About Journalism (BCommun)

Learn the art and science of journalism in our advanced newsrooms and studios. As a Murdoch Journalism student you’ll combine hands-on practical experience in reporting and writing for both print and broadcast journalism. You’ll learn about the world of contemporary global media and study media technologies, communication policy, media audiences and public opinion. Combined with a second major in a related area such as Screen Production you’ll be able to turn your passion into an exciting career that can take you right round the world.

What can I do with my Journalism degree?

The field of Journalism offers a wide range of career options. In the world of print you might decide to work as a Journalist, Columnist, Writer, or Editor. You might pursue a career in television either behind the scenes or on camera. Government Departments and private corporations employ Media Liaison Officers to assist them with their public relations. During your degree you may discover a secret talent for Communication & Media Studies announcing or program production or you might find your niche as a copy writer for an advertising company.

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How to apply

To apply for one of our programs you must submit all the required documentation outlined in the checklists below.

You can submit documentation via post, email, facsimile or in person. Please be aware that in order to gain a full offer you must meet our minimum entry requirements and all your original transcripts will need to be sighted by one of our Admissions Officers.

Please use the checklist below and submit all documentation before the relevant due date.

UG/MUPC Application Checklist:

1. Complete the undergraduate application form.
2. Submit all of your completed qualifications and the transcripts of your results.
   • This will help the university to properly assess your application.
   • Incomplete applications will not be processed.
3. Enclose certified copies of your English test score (IELTS or TOEFL) if applicable.
4. An application fee should be included along with the application. Applications sent without this fee will not be processed.
   • Undergraduate application fee – AED 250
5. Submit two passport size photographs.
6. Submit your passport copy with visa page.

Student applications

If you would like to apply for this course you can now:

• Ask for Information
• Download an application form

Course Details

Length of course	3 years full time internal study
Fee information	2009 fees-AED 60,000 per annum
Location	Dubai International Academic City
Murdoch course code	B1230

Course Structure - 72 points

Part I - 24 points

Foundation Unit - 3 points

Select one Foundation Unit from the Foundation Units section.

Core Units - 12 points

MCC108 - Communication and Media
MCC104 - Introduction to Journalism
MCC105 - Introduction to Communication & Media Studies
MCC124 - Photography

General Electives - 9 points

Select from any 100-level units offered by the University, subject to individual unit prerequisites.

Part II - 48 points

Core Units - 24 points

MCC236 - Media Audiences and the Public
MCC245 - Media Law and Ethics
MCC240 - Politics, Journalism and Society
MCC217 - Web News Production
MCC267 - Photo and Video Journalism
MCC323 - Newsroom

General Electives - 24 points

Select from any 200- to 400-level units offered by the University, subject to individual unit prerequisites.

Suggested double majors:

To take a double major, students simply take the core units from another major in place of their general elective units.

What are my career options?

As a Murdoch Journalism graduate, your employment outlook is enhanced, especially if you combine it with other disciplines. Depending on which skill combinations or specialisations you have, your Murdoch degree may lead you towards work and study opportunities in a number of areas. The following are some professions to consider.

Professions	What they do
Journalist / Columnist / Writer / Editor	Journalists gather news and information by interviewing people and attending events. They undertake research to provide background information for articles, write them within an established style and format, and edit as necessary. Journalists who interpret the news or offer opinions to readers, viewers, or listeners are called Columnists. Writers and authors develop original fiction and non-fiction for books, magazines, trade journals, online publications, company newsletters, Communication & Media Studies and television broadcasts, motion pictures, and advertisements. Editors review, rewrite, and edit the work of writers. Editors also decide what material will appeal to readers, review and edit drafts of books and articles, offer comments to improve the work, and suggest possible titles.
Communication & Media Studies Reporter	Communication & Media Studies and Television Reporters often compose stories and report “live” from the scene. At times, they later tape an introduction to or commentary on their story in the studio. Some journalists also interpret the news or offer opinions to readers, viewers, or listeners. In this role, they are called Commentators or Columnists. Communication & Media Studies Announcers who broadcast music often are called disc jockeys (DJs). Some DJs specialise in one kind of music, announcing selections as they air them. Most DJs do not select much of the music they play (although they often did so in the past); instead, they follow schedules of commercials, talk, and music provided to them by management. While on the air, DJs comment on the music, weather, and traffic. They may take requests from listeners, interview guests, and manage listener contests.
Media Liaison Officer	Media Liaison Officers draft press releases and contact people in the media who might print or broadcast their material. Many Communication & Media Studies or television special reports, newspaper stories, and magazine articles start at the desks of these specialists. Sometimes the subject is an organisation and its policies toward its employees or its role in the community. Often the subject is a public issue, such as health, energy, or the environment, and what an organisation does to advance that issue. They also arrange and conduct programs to keep up contact between organisation representatives and the public. For example, they set up speaking engagements and often prepare speeches for company and public sector.