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Key facts
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 1 2020 close 23 February 2020
Very late VTAC entry closes 6 December 2019 at 5pm. View other VTAC dates
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course information
In today’s fast-paced digital age, we’ve never been hungrier for news – sharing it with the masses in real time, as it happens. The Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) will give you the skills to unearth a great news story, engage with your audience and deliver the news across a range of media platforms.
Do you want hands-on real-life newsroom experience while you study?
From day one, you'll have the opportunity to identify, research and plan news and feature stories, so you can write, edit and publish them straight from our newsroom and creative media labs on campus. Through industry experience, and guided by media practitioners with extensive experience across print, television, radio and digital media, you’ll learn about:
- community journalism
- feature writing
- interview techniques
- media law and ethics
- multi-platform and broadcast journalism
- news reporting
- researching stories.
While developing your knowledge in communication and media, you'll also get sought-after broadcasting experience during your studies through an internship with a major newspaper, radio station or television network.
This course will prepare you for employment in the communications industries, across all media platforms, whether working for large news organisations, allied media businesses or freelancing.
Read MoreCourse structure
To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) a student must complete 24 credit points including:
- 12 credit points of core units
- 3 course electives from level 1 (List A)
- 3 course electives from level 2/3 (List B)
- 6 credit points of electives
- no more than 10 credit points at level 1
- no fewer than 6 credit points at level 3
- Academic Integrity AAI018 Academic Integrity (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
18
Core units
6
Electives
24
Total units
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Course Electives
Complete three 1 credit point units chosen from the following course electives (List A):
Complete three 1 credit point units chosen from the following course electives (List B):
Electives
Complete six electives, of which at least two must be 2nd or 3rd level
We suggest students complete at least 4 units in a subject area different to their degree, preferably a linked sequence of study in the same area. This choice can include units from any degree in the University but is best chosen from the subject areas in the Bachelor of Arts. We also recommend students complete at least two more course electives listed above.
Key information
2020 course information
1400510181 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400610181 - Cloud (online), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Campuses by intake
Campus availability varies per trimester. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Read more to learn where this course will be offered throughout the year.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Cloud (online)
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Cloud (online)
Trimester 3 - November
- Start date: November
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Cloud (online)
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
Additional course information
Course duration - additional information
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
Mandatory student checks
Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.
Participation requirements
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. Click here for more information.
Work experience
Work Integrated Learning experiences are embedded within the course’s core units.
Entry requirements
Entry information
Deakin University offers admission to undergraduate courses through a number of Admission categories.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements
Please note that meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee selection, which is based on merit, likelihood of success and availability of places in the course.
For more information on the Admission Criteria and Selection (Higher Education Courses) Policy visit the Deakin Policy Library
Entry for applicants with recent secondary education (previous three years) will be based on their performance in a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education, with pre-requisite units 3 and 4; a study score of at least 25 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or 20 in English other than EAL. Applicants will be selected in accordance with the published Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) for that year.
Refer to the VTAC Guide for the latest pre-requisite information www.vtac.edu.au
Entry for applicants with previous Tertiary, VET, life or work experience will be based on their performance in:
- a Certificate IV in a related discipline OR
- a Diploma in any discipline or 50% completion of a Diploma in a related discipline OR
- successful completion of relevant study at an accredited higher education institution equivalent to at least two Deakin University units OR
- other evidence of academic capability judged to be equivalent for example relevant work or life experience
Admissions information
Learn more about this course and others that Deakin offers by visiting VTAC for more information. You can also discover how Deakin compares to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning by visiting the ComparED website.
Learn more about Deakin's special entry access scheme (SEAS - a way to help boost your ATAR in some circumstances).
You can also find out about different entry pathways into Deakin courses if you can't get in straight from high school.
Finally, Deakin is committed to admissions transparency. As part of that commitment, you can learn more about our first intake of 2019 students (PDF, 746.6KB) - their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to the Recognition of Prior Learning System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees.
The tuition fees you pay will depend on the units you choose to study as each unit has its own costs. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved Recognition of Prior Learning you have.
Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together 8 credit points of a typical combination of units for that course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year.
You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the Handbook.
Learn more about fees and available payment options.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship could help you pay for your course fees, living costs and study materials. If you've got something special to offer Deakin - or maybe you just need a bit of extra support - we've got a scholarship opportunity for you. Search or browse through our scholarships
Apply now
How to apply
Applications to VTAC are now open for recent secondary education graduates, including current Year 12 students. Learn about the steps involved and how to complete your preference list for study in 2020.
Applications can be made directly to the University through the Course and Scholarship Applicant Portal.
For more information on the application process and closing dates, visit the how to apply page.
Please complete the Register your interest form to receive further information about our direct application opportunities.
Entry pathways
View pathways into the Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) with our pathways finder.
Further studies are available at Honours and Postgraduate level. Many students choose to enter into the Bachelor of Communication (Honours) or the Master of Communication
Contact information
Arts and Education Student Services and Enrolment Enquiries
Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Tel 03 5227 1359
artsed@deakin.edu.au
Burwood (Melbourne)
Tel 03 9246 8100
artsed@deakin.edu.au
Frequently asked questions
What are the key study start dates?
Browse all start and finish dates for Deakin’s main study periods. You’ll also find dates relating to applications and prospective student events, plus a list of all public holidays and study breaks.
How much does it cost to study at Deakin?
Your tuition fees will depend on the type of student you are, the course you study and the year you start. Fees are based on an annual amount; they don't cover the entire duration of the course.
Use our fee estimator to gauge what your fees could be per year.
Can I speak to someone in person about my study options?
Yes! We regularly host a range of events including 1:1 consultations and information sessions, to assist you with your study options and career planning. Check out our upcoming events or contact our Prospective Student Enquiry Centre on 1800 693 888 for more information.
Am I eligible for a scholarship with this course?
Scholarships are available for domestic and international students at all study levels. Find a scholarship that works for you.
Can I claim recognition of prior learning (RPL) for this course?
In some courses, you can reduce your overall study time and tuition cost by getting your work and previous study experience recognised as recognition of prior learning (RPL).
Why choose Deakin
Want a degree that’s more than just a qualification? Our industry connections, world-class facilities and practical approach to learning are just some of the reasons why Deakin students graduate confident and ready to thrive in the jobs of tomorrow.
Career outcomes
Our graduates work in-house or freelance for print, radio, television and multimedia newsrooms. They also work in business, government and the not-for-profit sector, taking up roles as:
- advertising copywriters
- book, magazine or newspaper editors
- copywriters
- digital content managers
- digital marketing specialists
- food writers
- foreign correspondents
- journalists
- magazine writers
- media and communications advisers
- news presenters
- reporters
- social media coordinators
- speechwriters
- travel writers.
Course learning outcomes
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
| Discipline specific knowledge and capabilities | Demonstrate theoretical and practical knowledge of journalism through analysing, applying and communicating the key disciplinary principles and concepts. |
| Communication | Demonstrate communication skills in accordance with journalistic standards to be able to conduct interviews, write, produce and present stories for print, broadcast and online media in a style appropriate for the specific publication and audience. |
| Digital literacy | Conduct research for news and current affairs and analyse, synthesise and disseminate information using a range of technologies, including social media, for a variety of local and global audiences. |
| Critical thinking | Select, critically analyse and evaluate information relating to the construction of news stories and demonstrate a critical awareness of different publication styles and media audiences in Australia and internationally. |
| Problem solving | In the context of newsgathering and production, respond to journalistic challenges including unpredictable and sometimes complex problems and situations and generate pragmatic and creative solutions. |
| Self-management | Demonstrate the ability to reflect on knowledge acquisition and skills development and how these relate to career aspirations and the development of a professional identity which is responsive to change in work environments journalistic practice. |
| Teamwork | Work collaboratively and constructively to achieve team goals and foster effective relationships with the team. |
| Global citizenship | Employ relevant legal, ethical and cultural knowledge when engaging in journalistic practice in a range of diverse cultural, social and political environments domestically and internationally. |
| Approved by Faculty Board January 2017 | |
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*ARWU Rankings 2019
^QS Stars University Ratings 2016–2017
#Mid-year intake is not available for all courses and some courses have limited places, apply early to avoid missing out.