 6 points from:
- A maximum of the best three A-level subjects; OR
- A combination of A-level and AS-level subjects At least two A-level subjects are included in the calculation AS-level subject attempted at A-level is not eligible to be included A-level grades (A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1) AS-level grades (A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5)
- A Levels: D in one of the following:
- English Language
- English Literature
- Knowledge and Inquiry.
- AS Level: C in one of the following:
- English Language
- English Literature
- Knowledge and Inquiry.
- Extenuating circumstances:
- GCE A Levels:
- Aggregate of 6 points from:
- A maximum of the best three A-level subjects; OR
- A combination of A-level and AS-level subjects At least two A-level subjects are included in the calculation AS-level subject attempted at A-level is not eligible to be included A-level grades (A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1) AS-level grades (A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5)
- A Levels: D in one of the following:
- English Language
- English Literature
- Knowledge and Inquiry.
- AS Level: C in one of the following:
- English Language
- English Literature
- Knowledge and Inquiry.
- Extenuating circumstances:
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- Domestic Students:
- Recent Secondary Education:
- Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent):
- English ATAR
- Literature ATAR
- English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR
- Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma:
- Higher level (HL): 3 or better.
- Standard Level (SL): 4 or better.
- Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
- English ATAR
- Literature ATAR
- English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR
- Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.
- Certificate IV AQF level 4:
- STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010).
- Mature Age Pathway (MAP):
- Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc.
- Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT):
- GCE A Levels:
- A Levels: D in one of the following:
- English Language
- English Literature
- Knowledge and Inquiry.
- AS Level: C in one of the following:
- English Language
- English Literature
- Knowledge and Inquiry.
- GCE A Levels:
- A Levels: D in one of the following:
- English Language
- English Literature
- Knowledge and Inquiry.
- AS Level: C in one of the following:
- English Language
- English Literature
- Knowledge and Inquiry.