An exciting online course
Jschool’s Diploma of Journalism is a unique online course that prepares students for entry-level positions in newspapers and other news organisations.
The focus of the diploma is the development of practical skills alongside relevant theory and professional education, including law and ethics.
The course provides foundation study of Australian political, social and cultural institutions, together with topics in literature and language plus a crash course in history.
These studies are carefully integrated with applied journalism to provide a well-rounded education designed to contribute to the preparation of intelligent and responsible 21st Century journalists.
The course features continuing training in news reporting & writing methods, training in technical skills (including shorthand), focused teaching from senior journalists & educators, the opportunity for work placements on daily & weekly newspapers and a curriculum designed with extensive industry input and approval.
Eligibility for enrolment
The minimum requirement for enrolment in Jschool’s Diploma of Journalism is completion of senior secondary education or equivalent, with demonstrable high standards of written and spoken communication. Applicants should have a strong interest in news and current affairs.
Diploma of Journalism subjects
Subjects in the Diploma of Journalism have been carefully designed to provide the most important and diverse skills for graduates to be ‘job ready’. Consulting extensively with industry veterans means Jschool subjects deliver the depth of knowledge that employers seek.
Key study areas
We focus on the skills journalists use
The course emphasises reporting and news writing skills to produce job-ready graduates. Also included is multimedia journalism, feature writing, research methods, plus the basics of court reporting and political reporting. There is also the chance to try your hand at sports reports, travel writing, restaurant reviewing and movie reviewing. There are contextual studies in government, history, literature, language, law, ethics and media issues. The diploma also includes the handy skill of shorthand with the aim of achieving speed writing at 60 words or more per minute.
All units in the Diploma are core, but students with specialist interests have the opportunity to research and write in their areas of interest, and to undertake internships in relevant media.
The key introductory journalism subject, JR101 covers basic reporting and news writing, including development of news gathering and interviewing skills plus how to write news stories.
Understanding and experience of a range of multimedia areas including online media, use of social media for research and writing, video journalism, photography and coding.
How to report on law courts plus an overview of the Australian legal system including understanding of defamation and other areas of law directly affecting journalists.
How to report on parliament, local councils and other political events, as well as understanding of the Australian system of government.
Research & writing for news media
Development of skills in news reporting as well as writing colour stories and features, plus research methods including effective search, databases, polling, statistics, balance sheets and freedom of information.
Study of current news media issues including press freedom, media responsibilities, media structure, ethics, regulation, media history and international comparisons.
History, literature & language for journalists
An overview of key issues in history as well as a broadening of understanding of literature and of the English language, with particular reference to the needs of journalism. Included in this unit are reviewing skills, especially in relation to books, films and theatre, plus travel, sports and art.
Development of skills in writing and transcribing Teeline shorthand – the industry’s preferred form of speed writing. The unit also develops skills in keyboard and note taking.
Course highlights
Continuous assessment
There are weekly assignments for each subject in the Diploma of Journalism. This helps spread the load and avoid the stress of a major assignment or exam in the final week.
Lecturer contact
Students have the opportunity of frequent and continuous contact with their teachers – by email, phone, skype or face-to-face. We also have a policy of rapid turn-around of students assignments, making the learning process more effective.
Industry focus
Jschool extensively consulted editors and senior journalists in establishing the course and continues to seek industry advice and involvement. The result is a course that is industry-relevant, preparing students who are job-ready.
Flexible study
You are able to study at times that suit you. Lessons are uploaded each day but you may download them whenever is convenient – for example, over the weekend.
Individual attention
Each of our online students is seen very much as in individual – not just a number – and we are committed to continuous one-to-one contact with our students. In fact you’ll receive more personalised attention than in any on-campus college or university.
Internships
We encourage our students to undertake work experience in the industry – this will give you a taste of real world newsrooms. There are also publication opportunities through our newspaper Newsbytes.
Diploma FAQ
Most frequent questions about the Jschool diploma
The current intake is open. The Autumn semester began in March and the Spring semester begins in July. It is possible to begin the course after the semester’s start date, with extensions available for assignments.
When are classes held, what are the contact hours?
With the new online model Jschool classes and course materials are available around the clock! While we are a small organisation need to allow our lecturers to sleep, our bespoke online education platform is designed to give lecturers visibility for the whole class. With these tools and processes in place, someone is set to respond to your questions, comments or varying musings as soon as possible. Of course, we’ll be encouraging you to always be thinking about the story: you should be a Journalist 24/7!
Whenever possible we also arrange specialist group workshops. Lecturers also try to meet our students in person and to discuss the course over a coffee. In recent years face-to-face meetings have been held in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Perth, and Adelaide.
How is the Jschool Diploma of Journalism different?
The Diploma of Journalism is more practical than university courses. There are no requirements to write long essays or theses. There is a lot of writing, but it is in the form of journalism – news stories, feature stories, personality profiles, commentary, reviews.
The course is also different in the extent of interaction with teachers, the continuous assignments and the quick feed-back, as well as the opportunity to make corrections and to resubmit assignments.
What is the course delivery format?
The course operates within a specialised and user-friendly internet-based education platform requiring password entry. The course consists of eight subjects, all of which are core. Lessons are delivered over 14 weeks for each subject, with full-time students enrolled in four subjects per semester.
Much cheaper than a standard university degree!
For a complete fee structure and subject outline, visit our course fees page
Can I study the course on a mobile phone?
A mobile is fine for reading course materials, looking at videos etc. It’s more challenging when writing stories (unless you like writing with your thumb) – better to use a desktop, laptop or pad. Or a bluetooth-enabled keyboard.
Get In touch
Kick-start your career in journalism today.
1300 85 99 75
SMS 0480 088 070
Email [email protected]