Journalism and Creative Writing

Program Overview

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Journalism and Creative Writing

Program Overview

Durham College (DC) and Trent University Durham GTA (Trent) have teamed up to create an integrated diploma and degree program — blending practical media production experience with crucial critical thinking and writing skills. With an emphasis on hands-on learning, gain new confidence while building a strong portfolio of work that will help launch your career in journalism, broadcasting and media. Achieve an Ontario College Diploma in Journalism – Mass Media and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Media Studies upon graduation in just four years.

In this program, enjoy courses at both DC and Trent’s Durham GTA campus each year (locations are only 15 minutes apart by car, 25 minutes by transit). Throughout your studies, you will refine your skills in writing, social media and content creation, putting your abilities into practice through a variety of hands-on learning and work placements. You will also develop the practical skills and experience necessary to launch an exciting career in broadcasting and journalism.

Intakes and Availability

Date	Domestic Availability	International Availability
September 2025	Open

Program Highlights

• Success Stories
• Resources
• Success Stories

Admission Requirements

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or mature student status
• A minimum of six Grade 12 4U or 4M courses, including program-specific prerequisites
• A minimum overall final average of 70 per cent (unless otherwise specified)
• ENG 4U with a minimum of 60 per cent

Tuition Fees

• Year one domestic: $2,722 (CAD)
• Year one international: $15,309 (CAD)

Sample Courses

• Broadcast Production
• Online and Print Production
• Impactful Storytelling with Indigenous Communities Photo and Video
• Critical and Opinion Writing
• Podcasting
• Media, Law and Ethics
• Multi-Platform Storytelling

Career Options

What You Could Be

• Journalist
• Content creator
• Editor
• Social media manager
• Author
• Producer
• Podcaster
• Media relations specialist
• Communications officer

Where You Could Work

• Communications departments
• Magazines
• News organizations
• Online media companies
• Marketing and publishing companies
• Public relations firms
• TV and radio stations
• Self-employed (podcaster, blogger, content creator)

Experiential Learning

Field Placement

Your learning experience is complemented by a six-week field placement at the end of the eighth semester. Gain valuable, hands-on experience in a professional workplace setting while applying the theoretical knowledge and skills learned in the classroom.

Past placement opportunities have included:

• The Globe and Mail
• CTV Toronto/CP24
• The Toronto Star
• CBC
• 680 News
• Global TV
• 94.9 The Rock/KX-96/CKDO
• Sportsnet 590 The Fan
• TSN
• The Hockey News
• Peterborough Examiner
• Entertainment Tonight Canada
• Discovery Channel
• Durham College
• Ontario Tech University
• Metroland – Durham Region
• Durham District School Board
• City of Oshawa
• Region of Durham
• Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority

Working Newsroom

You also have the opportunity to work in The Chronicle newsroom at DC during the fifth and sixth semesters of the program. Here you will draw on your foundational learning to edit video and audio, present on Riot Radio as a host and podcaster, create content for the Chronicle news properties, and stay active across social media platforms.

Program Transfer, Degree Completion and Additional Credentials

Graduates of the Durham College Journalism – Mass Media diploma program may be eligible to pursue the Journalism and Creative Writing integrated program. Credit transfers and pathways are discussed with students on a case-by-case basis.

Tech Requirements

Laptop Requirements

A Mac notebook computer is recommended. Please see the hardware requirements document for details.

Software Requirements

• Operating System (bundled with new notebook computer purchase)
• Membership in Adobe Creative Cloud is included in your Student Fees and will be made available during your first week. There is no need to purchase a subscription.
• Microsoft Office (Available for free for students from Microsoft through your DC Mail account. Please do not buy it.)

Other Recommended Hardware

• External hard disk USB-3 or USB-C 1 TB or larger
• Headphones (closed or semi open type, good quality, for example AKG K 240 Semi-Open Studio Headphones)

Meet Your Faculty Experts

• Brandon Carson
• Teresa Goff
• Danielle Harder
• Brian Legree
• Sam Riches
• Kenyon Wallace

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Report on stories in an accurate, detailed, balanced, professional, and timely manner.
2. Apply computer and technical skills to designated production and research functions in journalism.
3. Function both independently and as a member of editorial and/or production teams.
4. Analyze knowledge from communities, current events and public affairs, and history to interpret and express the context for designated journalism publications and/or productions.
5. Develop strategies for personal and professional development.
6. Comply with relevant Canadian legislation, standards, and the principles and practices of journalism.
7. Write and edit content for the designated media platforms.
8. Publish and/or broadcast content for the designated media platforms.
9. Apply production skills and use production equipment in the preparation and distribution of content for the designated media platforms.
10. Assess mass media communications and technologies as they relate to the impact on social and ethical issues.
11. Select and assess appropriate mass media technologies to meet the needs of the intended audience.
12. Plan and design editorial content to fulfil a mass media communications strategy for the client’s requirements.
13. Analyze shifts and trends in mass media technologies to anticipate the communication needs of the intended audience.

Land Acknowledgement

Durham College is situated on the traditional lands of the First Peoples of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. These lands are covered under the Williams Treaties and rest within the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg. We offer our gratitude to the Indigenous Peoples who care for and, through the treaty process, share the lands on which we live, learn, teach and prosper today.