Graduate Diploma in Journalism (Advanced)

Course GDA-JOURN (2016)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2016.

Year and Campus: 2016 - Parkville
CRICOS Code: 085951E
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Level: Graduate/Postgraduate
Duration & Credit Points: 100 credit points taken over 12 months full time. This course is available as full or part time.

Coordinator

Associate Professor Margaret Simons

Email: m.simons@unimelb.edu.au

Contact

Currently enrolled students:

Future students:

Course Overview:

The Graduate Diploma in Journalism (Advanced) is part of a nested suite of courses associated with the Master of Journalism. The Graduate Diploma in Journalism (Advanced) is comprised of three compulsory subjects, totalling 50 points, together with a limited list of journalism related electives (50 points). Together these would represent basic journalistic skills and understandings, with the opportunity to study a limited number of advanced subjects.

Learning Outcomes:

Students who complete the Graduate Diploma in Journalism (Advanced) should:

  • demonstrate high level oral and written communication skills
  • demonstrate high level expertise in researching, writing and editing their own work
  • demonstrate an ability to apply high level research skills to investigate news stories
  • demonstrate an advanced and practical understanding of how news stories are put together;
  • be equipped to critically reflect on writing challenges that journalists face across different media;
  • demonstrate the ability to reflect on professional issues and develop new and innovative forms of practice; and
  • demonstrate an ability to apply theoretical concepts to journalistic practice.
Course Structure & Available Subjects:

Duration: 1 year full-time / up to 2 years part-time


  • three compulsory subjects (50 points)
  • elective subjects (50 points)

Total of 100 points

Subject Options:

Compulsory Subjects

3 compulsory subjects (50 points)

Please note: it is recommended students complete JOUR90001 Researching and Writing Stories in their first semester.

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1, Semester 2
25
Semester 1
12.5

Elective Subjects

Elective subjects (50 points)

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 2
12.5
Entry Requirements:

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:

  • an undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline with at least an H2B (70%) weighted average or equivalent.


Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:

  • prior academic performance; and
  • relevance of previous studies.

3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.



4. The minimum English language requirements for this course are Band 7.0.

Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this course are articulated in the Course Description, Course Objectives and Generic Skills of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Graduate Attributes:

Students who complete the Graduate Diploma in Journalism (Advanced) should:

  • provide leadership in journalism at a national and global level;
  • understand the fundamental principles for making critical and ethical judgments regarding professional journalism practice;
  • evaluate the dynamic processes of change operating in contemporary media and communication industries;
  • demonstrate skills in journalistic research, analysis and interpretation;
  • high level ability to analyse writing techniques and affects;
  • demonstrate skills in writing, reporting and communicating facts and ideas;
  • demonstrate advanced critical thinking through presentation of research papers, conceptualising theoretical problems, forming judgments and arguments from conflicting evidence, and by critical analysis;
  • develop time management and planning skills through managing and organising workloads;
  • show a capacity for effective team work through group activities;
  • acquire cultural and ethical understanding through reflection, reading and practical experience of journalists’ responsibilities; and
  • demonstrate an understanding of how to market their own ideas and successfully pursue careers in an increasingly diversified and transforming industry environment.

For further information, please see http://learningandteaching.unimelb.edu.au/curriculum/graduates

Links to further information: http://www.arts.unimelb.edu.au/graduate/

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