Handbook : Course informationEdith Cowan University

Course Information

Bachelor of Journalism and Broadcast Media

Effective from 01-JAN-2025 : Code H31

Journalism is a vital component of a strong democracy and a powerful tool for social change. In this course you’ll develop a broader understanding of the role of journalism in society, going beyond traditional reporting practices and using all media platforms to explore issues related to social justice, climate change, diversity, and inclusivity. The course focuses on teaching news, entertainment and sport reporting and presenting. It will also equip you with the ability to monetise content if you intend to work as a freelancer.

Disclaimer

This course information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester. In particular please check the course requirements and the unit and unit set offerings, as these differ according to course delivery location.

Clinical or professional work placement Option

In SAH2650 Professional Experience: Internship or Project, students will be able to select workplace-based or project-based environments. In the workplace-based track, students will embark on a minimum of 100 hours of professional placement work experience within a public, private or not-for-profit organisation relevant to their academic studies. In the project-based track, students will engage in a project for a public, private or not-for-profit organisation that tackles a real-world challenge in collaboration or consultation with an industry partner. In SAH3650 Professional Placement 1 and SAH3660 Professional Placement 2, students will gain relevant work experience by undertaking a minimum of 225 hours (per unit) of professional placement with a public, private or not-for-profit host organisation which is relevant to their academic studies.

Application process

Enrolment into the Professional Experience and Professional Placement units are by application ONLY and entry requires students to participate in a recruitment and selection process. All placement and project opportunities will be vetted to ensure they provide a meaningful learning experience. As these units focus on the personal and professional development of the individual, no Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) will be considered for this unit.

Clinical or professional work placement Requirement

In the 30 credit point units JBM2650 Print and Online Newsroom, JBM3650 Radio Newsroom and JBM3660 TV Newsroom, students will work on-campus in simulated TV and radio newsrooms, using industry standard equipment to undertake tasks producing television and radio news items and presenting them live to air. Students will also produce and present other radio and television content. Working to strict deadlines, students will get a learning experience that best replicates industry practice and gives students an authentic but supportive way to hone their skills and knowledge.

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Apply a broad theoretical and practical knowledge of journalism and broadcast media across a variety of platforms.
2. Think critically to analyse, interpret and conceptualise complex ideas to create effective works of journalism and broadcast media.
3. Think creatively to anticipate challenges and generate solutions in journalism and broadcast media contexts.
4. Apply information literacy skills to access, evaluate and synthesise relevant information from multiple sources, create digital materials for a variety of platforms, and learn established and emerging digital technologies relevant to journalism and broadcast media.
5. Apply journalism and broadcast media skills and knowledge to communicate ideas clearly, coherently and with independence.
6. Demonstrate a global outlook, including intercultural awareness and competency, to identify and fairly represent cultural diversity with particular attention to indigenous intercultural responsiveness.
7. Work collaboratively and demonstrate initiative to implement ethical values in journalism and broadcast media materials.
8. Demonstrate autonomy, accountability and judgement for own learning and scholarship and professional practice.

Admission requirements

Admission requirement (Band 3)

All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course. The indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published (where applicable) or academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

• AQF Cert IV;
• Successfully completed 0.25 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
• Undergraduate Certificate;
• Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test;
• University Preparation Course;
• Indigenous University Orientation Course; or
• Experience Based Entry Scheme.

English Language requirement (Band 3)

English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

• Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent;
• Special Tertiary Admissions Test;
• IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.0 (no individual band less than 6.0);
• Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada;
• University Preparation Course;
• Indigenous University Orientation Course;
• AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree;
• Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent); or
• Other tests, courses or programs as defined in the Admissions Policy.

Course Duration

• Full Time: 3 Years
• Part Time: 6 Years

Course Delivery

• Mount Lawley: Full Time, Part Time

Course Coordinator

Dr Steinar ELLINGSEN

Course Structure

Students are required to complete 240 credit points of core units and 120 credit points of elective units. Students that complete a 4-unit, subject-based Elective Sequence may nominate to have this recorded on their transcript as a minor in the subject area. Alternatively, students may complete any other combination of major, minors, or elective units from the School of Arts and Humanities or other Schools in the university.

Students can choose any combination of electives from any of the recommended elective lists or any other combination of major, minors, or elective units from the School of Arts and Humanities or other schools where available with the approval of the Course Coordinator. Students that complete a 4-unit subject-based Elective Sequence may nominate to have this recorded on their transcript as a minor in the subject area.