Study Bachelor of Journalism and Professional Writing at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for Australian students.

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Entry requirements Degree overview Career outcomes How to apply Study experience

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Australian students

Start Date
February
July

Campus
Magill

Duration
3 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
MBJR

SATAC Code
444431 (Internal)

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Fees
Commonwealth Supported

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Admissions
Student Profile

Entry Scores
2023 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 65.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): B,B,C
TAFE/RTO: DIP
View Guaranteed Entry Info
2022 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 66.35
TAFE/RTO: Cert IV
View full entry requirements

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.

Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:

Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND
- Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
- Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
- Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points
Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.

Recent secondary education ATAR profile

OR
Higher education study
- Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
- Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above
OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
- Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV or above
OR
Work and life experience
- Qualify for Special Entry, or
- Complete a UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
- Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past
Essential requirements for admission
Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None
View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

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This degree can be packaged with a masters degree. For more information and SATAC codes visit Fast-track to Masters

Degree overview

Study South Australia’s only practice-based journalism and professional writing degree.
Focus on ethical journalism and delve into the role and impact of journalism in society.
Research and report stories across written, audio and visual mediums, including virtual and augmented reality.
Learn in our industry-standard television and radio studios, located on-campus.
Practise your skills using one of South Australia’s largest green screens.
Gain practical experience on-campus when you contribute to our online student publication, On the Record, or our internet radio station, UniCast.
Explore journalistic areas of interest including data and investigative journalism, environment and sustainability, government and politics, travel writing, and sports journalism
Present to industry partners, including the major television networks, in your final year to expand your network and gain future employment.
Enter South Australian awards recognising journalism, editing and writing excellence.
Gain real-world experience when you complete an internship or industry project during your final year.
Study a curriculum informed by world-class research in creative arts and writing, language, communication and culture¹.
UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities², we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.

¹2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
²UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #46, 2022 THE Young University Rankings, Ranked #29, 2021 QS Top 50 Universities Aged Under 50.

Snapshot

Graduates of this degree (the only one of its kind in South Australia) are qualified to work as journalists in any medium, across any platform, and in media organisation newsrooms, local community news sites, niche and community media, and as freelance/entrepreneurial journalists. They are also well qualified to work across communication fields. An emphasis on professional writing opens doors to a wide variety of allied professions, such as technical writing, tender presentations, and marketing and communication.

You can explore journalistic areas of interest such as:

science, space and technology
data and investigative journalism
governments and politics
international relations
economy, business and finance
social and legal justice, and inclusion
travel writing
culture and arts journalism
environment and sustainability
sports journalism.

Our on-campus facilities, which include a TV studio, radio studio and editing suites, will ensure you graduate career-ready and offer you the opportunity to practise recording news broadcasts, producing, and filming with industry-standard technology. You will then get the chance to practice these skills in a real-world environment when you complete an internship or industry project during your final year. This is a great opportunity for you to develop your skills and build important industry networks.

If you finish your degree with a credit or higher grade point average (GPA) you could also be eligible for the one-year Bachelor of Creative Arts (Honours).

What you'll learn

This degree will provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to work as a journalist and writer in mainstream media and communication fields. An emphasis on professional writing also opens doors to a wide variety of allied professions, such as technical writing, tender presentations, marketing and communication. You will:

learn how to author and edit written and visual texts within journalism and non journalism environments
gain greater knowledge and understanding of journalism's role in society
develop the production skills required by news and online media, including filming and editing, problem solving and decision-making
learn how to use industry-standard equipment and software
develop analytical and research skills

A final year journalism industry internship or project will further extend your knowledge and training.

You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Ideas, Innovation and Communication	COMM 1060	4.5	Note(s): 1
Journalism: Principles and Practices	COMM 1062	4.5	Note(s): 2
News Reporting	COMM 1064	4.5	Note(s): 2
Sub-major		4.5	Note(s): 3,7
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Intercultural Communication	LANG 1054	4.5	Note(s): 1
Production for News and Social Media	COMM 1063	4.5	Note(s): 2
Media Contexts	COMM 1059	4.5	Note(s): 2
Sub-major		4.5	Note(s): 3,7
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Radio Journalism and Podcasts	COMM 2077	4.5	Note(s): 2
Writing and Editing for Publication	COMM 2009	4.5	Note(s): 5
Sub-major		4.5	Note(s): 3,7
Elective		4.5	Note(s): 4,7
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Media Law and Ethics	COMM 2076	4.5	Note(s): 2
Professional Writing	COMM 3037	4.5	Note(s): 5
Sub-major		4.5	Note(s): 3,7
Elective		4.5	Note(s): 4,7
OR
Virtual Reality Storytelling	COMM 3081	4.5
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Journalism Research Capstone	COMM 3059	4.5	Note(s): 2
Advanced News Writing	COMM 3021	4.5	Note(s): 2
Advanced Writing and Editing for Publication	COMM 3058	4.5	Note(s): 5
Sub-major		4.5	Note(s): 3,7
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Television and Video Journalism	COMM 3060	4.5	Note(s): 2
Internship or Project	COMM 3063	4.5	Note(s): 2
Advanced Professional Writing	COMM 3057	4.5	Note(s): 5
Sub-major		4.5	Note(s): 3,7

Majors, Sub-majors & Minors

Majors, sub-majors/minors
Rules & notes

Notes

1. This is one of two core courses that provide a foundation for the program.

2. An extended major is a stream of related courses which comprises 45 units, normally ten courses, requiring four courses at Level 1 (Introductory), two courses at Level 2 (Intermediate) and four courses at Level 3 (Advanced).

3. Students in the Bachelor of Journalism and Professional Writing undertake a sub-major comprising 6 courses: usually two at Level 1 (Introductory), two at Level 2 (Intermediate) and two at Level 3 (Advanced). Not all sub-majors are available on each campus. Students who wish to enrol in a sub-major outside UniSA Creative should consult with their Program Director. Students enrolled in a professional major on one campus may enrol in a sub-major on another campus. Courses making up each sub-major are detailed in Majors and Minors home pages.

4. All students complete two 4.5 unit Electives, unless advised by the Program Director to do English as an Additional Language as their elective area. See undergraduate elective courses.

5. All students complete four Professional Concentration courses. The professional concentration includes four specific courses from outside the Major broadening skills to give a greater exposure to the knowledge required for professional practice.

6. Students undertaking POLI 3014 Hawke Ambassador International Volunteer Experience course must consult with their Program Director to arrange their program structure.

7. With permission of the Program Director, students may elect to substitute their sub-major and two electives (8 courses) with two minors (8 courses). Courses making up each minor are detailed in Majors and Minors home pages. Recommended minors for Bachelor of Journalism and Professional Writing students are: Global Politics; Digital Media; Film & TV; Communication and Media; Sociology; Legal Studies; Psychology; Applied Economics; Languages.

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

Your studies at UniSA will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

essays
projects
portfolios
assignments
news and feature-length stories in all formats and mediums

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.

You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Why Bachelor of Journalism and Professional Writing

This is the only journalism degree in South Australia. Our graduates are some of the most recognisable personalities in the media landscape, with many going on to secure positions with the ABC, SBS,NITV, InDaily, Crikey, The Advertiser and The Australian, on commercial radio and TV networks, and at a range of digital and niche news sites and magazines.

We offer industry standard on-campus facilities, including a TV studio that boasts one of South Australia’s largest green screens, and a radio studio. This means you will graduate with plenty of practical experience and a portfolio of stories. You can even be part of the University’s own radio station, which is broadcast live on the internet, our TV show, which airs on Channel 44, or get your work published in our online student publication, On the Record or the national student publication, The Junction. A media internship or project during your final year will help to further develop these vital practical skills, your understanding of the media, and is a great way to build important industry networks.

Real-world connections

Our lecturers have extensive journalism industry experience, which means you will be well-informed of major issues facing working journalists today. You will also benefit from the University’s excellent industry connections – these connections will assist you as you begin to create and build a professional network. In your final year, you will have the opportunity to complete an internship at a media organisation. UniSA offers an extensive range of career-related events and workshops online, on campus and around Adelaide to develop your skills and increase your knowledge.

Career outcomes

Your career

This degree prepares you to work as a journalist in any medium, across any platform, and in media organisation newsrooms, local community news sites, niche and community media, and as a freelance/entrepreneurial journalist. As social media and other online platforms enable more people to say what they think and share what they see every day, the role of informed, knowledgeable, well-trained and ethical journalists in presenting truthful and accurate information in the public interest is more important than ever. Careers to consider:

journalist: research, write, edit, proofread and file news and feature stories, audio and video bulletins, podcasts and documentaries for publication and broadcast across established and emerging technologies and platforms television, radio or for publication in newspapers, magazines or journals, whether in a media organisation or as a freelance or entrepreneurial journalist
reporter: deliver updates on news stories; reporters often cover breaking stories to quickly inform the public
tv / radio presenter and/or interviewer: the public face or voice of programs broadcast on television, radio and online
researcher/producer: for broadcast, podcast or vodcast; journalists research stories, find people to interview and put rich and informative audio or video stories together
scriptwriter: create characters and storylines for movie or television scripts
communication specialist: create and deliver internal and external communications
copywriter: develop advertising concepts; often work alongside an art director
editor: prepare, write and edit copy; editors also plan and coordinate the selection of material for publication, and may be required to supervise other staff

Professional accreditation and recognition

The Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) is the only national journalists' professional association in Australia. While journalists are not required to be formally accredited to practise, many Australian journalists are members of the MEAA. UniSA Journalism graduating students are eligible for a year's free membership of the Alliance, and the Alliance promotes links between the industry and Journalism students at a state and national level.

Industry facts

Employment for journalists and other writers in Australia is projected to increase by 10.1 per cent by November 2020¹.

¹Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2015

Between now and 2020, the total Australian media and entertainment market will reach $47.4 billion¹.

¹PwC Media and Entertainment Outlook report 2016

How to apply

Applying to study with us:

go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

Alternative Pathways

Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

International
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

SAIBT Diploma of Arts

Deferment

This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you're eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a Pathway

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

UniSA Excellence Scholarships

$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.

Learn more

UniSA Outstanding Achievement Scholarship

Up to $10,000 per annum (full time) for South Australian students who obtain an ATAR of 99.95 or IB equivalent and enrol to study at UniSA.

Learn more

Your study experience and support

Our campuses are home to fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Student services

Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:

academic counselling
personal counselling
social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
common rooms
prayer rooms
security officers
career services and mentoring
Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.

24/7 digital environment

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Your study spaces

As a journalism and professional writing student you will have access to:

our industry-standard television studio and radio studios
one of South Australia’s largest green screens
industry-standard editing suites

Your program director

Dr Bonita Mason

Program Director

Enquire

Dr Bonita Mason

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

How do I apply?

There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.

Applications for admission into the University of South Australia’s undergraduate and most postgraduate degrees are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Visit satac.edu.au and follow the links.

For the MBA degrees please apply through the UniSA MBA Application Portal. Applications for a small number of degrees are submitted direct to UniSA through our Apply Online portal. It will be noted on the degree page if you need to apply via Apply Online.

Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Master of Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.
Is there a closing date for applications?

Undergraduate
Yes. The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be given equal consideration is in early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers (mid January). Some degrees will not make any offers after the main offer round. Please click here find all of the key dates for applications here.

Postgraduate
Most postgraduate degrees do not have a closing date for applications. However, there are exceptions, so it is best to check – either on the SATAC website, Apply Online or the degree homepage. Postgraduate offers are normally ‘rolling’, meaning they may be sent out at any time up until the program starts. This also means that applications may close at any time without warning, if the quota is filled earlier. For this reason, postgraduate applications should be submitted without delay. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquiries team on (08) 8302 2376 or via the online enquiry form.
What credit can I receive for previous studies?

Credit transfer or advanced standing

You may be eligible to receive a credit transfer or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving a credit transfer will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

Recognised prior learning

If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning for this experience. Receiving recognised prior learning will normally reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and can reduce the duration of the degree.

How do I get credit?

Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director who will discuss your prior learning and experience with you to ascertain what credit you may be eligible for.

Many of our credit transfer arrangements are listed on our online Credit Assessor.
Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?

UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.

Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.

If you are interested in studying an MBA please contact admissions@unisa.edu.au and our Future Student Enquiries team will contact you regarding your enquiry.

Alternatively, you can complete a MyCareerMatch career profile. MyCareerMatch is an online career profiling tool that you can use free-of-charge through UniSA. MyCareerMatch specialises in career profiles and provides you with a personalised career report outlining information about your personality style and a list of career options, which are complementary to your natural strengths and talents.

We have many events throughout the year where you can speak with a lecturer or tutor about your degrees of interest. You can find out what is happening at UniSA by visiting our events page or by signing up to our mailing list, so you're the first to know about careers events, information sessions, degree requirements, scholarships and more!

There are also many career counsellors external to the University that you can discuss your career options with. If you are unsure where to start your search, you can contact the Government's Work Ready team (formally Skills for All). Visit skills.sa.gov.au or call 1800 506 266.

You may also find Job Outlook a helpful resource in your decision-making.
Where can I get further information?

It can be difficult to decide what degree you would like to do and where. You might find information from government organisations will help to weigh up your degree and provider options.

Find a course or a provider

TEQSA is a regulatory body for higher education providers. Use the TEQSA national register of higher education providers to search for a course or a provider. Compare courses and providers for undergraduates and postgraduates using the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) online comparison tool.

More information on university admission

Visit the SATAC website to find out important news, events and information on applying to university in South Australia. Visit Study with Us to find out everything you need to know about studying at UniSA, admissions and the application process.

Questions about your application

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application you should contact the Future Students Enquiries team in the first instance.

More FAQs

What others are saying

Journalism at UniSA focuses on practical learning – from day one I was able to write articles and contribute to UniSA news and the UniPollWatch website. In my second year, I worked in the UniSA radio station, UniCast, creating live broadcasts and later had the opportunity to show my TV news packages to industry leaders. I loved being able to delve into the field straight away.

Madeline Dunk

Bachelor of Journalism and Professional Writing