Postgraduate study in Journalism, Media and Communications

A number of postgraduate courses are offered in Journalism, Media and Communications. Please click on the titles to view the handbook entry for each course.

The following postgraduate units are offered in 2008:

Semester 1

Semester 2

Semester 1 or 2 or full-year

Unit descriptions Semester 1

HEJ504 Writing for Print

This unit has two modules. The first introduces students to the practical skills of journalistic writing; the second takes a deeper look at news language and grammar, to increase writers' control over their own journalistic writing and the work of others. In module 1 students with no previous media experience are introduced to the basic skills of writing journalistically for print. Other generic skills, such as analysing news, interviewing, effective communication and structuring narratives, are taught. At the conclusion of this module, students should be able to produce a newspaper stories of a publishable standard. Module 2 has at its core an examination of traditional grammar, which will lead to the specifics of news language and its use in manipulating and controlling meaning. Students will gain a deeper understanding of how language operates as well as the methods of journalistic editing. The strong traditional grammar skills students learn will equip them to rework the writing of others to make it publishable. There will be an emphasis as well on cultural literacy, to expand individuals' knowledge bases so they can better operate in a media context.

HEJ506 Comparative Journalism Studies

This unit investigates journalism across national boundaries. It uses a comparative case study approach as a research strategy to examine mechanisms by which journalism contributes to the production of meaning in society. The unit is designed to present information for critical thinking and discussion about the political, social and cultural experiences associated with contemporary news media. Drawing together a range of theoretical and methodological approaches, it offers an innovative approach to study of journalism in its international context.

HEJ607 Topic in Journalism

In this unit students undertake a research project which deals with a topic in journalism and draws on journalism theory to critically analyse an aspect of the field. Students must have the permission of the unit coordinator to enrol in this unit.

Unit descriptions Semester 2

HEJ605 Radio Documentary

This unit will build upon basic broadcast skills enabling students to develop professional radio documentaries that meet exacting industry standards in terms of production and content. It will assume no prior broadcast experience, but introduce students to the special skills required to gather sound, write scripts, conduct interviews and use both portable and studio recording and editing equipment. Students will be expected to focus on researching a major piece of radio journalism. After mastering the generic skills of radio reporting and production, students will work with an industry professional to craft high-quality scripts and documentary packages, with a view to the work being broadcast. There will be an emphasis on meticulous scripting, appreciation of the nuances of sound recording and editing, voice development, researching a broadcast story and the nurturing of storytelling abilities that suit the radio idiom.

HEJ606 Advanced Journalism

This unit examines narrative techniques in non-fiction writing, to give students both a basis for understanding the many varieties of journalistic writing and also a range of journalistic writing options for their own work. Students examine various writing genres such as the essay, reportage and literary journalism. Students are required to undertake a scholarly analysis of journalistic writing that uses narrative techniques. Students are also expected to produce substantial pieces of non-fiction writing and to reflect on and constructively critique their research and writing processes to develop the skills required to write advanced journalism.

HEJ607 Topic in Journalism

In this unit students undertake a research project which deals with a topic in journalism and draws on journalism theory to critically analyse an aspect of the field. Students must have the permission of the unit coordinator to enrol in this unit.

HEJ608 Journalism Internship

In this unit suitable students will undertake an internship of no less than 10 days with an industry provider to gain work-place experience. To be accepted into this unit students are required to arrange their own internship (in consultation with the unit coordinator) prior to the commencement of the semester. This unit will be offered in semsters 1,2,3 and Spring and Winter depending on staff availability. Students must gain approval of the program coordinator before being allowed to enrol in this unit.

Unit descriptions Semester 1 or 2 or full-time

HEJ701 Major Research Project F/T and HEJ703/704 Major Research Project P/T

Students undertake independent research on an approved subject leading to a major journalistic project or thesis in one of the following areas:
Advanced Writing
Convergent Journalism
Media and the Environment
Environmental Politics and Policy
Media Studies
Investigative Journalism