GD074 - Graduate Diploma in Journalism
Plan: GD074P5 - Graduate Diploma in Journalism
Campus: City Campus
Overview
Program detailsPurpose of the ProgramArticulation and pathwaysEntrance requirementsExternal accreditation and industry linksStudent expenses and charges in addition to feesLibrary, IT and specialist resourcesProgram details
Award title: Graduate Diploma in Journalism
Award abbreviation: GradDipJour
Total credit points: 96
Career: PGRD
Duration: 1 year full-time
Location: Onshore, City Campus
Owning school: Media and Communication (345H)
Owning school URL: www.rmit.edu.au/about/schools-colleges/media-and-communication
ASCED code: 100703
CRICOS code: 012959A
Top of pagePurpose of the Program
The Graduate Diploma in Journalism is an intensive learning program that offers a blend of practical and reflective elements designed to give you a professionally well-rounded preparation for the competitive multi- media journalism industry.
The program’s overall objective is for you to develop the practical, intellectual and analytical skills necessary to work in any field of journalism. While you are acquiring vocational skills, including researching, gathering and producing / presenting news for all platforms, you will also learn how to contextualise your practice in relation to the role of journalism and journalists in society and to analyse media environments. You will also learn to apply the ethics and regulations that guide the profession, from deadline-driven decision making to the ethical challenges of research-based projects.
Learning activities and experiences in this program include field trips to media outlets and organisations such as courts, and you will undertake at least one work placement. You will learn the skills of news gathering, writing and reporting for all platforms and be involved in radio and television news broadcasts. All courses in this program are delivered face to face so require on-campus attendance.
In your final semester, your capstone experience will be an internship where you will gain practical experience in a professional newsroom or workplace. This will enable you to synthesise and integrate your knowledge, connect theory and practice, and demonstrate your achievement of the program learning outcomes.
On completion of the program you will be able to work independently or collaboratively in any journalistic platform or field, such as print, radio, television and/or digital and know how to apply the acquired skills in a modern multi-platform newsroom, either nationally or internationally.
Graduates of this program are working as editors, sub-editors, reporters, writers, presenters and producers nationally and internationally in mainstream media outlets, including newspapers, magazines, radio, television and online; niche and specialist media; and digital media, including startups. Some graduates also choose to work in communications roles in the public, corporate and not-for-profit sectors.
Top of pageArticulation and pathways
Upon successful completion of this program you will be eligible to apply for entry to MC248 Master of Communication will be eligible for 48 credit points of exemptions (equivalent to 1 semester full-time study).
Upon successful completion of this program you will be eligible to apply for entry to MC188 Master of Media and will be eligible for 96 credit points of exemptions (equivalent to 1 year full-time study).
If you have already developed areas of skill and knowledge included in this program (for example, through prior studies or work experience), you can apply for credit once you have enrolled in this program.
Top of pageEntrance requirements
You must have successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification), or a minimum of 3 years professional work experience in a related industry.
To have your professional experience considered you must submit with your application a CV and a personal statement detailing your experience.
English language requirement
2024: A minimum IELTS (Academic module) overall score of 7.0, with no band less than 6.5, or equivalent.
2025: A minimum IELTS (Academic module) overall score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0, or equivalent.
For equivalents to English entry requirements, see the English equivalents web page.
Top of pageExternal accreditation and industry links
External Accreditation
In Australia there are no professional bodies that accredit programs in journalism.
Graduates of the program have successfully gained employment in print, broadcast and online news media for more than 10 years and are successfully working in Australia and internationally.
Industry Links
The School of Media and Communication has many close links with industry and these include:
Fairfax Media www.fairfaxmedia.com.au, News Corporation www.newscorpaustralia.com,
3AW www.3aw.com.au, ABC www.abc.net.au, SBS www.sbs.com.au,
Seven Network au.tv.yahoo.com, Reuters www.reuters.com and McPherson Media Group www.mmg.com.au.
Academics within the Graduate Diploma in Journalism are industry practitioners, maintaining strong linkages within the industry. The program invites external industry experts as guest lecturers to provide further exposure to current industry developments in journalism.
The Program Advisory Committee (PAC) consists of high profile industry representatives. Part of the PAC’s brief is to ensure that their program's links with industry standards and practice remain current.
Top of pageStudent expenses and charges in addition to fees
Once you are enrolled as a student in this program you will need to allow for expenses other than university tuition fees. Additional expenses may relate to the purchase of lecture notes, textbooks, stationery, consumables such as printer paper, fees levied by commercial internet service providers for internet access outside of the university campus, and other relevant costs.
Top of pageLibrary, IT and specialist resources
Library resources and services
As a student enrolled in a program at RMIT University you can access the extensive services, facilities and study space provided by the Library. You can access books, journals and other course related materials, such as DVDs, past exams, newspapers and e-books. Through our document delivery service you can also request items from any library in the world.
Computers for study are available at every Library site, where you can access the Internet, myRMIT (www.rmit.edu.au/myrmit) or Library e-resources. If you have a laptop you can access the RMIT University wireless network in the Library. Library staff can show you how to find information for your assignments or you can work through web-based tutorials or use our online Ask a Librarian service. The Library is continually expanding our electronic collections to make it easier for you to get the information you need when you need it. All RMIT University students have unlimited access to quality electronic resources such as, e-books, ejournals and newspapers.
You can find more information on Library resources and services at: http://www.rmit.edu.au/library
Online learning tools and content
You can access online learning tools and content for your program and associated courses at myRMIT
www.rmit.edu.au/myrmit
Services available to you as a student at RMIT University
RMIT University provides a wide range of resources and opportunities to assist your learning and wellbeing so you can achieve your study and career goals.
Services are available face to face and online assisting with:
- transition to tertiary study and learning
- study skills, academic skills including literacy, mathematics and basic sciences if relevant
- enabling assistance if you have a disability, long term medical condition or other form of disadvantage which may impact on your learning career development and employment
- living and wellbeing (including advice on health, housing and financial matters)
- opportunities for scholarships, leadership and study abroad
- opportunities for participating in arts, sport, recreation, fitness activities as well as student activism and university governance
We also offer a friendly and supportive environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. You can find more information from Student Support.
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