Journalism

The Bachelor of Journalism at RMIT University offers students a comprehensive and practical education designed to prepare them for a dynamic career in the journalism industry. This program emphasizes the development of essential skills such as reporting, writing, editing, research, and multimedia storytelling, equipping graduates to excel across various media platforms including print, digital, broadcast, and online journalism. Students will learn the fundamentals of journalism ethics, law, and professional standards, ensuring they understand the responsibilities that come with the role of a journalist in a rapidly changing media landscape. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience, giving students opportunities to undertake real-world reporting projects, collaborate with industry professionals, and produce a portfolio of journalism work that showcases their talents. Through internships and industry placements, students gain invaluable insight into newsroom operations and the broader media environment, enhancing their employability upon graduation. The program also explores emerging trends in journalism, such as data journalism, social media engagement, and multimedia storytelling, enabling students to adapt to technological innovations and evolving audience expectations. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, as well as mentorship from experienced journalism practitioners, students are supported in developing a professional identity and honing their journalistic voice. Graduates of this program are well-positioned to pursue careers in news reporting, feature writing, broadcast journalism, digital media production, and communication roles within various organizations. By fostering critical thinking, ethical practice, and creativity, the Bachelor of Journalism at RMIT prepares students not only to report the news but also to contribute meaningfully to public discourse and societal understanding in a diverse and interconnected world.

Year 1

In the first year of the program you will learn foundation skills in news gathering, news writing and production. You will be introduced to the intellectual and scholarly aspects of journalism. You will critically engage with its cultural and historical contexts, and its legal and regulatory systems.

Year 2

In the second year you will learn to research, report, write and produce radio and television news. You also learn the fundamentals of online journalism.

Year 3

In the first semester of your final year, you will enrol in an industry-based placement course. In the second semester you will work in a converged, multimedia newsroom. You will produce print, online and broadcast journalism in a deadline-driven environment that mirrors industry practice. You will help to produce the program’s newspaper, City Journal, its online companion City Journal Online, a live television news bulletin, and live radio news. This capstone course will enable you to synthesize and integrate knowledge, connect theory and practice and to demonstrate holistic achievement of program learning outcomes.

You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent senior secondary school qualification) with a minimum 70% average (check calculator below).

Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post-secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.

Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted. 

The Bachelor of Journalism at RMIT University offers a range of financing options to assist students in managing the costs of their studies. International students are required to pay tuition fees, which vary depending on the specific year of study and any applicable government or institutional scholarships. Domestic students may be eligible for Australian government funding, such as Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), which significantly reduces their tuition fees compared to full fee-paying places. Additionally, students can explore a variety of financial support options, including FEE-HELP loans for eligible domestic students, which allow them to defer part or all of their tuition fee payments over time. RMIT also provides scholarships and bursaries based on academic merit, financial need, or other criteria, which can help reduce the financial burden of studying in a competitive program like journalism.

Apart from government assistance and scholarships, students are encouraged to consider external funding sources, including private scholarships, sponsorships, or loans from financial institutions. The university’s financial services team provides guidance to students on budgeting, financial planning, and application processes for various funding options. It’s important for prospective students to carefully review the specific costs associated with the Bachelor of Journalism program, including tuition fees, student service and amenities fees, books, equipment, and living expenses, especially those studying on campus in Melbourne.

Students are also advised to explore part-time work opportunities available on or near campus, which can help offset living costs while gaining valuable experience related to their field of study. RMIT has partnerships with industry and community organizations that sometimes offer internships and work placement programs, providing both practical experience and potential financial benefits. In summary, while studying journalism at RMIT involves financial commitments, numerous funding avenues, financial aid options, and support services are available to support students throughout their academic journey, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder access to quality education in journalism.

The Bachelor of Journalism at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to equip students with essential skills and knowledge required for a successful career in journalism. The curriculum emphasizes practical experience, critical thinking, and understanding of media ethics and laws, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to navigate the dynamic media landscape. Students have the opportunity to develop core competencies in reporting, editing, media production, and digital journalism through engaging coursework, real-world projects, and industry placements. RMIT's state-of-the-art facilities and close ties with industry partners provide students with valuable hands-on experience in newsroom environments, multimedia production, and investigative journalism. The program also covers emerging areas such as social media journalism, data journalism, and multimedia storytelling, reflecting current trends and technological advancements in the field. Students benefit from expert faculty who bring industry insights and academic rigor, fostering an environment conducive to professional growth. Upon completion, graduates can pursue roles across various media outlets, including print, broadcast, digital platforms, and specialized sectors such as public relations and communications. The Bachelor of Journalism at RMIT offers pathways for further specialization or postgraduate study, preparing students for lifelong careers in the fast-evolving media industry.