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News and Journalism unit (HEJ113)

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Unit year 2026

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Location: Hobart

Introduction

From the newsroom to the live stream, the news industry combines top-level communication skills with the ability to evaluate and synthesise knowledge for large audiences. In this unit, you will be introduced to both the theoretical and practical dimensions of the news industry. You will learn media research methods and build an understanding of the local, national and global contexts of news media and its connection to politics and society. You will also engage with the craft of news writing, including research and interviewing, to produce news stories for various platforms, evolving an understanding of news as practice and production.

Summary

Unit name News and Journalism
Unit code HEJ113
Credit points 12.5
College/School Arts and Society
Humanities and Social Sciences
Discipline Media
Coordinator Doctor Gemma Blackwood
Available as an elective? Yes
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Introductory

Sustainable Development Goals

The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Hobart Semester 2 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
Note

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Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 2 5/7/2026 27/7/2026 30/8/2026 24/10/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • Explain key concepts and debates in journalism and media studies
  • Analyse news media texts from local and global perspectives
  • Apply journalistic techniques and conventions, such as research, interviewing and verification, to write or produce ethical and creative news content
  • Synthesise analytical and research skills to articulate the functions of news media in society from local and global perspectives

Fee Information

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
100700 $2,174.00 $1,020.00 not applicable $2,972.00
  • Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
  • HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
  • FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4

1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Mutual Exclusions

You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:

HEJ255 News Contemporary Practice and Analysis AND HEJ355 News Contemporary Practice and Analysis

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

On Campus

Weekly online content  - 30-minute lecture and learning activity

Weekly scheduled classroom tutorial (90 minutes)¿ 

AssessmentBreaking news with social media. (20%)|Oral pitch for portfolio of news stories (20%)|Portfolio of news media (30%)|Reflexive essay (30%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

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