Why Bachelor of Journalism?
Build your reputation as a source of well-researched, reliable and credible information in the age of misinformation, with our 100% online journalism degree.
Journalists help us make sense of the world. They ensure accurate news, current affairs and other forms of journalism are published. With the rise of digital media, where anyone can spread fake news, it’s now more important than ever to start building your reputation as a source of journalism skill and credibility. Learn how to analyse information critically – an essential skill in the age of misinformation. Build digital skills, preparing you to publish compelling stories across a range of platforms.
Our Bachelor of Journalism degree will open doors to diverse careers. Work in journalism, magazine publishing, documentary and immersive storytelling, communications, public relations, content creation or media management.
Overview
This program is a 100% online journalism degree designed specifically for flexible and accessible online learning. Build essential knowledge and skills to enter a variety of roles across news and media.
Understand the fundamental principles of journalism, such as sourcing story ideas, researching, interviewing and structuring stories. Become familiar with a range of digital platforms, develop audio and video production capabilities. Learn about the role news has in society and contemporary issues like media ownership, technological disruption and disinformation. Graduate with the knowledge and the creative and technical skills you’ll need to produce informative and engaging stories audiences connect with.
By completing a fully online degree, you’ll be able to fit your studies around your life. Access support seven days a week and log into the interactive online learning environment anytime, anywhere and from any device.
Key features
Build digital skills, preparing you to work in contemporary news media. - Master creative and technical skills to publish powerful stories and content.
- Learn to write, edit and design content to engage diverse audiences.
- Discover how to operate as an independent or freelance journalist.
- Become familiar with global media operations and build intercultural communication skills to work in different newsrooms, communities and nations.
- Explore specialist areas including podcasting, digital photography, travel writing and social justice journalism.
What you'll learn
As a modern journalist, you’ll be expected to prepare stories in various formats such as text, digital, audiovisual and immersive. For this reason, your studies will emphasise both fundamental journalistic knowledge and skills, and digital proficiency.
In your first year, be introduced to online study and foundational principles and practices of journalism. Topics will include but are not limited to, news reporting, broadcasting, digital media and intercultural communication.
In second year, discover key areas of journalism such as radio and audio journalism, television and video journalism and digital photography. You’ll also understand the role of social media for journalists, innovation in visual journalism and develop a critical awareness of media law and ethics.
In your third year, explore specialist forms and contexts of writing and other forms of storytelling. Topics will include digital documentary, feature writing, travel writing, investigative and long form journalism and entrepreneurial journalism. You’ll also complete a capstone project, integrating your writing and research skills to find, interpret and present information from various sources.
Throughout your studies, you’ll learn by doing. Your assignments will involve researching, writing, editing and pitching stories – essential skills for a journalist. You’ll also build an industry-standard portfolio of work, preparing you to step straight into your career. Graduate ready to meet the demands of your future workplace.
What courses you'll study
Complete 144 units comprising:
- 114 units for all Core courses, and
- 30 units for Electives
Complete 114 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Course name
UO Television and Video Journalism
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Course code
JOUR3008
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Units
6
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Course name
UO Travel Writing
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Course code
JOUR3009
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Units
6
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Course name
UO Intercultural Communication
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Course code
COMM1006
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Units
6
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Course name
UO Digital Photography
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Course code
JOUR1008
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Units
6
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Course name
UO News Reporting
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Course code
JOUR1009
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Units
6
|
|
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Course name
UO Emerging Media Contexts
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Course code
JOUR1010
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Units
6
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Course name
UO Introduction to Broadcasting
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Course code
JOUR1011
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Units
6
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Course name
UO Journalism: Principles and Practices
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Course code
JOUR1012
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Units
6
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Course name
UO Writing for Digital Media
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Course code
COMM2004
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Units
6
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Course name
UO Media Law and Ethics
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Course code
JOUR2005
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Units
6
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Course name
UO Innovations in Visual Journalism
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Course code
JOUR2006
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Units
6
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Course name
UO Journalism Theory and Practice
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Course code
JOUR2007
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Units
6
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Course name
UO Radio and Audio Journalism
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Course code
JOUR2008
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Units
6
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Course name
UO Social Media for Journalists
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Course code
JOUR2009
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Units
6
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Course name
UO Digital Documentary
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Course code
COMM3000
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Units
6
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Course name
UO Feature Writing
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Course code
JOUR3004
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Units
6
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Course name
UO Entrepreneurial Journalism
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Course code
JOUR3005
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Units
6
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Course name
UO Investigative and Long Form Journalism
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Course code
JOUR3006
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Units
6
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Course name
UO Journalism Capstone
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Course code
JOUR3007
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Units
6
|
| Course name | Units |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | |
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Or any UO elective available, subject to requirements being met. |
Units
6
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Units
6
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Units
6
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6
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6
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6
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Units
6
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Units
6
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| Year 2 | |
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Units
6
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Units
6
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Units
6
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6
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6
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6
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Units
6
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Units
6
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| Year 3 | |
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Units
6
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Units
6
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Units
6
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6
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6
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6
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6
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6
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Complete 30 units comprising:
- 30 units from Program electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
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Course name
UO Critical Approaches to Online Learning
|
Course code
SOCI3014
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Units
6
|
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Course name
Elective 1
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Course code
AUXX1011
|
Units
6
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Course name
Elective 2
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Course code
AUXX1012
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Units
6
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Course name
Elective 3
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Course code
AUXX1013
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Units
6
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Elective 4
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Course code
AUXX1014
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Units
6
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Course name
Elective 5
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Course code
AUXX1015
|
Units
6
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| Course name | Units |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | |
|
Course name
Or any UO elective available, subject to requirements being met. |
Units
6
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Units
6
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Units
6
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6
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6
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6
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Units
6
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Units
6
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| Year 2 | |
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Units
6
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Units
6
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Units
6
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6
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Units
6
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Units
6
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Units
6
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Units
6
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| Year 3 | |
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Units
6
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Units
6
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Units
6
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6
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6
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6
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6
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6
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Career outcomes
As a Bachelor of Journalism graduate, you’ll be ready to pursue a variety of careers. You could become a producer, responsible for coming up with stories for print or digital publications. Perhaps you’ll work in a newsroom as a political journalist, reporting on the biggest political events. Maybe you’ll be a communications officer, developing marketing and communication materials like scripts, social media posts and email campaigns.
You could also work as a:
- Copywriter
- Documentary maker/producer
- Editor
- Foreign correspondent
- Freelance journalist
- Investigative journalist
- Journalist
- Media adviser
- Producer
- Public relations specialist
- Submissions/policy writer.
Industry trends
Journalism has been evolving dramatically in recent years. News organisations will be looking to build unique content and experiences that AI can’t easily replicate (Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, 2024). This might include curating live news and more complex storytelling such as podcasts or documentaries. They’ll also be working to package and share content in ways that make journalism relevant for various and wide audiences (Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, 2024). Your digital and journalistic skillset will be critical as news and media industries strive to better serve contemporary audiences.
Your study experience and support
Studying 100% online with Adelaide University means joining a dynamic community of learners – all supported by dedicated teams committed to your success. From day one to graduation, you’ll have access to comprehensive academic, student and technical support teams to ensure you get the most out of your online learning journey.
Student support services
Need help with enrolments, managing your study load, or setting your academic goals? Our student support team is here to assist. They’re your first point of contact for advice and are available seven days a week, including out-of-hours and on weekends. Get the help you need – when it suits you.
As an online student, you’ll also have access to our specialised on-campus student support services. Whether you’re looking for career advice, health and wellbeing support, international student assistance, accessibility services, or something else, we’ve got you covered. Visit the Support webpage to explore the services available.
Online academic support
From understanding course content to tackling assignments, writing, and referencing, our expert academics are here to guide you. Available seven days a week, they’ll provide personalised support to help you progress through your studies.
Tech support
We’ve got your back when it comes to technology. Our IT support team is available 24/7 to resolve any tech challenges you might face. With fast response times and tailored solutions, we’ll ensure nothing stands in your way. You’ll also enjoy free access to software downloads required for your program.
Study hours
Adelaide University’s 100% online programs offer the flexibility to fit your lifestyle. You can engage with course materials at any time that works for you – there’s no need to log in at set times. To stay on track, we recommend setting aside 10 to 15 hours per week for each course, but you can adapt your schedule and your study load to suit your needs.
Assessment
All assessments, including exams (if required) are conducted 100% online – so you’ll never need to travel to submit an assignment or sit an exam. Depending on your program, your assessments might include:
- An industry-relevant project or case study
- An online presentation
- Essays and reports.
