Program Overview

Visual Journalism (GrDip) Program

The Graduate Diploma in Visual Journalism is a course-based program that provides students with the skills required to tell impactful stories through still photography and video. The program educates students to think critically and aesthetically, exploring various forms of visual journalism, including daily news photography, documentary, and studio photography.

Program Overview

The program offers a foundation in the theoretical and analytical dimensions of journalism, with courses providing a comprehensive understanding of visual journalism. Under the guidance of faculty members, many of whom are working photojournalists, students will have the opportunity to connect with working journalists and explore real-world opportunities in the field.

Program Structure

The program requires the completion of a minimum of 33 credits, consisting of:

• 27 credits of core courses, including:
  • JOUR 501 Research Methods for Journalism
  • JOUR 502 Introduction to Reporting
  • JOUR 511 Introduction to Multimedia
  • JOUR 500 Critical Approaches to Journalism
  • JOUR 523 News and Feature Photography
  • JOUR 527 Elements of Lighting for Visual Journalism
  • JOUR 536 Advanced Video Journalism
  • JOUR 513 Journalism Ethics and the Law
  • JOUR 528 The Digital Magazine
• 6 credits of elective courses, chosen in consultation with the Diploma Program Director, including:
  • JOUR 505 Advanced Reporting
  • JOUR 508 Research Project in Journalism Studies
  • JOUR 510 Multimedia Journalism Tools and Design
  • JOUR 521 Visual Story-Telling
  • JOUR 532 Documentary Video and Radio
  • JOUR 535 Documentary and Photographic Series
  • JOUR 537 Journalism Portfolio
  • JOUR 542 International Journalism
  • JOUR 550 Journalism Practicum
  • JOUR 598 Special Topics in Journalism

Admission Requirements

Admission to the program requires:

• An undergraduate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.00 on a 4.30 scale
• Some experience in journalism, photojournalism, or a media-related field is considered an asset
• Proficiency in English, with applicants whose primary language is not English required to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of English to pursue graduate studies

Application Process

The application process involves reviewing program-specific requirements and submitting a complete application by the deadline. Priority will be given to complete applications submitted by the deadline.

Tuition and Funding

Tuition and fees for the program may depend on student status, among other factors. Funding packages are generally available for students in thesis-based programs, while course-based students may be eligible for donor awards and program-specific opportunities.

Program Details

• Degree: Graduate Diploma (GrDip)
• Department: Journalism
• Faculty: Faculty of Arts & Science
• Primary campus: Loyola (LOY)
• Duration: 1 year
• Credits: 33 credits
• Start term: Summer