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What's journalism really like?
Dr Jason Sternberg shares his insight into a career in journalism, and how our courses can help get you there.
The best of QUT news
See what our students have created as part of their real-world journalism course.
Studio virtual tour
Take a virtual tour of our versatile film, television and journalism studios.
Graduate success: Amy Remeikis
QUT graduate and federal political reporter Amy Remeikis discusses what working as a journalist is really like, and explores the role of journalism in Australia today.
Real world reporting
'QUT News is the cornerstone of journalism studies at QUT, and I believe it was the most beneficial component of my 3-year course. The opportunities to work with camera operators on real stories is something which is unparalleled by any other university in Brisbane and was crucial in preparing me for the ‘real world’ of reporting.'
Real experience
'I got a two-week internship with Channel 7 Brisbane through university which lead to paid casual work as an Assistant Producer. Being part of the Channel 7 newsroom helped me develop contacts, put my skills to work and helped me gain full-time work straight from graduating.'
Real graduate success
Leigh Sales is one of many QUT graduates immediately recognisable due to their high-profile careers as leading journalists. Leigh is an author and is presenter of the ABC's flagship news and current affairs program, '7.30'.
What's journalism really like?
Dr Jason Sternberg shares his insight into a career in journalism, and how our courses can help get you there.
The best of QUT news
See what our students have created as part of their real-world journalism course.
Studio virtual tour
Take a virtual tour of our versatile film, television and journalism studios.
Graduate success: Amy Remeikis
QUT graduate and federal political reporter Amy Remeikis discusses what working as a journalist is really like, and explores the role of journalism in Australia today.
Real world reporting
'QUT News is the cornerstone of journalism studies at QUT, and I believe it was the most beneficial component of my 3-year course. The opportunities to work with camera operators on real stories is something which is unparalleled by any other university in Brisbane and was crucial in preparing me for the ‘real world’ of reporting.'
Real experience
'I got a two-week internship with Channel 7 Brisbane through university which lead to paid casual work as an Assistant Producer. Being part of the Channel 7 newsroom helped me develop contacts, put my skills to work and helped me gain full-time work straight from graduating.'
Real graduate success
Leigh Sales is one of many QUT graduates immediately recognisable due to their high-profile careers as leading journalists. Leigh is an author and is presenter of the ABC's flagship news and current affairs program, '7.30'.
Highlights
- Join the list of our graduates including Leigh Sales, Peter Greste, Leila McKinnon, Conor Duffy and Karl Stefanovic.
- Learn to prepare and present news through a variety of social channels and across online, print and broadcast platforms.
- Go beyond the writing, communication and ethical foundations of journalism and build your production skills through hands-on experience in world class facilities.
- Access newsrooms, radio and TV studios and contribute to QUT News and other outlets. You'll also have the opportunity to apply for industry internships and international exchanges.
Highlights
- Join the list of our graduates including Leigh Sales, Peter Greste, Leila McKinnon, Conor Duffy and Karl Stefanovic.
- Learn to prepare and present news through a variety of social channels and across online, print and broadcast platforms.
- Go beyond the writing, communication and ethical foundations of journalism and build your production skills through hands-on experience in world class facilities.
- Access newsrooms, radio and TV studios and contribute to QUT News and other outlets. You'll also have the opportunity to apply for industry internships and international exchanges.
Why choose this course?
The world is a noisy place. So much chatter. So many points of view. There’s a flood of facts flowing through our phones. How many of those facts are true? And how can today's journalist report on news and feature stories that people can connect to? That's exactly what you're going to learn in this course.
This is a journalism degree that will ensure you are ready for a changing world. You’ll learn to prepare and present news through a variety of social channels and across online, print and broadcast platforms.
Real-world learning
This course goes beyond the writing, communication and ethical foundations of journalism and builds your production skills through hands-on experience in world class facilities. You'll access newsrooms, radio and TV studios and contribute to QUT News and other outlets. You'll also have the opportunity to apply for industry internships and international exchanges.
This course will ready you for a changing world. You'll learn to prepare and present news and features for traditional outlets, as well as social media, podcasts, YouTube and emerging technologies. To do this you’ll access newsrooms, radio and TV studios and contribute real-world articles to QUT News and other outlets.
Learn from working professionals and internationally renowned scholars of journalism and media studies. QUT Journalism staff maintain close links to the industry through their association with high-profile awards and organisations including the Walkley Awards for Excellence in Journalism and the Queensland Clarion Awards.
Explore this course
This course will provide you with a broad knowledge of the foundations of news reporting focusing on identifying, researching and then structuring news reports in an evolving news environment.
Early in your degree you’ll learn how to recognise the fundamental attributes of news and other journalism forms, use the mobile technologies available and evaluate events for their potential news value, while learning how to record interviews and perform other reporting tasks including how to write socially responsible news stories.
Further study areas will prepare you for the future of journalism covering communication theory and practice, journalism law, managing social media, writing and production techniques, journalism ethics and a comprehensive understanding of industry structures and functions. Your studies will be rounded by the choice of either a second major, which is a sequence of eight units from another study area, or minors and electives such as work integrated learning, internships or international study tours that allow you to graduate work ready through engagement with the industry.
Double degrees
Prepare for a journalism career with a specialist focus, or use your advanced research and writing skills in other industries. Choose a double degree with:
- business to forge a career as a journalist with a specialty in finance, international affairs, or political and social commentary. You may also work as a media executive, business analyst or researcher.
- justice for opportunities include working as a journalist with a specialty in areas of justice such as criminology, policing, policy and governance, as a media manager for legal environments, or an analyst of legal matters for media organisations.
- law to develop a career in journalism focusing on legal affairs, politics, crime reporting and foreign affairs, or work as a solicitor, barrister or in-house lawyer, including media lawyer.
- science where you may expect a range of employment opportunities within the public and private sector due to the growing demand for science communicators.
- data science to help media companies and publishers overcome some of their biggest challenges and open new opportunities by delivering personalised and relevant content.
Careers and outcomes
QUT graduates have achieved distinction in high-profile news, media and public relations positions and include senior Australian journalists such as Leigh Sales, Peter Greste, Leila McKinnon, Conor Duffy, Karl Stefanovic, Sharyn Ghidella, Ben Davis, Spensor Howson, Leila McKinnon and Tracey Curro.
Professional recognition
Our journalism degree is recognised by the Australian Journalists' Association section of the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance.
Possible careers
- Digital Content Designer
- Digital Content Producer
- Foreign Correspondent
- Journalist
- Media Researcher
- Podcast Host
- Presenter
- Producer
- Public Relations Officer/Consultant
- Reporter
- Sports Reporter
To meet the course requirements of the Bachelor of Communication (Journalism), you must complete a total of 288 credit points, made up of:
- a journalism major (144 credit points)
- four core units (48 credit points)
- complementary studies: a second major (96 credit points), two minors (48 credit points each), or one minor (48 credit points) and 48 credit points chosen from unit options (electives).
Study overseas
Study overseas while earning credit towards your QUT creative industries degree with one of our worldwide exchange partners.
Overseas study can be for one or two semesters (or during the semester break) and the units you take can be in a creative or non-creative discipline area, depending on how they match with your QUT course.
To meet the course requirements of the Bachelor of Communication (Journalism), you must complete a total of 288 credit points, made up of:
- a journalism major (144 credit points)
- four core units (48 credit points)
- complementary studies: a second major (96 credit points), two minors (48 credit points each), or one minor (48 credit points) and 48 credit points chosen from unit options (electives).
Study overseas
Study overseas while earning credit towards your QUT creative industries degree with one of our worldwide exchange partners.
Overseas study can be for one or two semesters (or during the semester break) and the units you take can be in a creative or non-creative discipline area, depending on how they match with your QUT course.
- Selection rank
- 84.00
These thresholds are the lowest adjusted scores to which QUT made an offer in Semester 1, 2021.
Don't have a selection rank?
- Course code
- KC40
- QTAC code
- 421222
- CRICOS code
- 096577J
-
- Kelvin Grove
-
- Kelvin Grove
- 3 years full-time
- 3 years full-time
- February and July
- February and July
- Commencing studies in 2022: this program is available for on-campus studies only.
Assumed knowledge
Before you start this course, we assume you have sound knowledge of the subject/s listed below. If you don't have the subject knowledge, you can still apply for the course but we encourage you to undertake bridging studies to gain the knowledge:
- English, or Literature, or English and Literature Extension, or English as an Additional Language (Units 3 & 4, C)
Offer guarantee
If you achieve an ATAR or selection rank of 93.00 or higher (including any adjustments) and satisfy all other admission requirements, you are guaranteed an offer for this course.
Advanced standing
If you have prior studies or work experience, you may be eligible for advanced standing (credit). You can apply for advanced standing once you've been accepted to QUT. If you're in your first semester of study, you must apply for advanced standing within 10 days of receiving your offer.
Deferment
You can defer your offer and postpone the start of your course for one year.
More about deferring your offer
Adjustments to your ATAR/selection rank
Any adjustments you receive to your ATAR or selection rank will be applied to this course.
Find out if you’re eligible for an adjustment to your ATAR or selection rank
Offers we made to school leavers in Semester 1, 2021
The figures listed in the tables below reflect the offers that were made to recent ATAR students. The entry thresholds box at the top of this page shows the lowest adjusted ATAR/selection rank required to receive an offer for all applicants for the most recent January QTAC offer round.
| Excluding adjustments | Including adjustments | |
|---|---|---|
| Highest ATAR/selection rank to receive an offer |
Selection rank
98.75
|
Selection rank
99.95
|
| Median ATAR/selection rank to receive an offer |
Selection rank
88.85
|
Selection rank
89.95
|
| Lowest ATAR/selection rank to receive an offer |
Selection rank
82.10
|
Selection rank
85.60
|
You can find out more about your fellow students’ backgrounds with this course’s student profile.
Other admission options
If you are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, you may be eligible for admission through our Centralised Assessment Selection Process (CASP).
Minimum academic requirements
Select the country where you completed your studies to see a guide to the grades you need to apply for this course.
If your country or qualification is not listed, you can still apply for this course and we will assess your eligibility.
I completed secondary school in Australia
- ATAR/selection rank
- 84.00
Offer guarantee
If you completed secondary school in Australia and achieve an ATAR/selection rank of 93.00 or higher (including any adjustments) and satisfy all other admission requirements, you are guaranteed an offer for this course.
Applications in 2022
In response to COVID-19, QUT has reviewed the availability of programs to be delivered offshore for students studying in 2022.
You must be onshore in Australia to apply for this program and cannot commence online.
If the Australian Government makes any changes to the international border closure, QUT will communicate directly with students who have an offer and may be eligible to commence earlier than 2023.
Minimum English language requirements
Select the country where you completed your studies to see a guide on meeting QUT’s English language requirements.
Your scores and prior qualifications in English-speaking countries are considered. Approved English-speaking countries are Australia, Canada, England, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, United States of America and Wales.
If your country or qualification is not listed, you can still apply for this course and we will assess your eligibility.
We accept English language proficiency scores from the following tests.
| English Test | Overall | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Pearson PTE (Academic)
Test must be taken no more than 2 years prior to the QUT course commencement date. |
58 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
|
Cambridge English Score
Test must be taken no more than 2 years prior to the QUT course commencement. You must provide your Candidate ID and Candidate Secret Number, these are printed on your Cambridge English Confirmation of Entry. |
176 | 169 | 169 | 169 | 169 |
|
IELTS Academic
Test must be taken no more than 2 years prior to the QUT course commencement date. |
6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
|
TOEFL iBT
Test must be taken no more than 2 years prior to the QUT course commencement date. |
79 | 16 | 16 | 21 | 18 |
Don't have the English language score you need? We can help!
We offer English language programs to improve your English and help you gain entry to this course.
When you apply for this course, we will recommend which English course you should enrol in.
Haven't completed an English language test? We can help!
If you have not completed an English language test, you can sit the IELTS test at our IELTS test centre
Your actual fees may vary depending on which units you choose. We review fees annually, and they may be subject to increases.
2022 fees
2022: CSP $14,300 per year full-time (96 credit points)
2022 fees
2022: $31,400 per year full-time (96 credit points)
2021 fees
2021: CSP $14,100 per year full-time (96 credit points)
2021 fees
2021: $31,400 per year full-time (96 credit points)
Student services and amenities fees
You may need to pay student services and amenities (SA) fees as part of your course costs.
Find out more about undergraduate course fees
HECS-HELP: loans to help you pay for your course fees
You may not have to pay anything upfront if you're eligible for a HECS-HELP loan.
You can apply for scholarships to help you with study and living costs.