Journalism Internship

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

150-160 hours

Subject can only be completed in the second hundred points of the Master of Journalism program.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Students enrolled in this subject will complete a four week (full time equivalent) placement with an external organisation. Students will be supervised by the Subject Coordinator in collaboration with a designated party at the host organisation. Students will work across a range of tasks relevant to the organisation's objectives, and will develop and complete a specific project in discussion with the host organisation and the Subject Coordinator. The internship experience will provide students will a valuable professional experience, and will extend their professional networks. The internship will facilitate the application of knowledge acquired through coursework to a professional workplace.

Upon successful completion students will have:

• acquired an extensive knowledge of the conditions, cultures and practices of a range of workplaces;
• gained practical vocational experience in an industry setting;
• applied professional concepts, frameworks and techniques in a vocational setting;
• gained significant insight into the complexities of professional decision making and management; and
• developed a capacity to critically evaluate their experience and to share their findings through written and oral reports.

Written assessment equivalent to 5,000 words comprised of the following tasks:

1. A 1,000 word project proposal and work plan, developed in consultation with the host organisation and the Subject Coordinator, worth 20 per cent of the final mark, due within two weeks of beginning the internship.

2. A 2,500 word project for the host organisation or case study, worth 50 per cent of the final result, to be assessed by the Subject Coordinator, in consultation with the host organisation, due within two weeks of the conclusion of the internship.

3. A 1,500 word journal that documents and reflects on the Internship Experience, to be assessed by the Subject Coordinator, worth 30 per cent of the final mark, due within two weeks of the conclusion of the internship.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Upon successful completion students will have:

• advanced their communication skills through contribution to seminar discussions and presentations, and participation in workplace-based discussions and reporting sessions;
• developed their research, analytical and writing skills;
• expanded their conceptual skills and creative thinking;
• increased their capacity for effective teamwork through group discussions and collaboration with the workplace mentor and other staff; and
• developed their time management and planning skills through managing subject workload requirements and work placement commitments.