Outline

Curtin has a reputation for producing highly skilled journalists able to research, investigate and report on topics across mainstream and independent media platforms.

In this major you will learn to research and prepare news, feature and other content for radio, video and online platforms.*

You’ll learn theory and practical skills from staff with strong industry experience and connections, and use industry-standard media facilities and platforms. These include our new media production studio, Curtin FM radio and the student online news site, Western Independent.

You may also complete a professional placement unit, which provides valuable opportunities to undertake work experience with potential employers.

Journalism is offered as part of the Bachelor of Arts. You can enhance your studies with a second major or choose from a range of specialisations and elective units that support your career goals.

*If you’re interested in studying additional communications fields such as web media, marketing or graphic communication, consider the Bachelor of Communications.

You can also study this major as part of a Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce double degree.

How this course will make you industry ready

This course includes many practical units that will prepare you to produce your own journalism. You'll have the opportunity to publish work on our news website, Western Independent, and to develop a portfolio of journalism to present to prospective employers.

Curtin Journalism has formal partnerships with all major media organisations in Western Australia, and many students receive internships during their final year of study.

What jobs can the Journalism course lead to?

Careers

Journalist (online, video, radio)
Media presenter
Communications officer
Public relations consultant
Media relations consultant
Digital media officer.

Industries

Media
Business
Government

What you'll learn

identify, explain and apply key disciplinary concepts in Journalism
integrate theory and creative practice; conceive, develop and evaluate news content and media production
access and evaluate the sources, authority and relevance of information, and synthesise key facts, themes, and ideas in creating journalism
communicate ideas to a range of audiences and in a variety of media
use technologies to communicate effectively and develop journalistic skills
engage with new forms of journalism and ensure an ongoing commitment to reflective practice
acknowledge the interrelationship between local, national, and global perspectives and the impact of these on journalism and the media
demonstrate respect for cultural diversity in professional life
work independently and collaboratively within the ethical and legal parameters relevant to journalism in the pursuit of excellence

Why study Journalism

Industry links

We have partnerships with major media organisations Seven West Media, ABC, Channel 9, Channel 10, GWN and WA Today.

Get the Curtin edge

Access to leadership programs, specialist facilities and industry placements give you a competitive edge in the job market.

Work experience

Gain hands-on skills in our media production studio, radio station and online news site.

My Curtin degree taught me the skills I need to find and break stories as well as interview people – the fundamentals required to be a good journalist.

Jake Sturmer

Admission criteria

What you need in order to get into this course. There are different pathway options depending on your level of work and education experience.

Select an option that best suits you:

You’re considered a high school leaver if you:

Completed year 12 in Australia or overseas in the past two years, or
Completed TAFE or VET studies in the past two years.

ATAR pathway

Minimum ATAR 70
This course has a minimum ATAR of 70
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

Subjects you must have studied in high school to be eligible for entry into a course.

There are no essential WACE subjects for this course.
Desirable WACE subjects
Desirable WACE subjects

High school subjects that aren’t essential for entry into the course, but provide a good foundation.

There are no desirable WACE subjects for this course.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

StepUp Entry

Successful StepUp Entry and StepUp Equity Adjustment Admission Pathway (StepUp Bonus) applicants will be eligible to be considered for admission into this course.

Alternative pathways

Portfolio entry
Portfolio entry is available for those who can demonstrate equivalence to Curtin’s ATAR entry through the submission of a portfolio that includes evidence of your academic achievements, qualifications and ability.
UniReady
If you don’t meet our minimum admission criteria, the UniReady Enabling Program can help you qualify for entry into a range of undergraduate courses.
Certificate IV + English Competency
The certificate IV is the minimum requirement for university entry. It qualifies you for entry to Curtin courses with a 70 ATAR. You must also meet English language proficiency.
Indigenous applicant
If you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicant who hasn’t met Curtin’s minimum admissions criteria, the Centre for Aboriginal Studies offers bridging courses that are tailored to help you gain entry into this course.
STAT entry
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

The Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is a national test for those who don't meet university admission criteria. STAT can be used to meet entry criteria for some courses, or as a way to satisfy Curtin’s English proficiency requirements.

Written English and either verbal or quantitative

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

How others gained admission

View the ATAR breakdown to see the low, median and high ATAR scores of students who started studying this course recently.

To see the other pathways students have taken, see the pathway breakdown.

Other requirements and notes for this course

If you don’t meet the minimum course requirements, you may submit a portfolio and may need to attend an interview. Find out more about portfolio entry.

Applicants are required to choose one of the Bachelor of Arts majors when applying. If you with to study a double major, you elect the second major once you have been accepted into the course.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

You’re considered someone with work and life experience if:

You have left secondary education more than two years ago (i.e. who are not classified as recent secondary education applicants) and have not undertaken vocational education training (VET) or higher education study since then.

How we define ‘experience’
‘Experience’ includes a combination of factors sufficient to demonstrate readiness for higher education such as mature-age entry, professional experience whether completion of the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is required or not, community involvement or work experience. Applicants may have undertaken non-formal programs that have helped prepare them for tertiary education or are relevant to the proposed higher education field of study.

Pathways

Portfolio entry
Portfolio entry is available for those who can demonstrate equivalence to Curtin’s ATAR entry through the submission of a portfolio that includes evidence of your academic achievements, qualifications and ability.
STAT entry
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

The Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is a national test for those who don't meet university admission criteria. STAT can be used to meet entry criteria for some courses, or as a way to satisfy Curtin’s English proficiency requirements.

Written English and either verbal or quantitative

ATAR pathway

Minimum ATAR 70
This course has a minimum ATAR of 70
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

Subjects you must have studied in high school to be eligible for entry into a course.

There are no essential WACE subjects for this course.
Desirable WACE subjects
Desirable WACE subjects

High school subjects that aren’t essential for entry into the course, but provide a good foundation.

There are no desirable WACE subjects for this course.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Other requirements and notes for this course

If you don’t meet the minimum course requirements, you may submit a portfolio and may need to attend an interview. Find out more about portfolio entry.

Applicants are required to choose one of the Bachelor of Arts majors when applying. If you with to study a double major, you elect the second major once you have been accepted into the course.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

You’re considered someone who studied at TAFE or have done an apprenticeship if:

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a VET course. This includes study at a public TAFE or other VET provider, whether a qualification was completed or not. Applicants with VET study may have other qualifications such as a Year 10 or Year 12 secondary school certificate.

Pathways

TAFE entry
- AQF Certificate IV - Separate evidence of English language proficiency is required; or
- AQF Diploma; or
- AQF Advanced Diploma.

Portfolio entry
Portfolio entry is available for those who can demonstrate equivalence to Curtin’s ATAR entry through the submission of a portfolio that includes evidence of your academic achievements, qualifications and ability.
STAT entry
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

The Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is a national test for those who don't meet university admission criteria. STAT can be used to meet entry criteria for some courses, or as a way to satisfy Curtin’s English proficiency requirements.

Written English and either verbal or quantitative

ATAR pathway

Minimum ATAR 70
This course has a minimum ATAR of 70
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

Subjects you must have studied in high school to be eligible for entry into a course.

There are no essential WACE subjects for this course.
Desirable WACE subjects
Desirable WACE subjects

High school subjects that aren’t essential for entry into the course, but provide a good foundation.

There are no desirable WACE subjects for this course.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Other requirements and notes for this course

If you don’t meet the minimum course requirements, you may submit a portfolio and may need to attend an interview. Find out more about portfolio entry.

Applicants are required to choose one of the Bachelor of Arts majors when applying. If you with to study a double major, you elect the second major once you have been accepted into the course.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

You’re considered someone who has recently left university if:

Applicants with higher education are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course, such as a university degree. This may include applicants who are currently studying a higher education course at another education provider and want to transfer to Curtin University, or applicants who are currently studying at Curtin but want to switch to a different course. It may also include applicants who have completed past study with university and non-university higher education providers.

Curtin course switcher criteria

Our admission criteria for minimum entry apply to Curtin course switchers. For information on how to meet Curtin's minimum entry requirements, please see our admission criteria web page.

Higher education course switcher criteria

Our admission criteria for minimum entry apply to other higher education course switchers. For information on how to meet Curtin's minimum entry requirements, please see our admission criteria web page.

ATAR pathway

Minimum ATAR 70
This course has a minimum ATAR of 70
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

Subjects you must have studied in high school to be eligible for entry into a course.

There are no essential WACE subjects for this course.
Desirable WACE subjects
Desirable WACE subjects

High school subjects that aren’t essential for entry into the course, but provide a good foundation.

There are no desirable WACE subjects for this course.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Other requirements and notes for this course

If you don’t meet the minimum course requirements, you may submit a portfolio and may need to attend an interview. Find out more about portfolio entry.

Applicants are required to choose one of the Bachelor of Arts majors when applying. If you with to study a double major, you elect the second major once you have been accepted into the course.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

Unsure what option suits you?

We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of university admission. Choose the support you need from the options below.

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Other requirements and notes for this course

If you don’t meet the minimum course requirements, you may submit a portfolio and may need to attend an interview. Find out more about portfolio entry.

Applicants are required to choose one of the Bachelor of Arts majors when applying. If you with to study a double major, you elect the second major once you have been accepted into the course.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

Fees and charges

Please view the Bachelor of Arts degree for indicative fees.

Looking for more detail on the course structure?

View course structure

Frequently asked questions

Acceptance Due Date for International Students

There are 3 different categories of acceptance due dates:

For countries listed here (Country List), acceptance due date is 7 weeks before course start date, as stated on your Offer Letter. If you have a GTE Finance or GTE Interview condition on your offer, you must submit the GTE documentation 2 weeks before the acceptance closing date.
For all other countries which are not listed in the list, the acceptance due date is 3 weeks before the course start date.
If you are currently in Australia on a valid visa, the acceptance closing date is 1 week before the course start date.

Curtin has a duty of care to ensure all international students have sufficient time to have their student visa issued and to arrive in Perth in time for the Orientation Week and the start of classes. The timeframes stipulated above allows Curtin to process your completed documents and for the Department of Home Affairs to issue your student visa in time. For more information on visa processing times, please refer to the Visa Processing Times on the Department of Home Affairs website.

For international application deadlines, please refer to: Key dates and university application deadlines | Curtin University

Search our FAQs

The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information.

The information on this page may be subject to change. In particular, Curtin University may change the content, method or location of delivery or tuition fees of courses.

While Curtin uses reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided on this page is accurate and up to date, errors and omissions sometimes occur. Curtin makes no warranty, representation or undertaking (expressed or implied) nor does it assume any legal liability (direct or indirect) for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information.

View courses information disclaimer.
Curtin course code: MJRU-JOURN
Last updated on: 20 November 2024

Journalism

Undergraduate major

Select your preferred degree

Outline

Outline

How this course will make you industry ready

What jobs can the Journalism course lead to?

What you'll learn

Why study Journalism

Industry links

Get the Curtin edge

Work experience

Get the latest Curtin updates

Admission criteria

Select an option that best suits you:

You’re considered a high school leaver if you:

ATAR pathway

Alternative pathways

Find your pathway to Curtin

How others gained admission

Other requirements and notes for this course

You’re considered someone with work and life experience if:

Pathways

ATAR pathway

Find your pathway to Curtin

Other requirements and notes for this course

You’re considered someone who studied at TAFE or have done an apprenticeship if:

Pathways

ATAR pathway

Find your pathway to Curtin

Other requirements and notes for this course

You’re considered someone who has recently left university if:

Curtin course switcher criteria

Higher education course switcher criteria

ATAR pathway

Find your pathway to Curtin

Other requirements and notes for this course

Unsure what option suits you?

FAQs

Ask a question

Call us

Visit us

Find your pathway to Curtin

Other requirements and notes for this course

Use your experience to get credit towards your degree

Fees and charges

Looking for more detail on the course structure?

Frequently asked questions

Got a question? We’re here to help.

How can we help you?

FAQs

Ask a question

Call us

Visit us

Get the latest Curtin updates

Thanks for signing up!