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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2014

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2014.
Information for the previous year's courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2013.

310431 v.3 Master of Journalism

MJournlsm(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 058729B
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 1.5 Years


Course Overview

Master degrees (coursework) prepare students to apply advanced knowledge for professional practice, scholarship and further learning corresponding to AQF level 9 qualifications.


The Master of Journalism forges a strong link between the theoretical and professional work of journalism and is suitable for those seeking a career change or for undergraduate students wishing to expand their understanding of the profession. Students will participate in the production of a number of news publications culminating in an individual project designed to extend their theoretical, practical and professional knowledge.


Professional Recognition

Graduates may be eligible to join the association that represents journalists - the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance.


Career Opportunities

Graduates will be equipped to seek employment in the news media or related industries using their communication, research and production skills. Opportunities may be available locally, nationally and internationally. Graduates may be eligible to join the association that represents journalists - the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance.



Course Entry and Completion Details

Applicants are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au. Subject to the duration of the course applicants usually require a bachelor degree or equivalent (and may require relevant work experience), bachelor honours degree, graduate certificate or graduate diploma.


Specifically, applicants require a bachelor degree or equivalent in any discipline, or a Graduate Diploma in Journalism with a satisfactory performance that will contribute to the master qualification.


Credit for Recognised Learning

Applications for credit towards a course are assessed on an individual basis. Credit reduces the amount of learning required to complete the course and may be granted for formal education qualifications, non-formal learning from non-award programs of study and informal learning through work experiences. Further information can be found at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au.


Intermediate Awards

A student who has successfully completed the requirements of an approved intermediate award may apply for graduation in that award subject to approval of Head of School/Department. Fees apply. Intermediate awards approved for this course:


Graduate Diploma in Journalism


Pathway to Further Study

Graduates may qualify for entry to doctoral degrees. For further details, see the University website http://curtin.edu.au.



Course Organisation

Master degrees (coursework) contain a series of units in a specialised area of study which may include compulsory (core), optional or elective units to cater for student preferences. They may also contain a range of majors/streams for students to choose from.


The course consists of course work units in both theoretical and practical aspects of journalism leading to the development of a final research project. Students may specialise in either print or broadcast journalism as well as undertake individual projects.


Course Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. understand the discipline of journalism, its theoretical underpinnings, ways of thinking and professional approaches; understand and apply in practice established and developing knowledge and professional practice and develop skills in chosen aspects of print and broadcast news

2. apply logical and rational processes to analyse the components of an issue and think creatively to generate responsible, lucid and informative journalism

3. decide what information is needed and where it might be found using appropriate technologies; make valid judgements and synthesise information from a range of sources and apply best practice in servicing the needs of the consumer

4. communicate appropriately with colleagues, professional contacts and the general public and develop writing and reporting skills appropriate to varying situations

5. assess the impact of emerging technologies on the work of the journalist; develop the technology skills relevant to obtaining and assessing relevant information. Decide on appropriate applications and systems for professional needs

6. understand and apply a range of learning strategies; take responsibility for one's own learning and development; sustain intellectual curiosity and develop a commitment to professional research and publication

7. think globally and consider issues from a variety of perspectives and apply relevant international standards, tools and practices to the professional practice of journalism

8. recognise individual human rights, including rights of free access to information; appreciate the importance of cultural diversity and the sensitivities which may be created when dealing with and writing about ethnic and community groups and value diversity of language

9. apply appropriate professional skills in the creation of journalism product; work independently and in teams; demonstrate leadership; understand and demonstrate professional behaviour. Understand the ethical issues in journalism, behave ethically and professionally at all times and model ethical behaviour to colleagues in the workplace


Duration and Availability

This fee-paying course is of three semesters full-time or equivalent part time study. This course is only offered internally.


Location and delivery Mode


Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2014 Bentley Campus Semester 1   Y      
2014 Bentley Campus Semester 2   Y      

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.




Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
304410 v.4   Journalism Media Law 510 3.0 25.0
  SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   75.0
  100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
304422 v.4   Journalism Media Ethics 511 3.0 25.0
  SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   75.0
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 1
313694 v.2   Advanced Discipline Project 691 50.0
313695 v.2   Advanced Discipline Project 692 50.0
  100.0
Optional Units (No Year Level Specified) Hrs/Wk Credit
304423 v.4   Journalism Radio News 512 4.0 25.0
304424 v.5   News Writing and Reporting 513 3.0 25.0
304425 v.4   Journalism Feature Writing 514 3.0 25.0
304426 v.4   Journalism Television News 515 3.0 25.0
304429 v.4   Journalism Industry Placement 517 25.0
304430 v.4   Journalism Photojournalism 518 3.0 25.0
304432 v.4   Journalism Print Production 595 4.0 50.0
313290 v.1   Journalism Presentation for Broadcast 598 3.0 25.0
314806 v.2   Advanced Broadcast Journalism 501 3.0 50.0
313244 v.2   Journalism Online Reporting 520 3.0 25.0

*    MSC 693 and MSC 694 are compulsory alternatives for part-time students in place of MSC 691. These units will be studied across two semesters.




Further Information

For more information about the course, please contact the Faculty of Humanities on telephone (08) 9266 3400, email humanities@curtin.edu.au, or visit our website: http://humanities.curtin.edu.au


Course Structure Disclaimer

Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.




Handbook Disclaimer

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For course overviews and enrolment information please visit our future students website.