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The University of Notre Dame Australia

  • 2% international / 98% domestic

Bachelor of Politics & Journalism

  • Bachelor

The Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Politics & Journalism at The University of Notre Dame Australia combines the study of politics and journalism, offering hands-on experience in various media formats. It equips students with skills in research, analysis, and communication, and includes opportunities for internships and service-learning.

Key details

Degree Type
Bachelor
Duration
3 - 8 semesters full-time
Course Code
3026, 045241M
Study Mode
In person
Intake Months
Feb, Jul

About this course

Overview

If you wish to pursue a career in politics, public relations or the media, The University of Notre Dame Australia's Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Politics & Journalism is the perfect blend. Combining the study of politics and journalism into a single degree, graduates of this program will be equipped to pursue a career anywhere in the world. This degree combines Australian political theory with hands-on experience in various forms of media, so you will be comfortable working in radio, television, print, video, or digital formats. Get in touch today to start your career journey.

Why study this degree?

This specialist Bachelor of Arts degree with a Major in Politics & Journalism will appeal to anyone with a strong interest in Australian politics and journalism, combining the two disciplines into a single course of study. In addition to studying Australian politics and international relations, you will receive a solid grounding in media theory, plus the opportunity to gain practical experience in various forms of journalism, including print, broadcast, and online media.

The skills you will develop in the Bachelor of Arts (Politics & Journalism) will be attractive to future employers. Being able to research, analyse, interpret, draw conclusions, and problem-solve is what is needed in the flexible workplace of the 21st century. Communication skills in all forms, teamwork, initiative, and adaptability are also at the heart of this version of the Bachelor of Arts degree.

To complete the Bachelor of Arts (Politics & Journalism), you will study 24 courses, including three in Politics & International Relations and eight in Journalism. You will also study one Business course, one History course and two general electives. The choice of courses is designed to improve your analytical and creative skills while imparting essential content knowledge.

This degree offers you the opportunity to participate in our internship program, where you will learn on location in a real work environment such as a publishing company, TV studio or radio station, and get credit towards your degree. Overseas internships are possible.

Service-learning through our Social Justice area combines community service with academic instruction as it focuses on critical, reflective thinking and civic responsibility. Placements for some courses are in the local community, and there is also the opportunity to take the international version of this course and travel to locations such as Cambodia.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements WA

Academic requirements for this program are outlined below. In addition, to be eligible for admission, all applicants need to satisfy the Minimum University Admission Requirements outlined. These include those relating to minimum age and English Language Proficiency. We also consider your application more broadly - your non-academic achievements (such as any previous leadership roles, volunteering, work, church and/or community involvement) as well as personal qualities - your aspirations and interests and your capacity to complete your chosen program. See Individual Factors for further details regarding this.

Applicants with recent Secondary Education

  • Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank* of 70
  • International Baccalaureate (IB) score of 25

*Selection Ranks include ATAR plus Adjustment Factors.

Applicants with Higher Education

  • Successful completion of 2 subjects at an undergraduate level or higher*
  • Successful completion of the Notre Dame Tertiary Pathway Program (TPP), or a tertiary preparation program from another institution that is deemed to be of a similar academic rigour to the Notre Dame TPP

* Applicants who have successfully completed subjects at another University, which are relevant to the selected program of study, may be eligible for credit (Advanced Standing).

Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study

  • Successful completion of AQF Certificate IV or higher from an accredited provider such as TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)

Applicants with Work and Life Experience

Applicants who left secondary education more than two years previously and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since may be considered for direct entry. This includes applicants who have completed Steiner, Montessori or home school curriculums. To qualify, applicants must be 20 years of age as at 1 March in the year of intake and meet one or more of the following:

  • Applicants who have completed at least two years of relevant work experience may be considered for direct entry. Applicants must provide evidence of their work experience, including duties undertaken and years of experience, and they must demonstrate that they have the academic capability to undertake undergraduate studies. The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) may be required*.
  • Completion of STAT with scores of at least 135 in the Multiple Choice section and 140 in the Written English section*.
  • Completion of two Year 12 WACE, HSC or equivalent exams, with a result equivalent to the Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank listed under Secondary Education section above.

*STAT results must have been obtained within the last three calendar years in order to be considered (e.g. for 2024 admission, STAT results obtained in 2023, 2022 or 2021 can be considered).

Entry requirements NSW

Academic requirements for this program are outlined below. In addition, to be eligible for admission, all applicants need to satisfy the Minimum University Admission Requirements outlined. These include those relating to minimum age and English Language Proficiency. We also consider your application more broadly - your non-academic achievements (such as any previous leadership roles, volunteering, work, church and/or community involvement) as well as personal qualities - your aspirations and interests and your capacity to complete your chosen program. See Individual Factors for further details regarding this.

Applicants with recent Secondary Education

  • Prescribed ATAR/Selection Rank*
  • Equivalent International Baccalaureate (IB) score

*Selection Ranks include ATAR plus Adjustment Factors.

Applicants with Higher Education

  • Successful completion of 2 subjects at an undergraduate level or higher*
  • Successful completion of the Notre Dame Tertiary Pathway Program (TPP), or a tertiary preparation program from another institution that is deemed to be of a similar academic rigour to the Notre Dame TPP

*Applicants who have successfully completed subjects at another University, which are relevant to the selected program of study, may be eligible for credit (Advanced Standing).

Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study

  • Successful completion of AQF Certificate IV or higher from an accredited provider such as TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)

Applicants with Work and Life Experience

Applicants who left secondary education more than two years previously and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since may be considered for direct entry. This includes applicants who have completed Steiner, Montessori or home school curriculums. To qualify, applicants must be 20 years of age as at 1 March in the year of intake and meet one or more of the following:

  • Applicants who have completed at least two years of relevant work experience may be considered for direct entry. Applicants must provide evidence of their work experience, including duties undertaken and years of experience, and they must demonstrate that they have the academic capability to undertake undergraduate studies. The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) may be required*.
  • Completion of STAT with scores of at least 150 in the Multiple Choice section and 150 in the Written English section*.
  • Completion of two Year 12 WACE, HSC or equivalent exams, with a result equivalent to the Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank listed under Secondary Education section above.

*STAT results must have been obtained within the last three calendar years in order to be considered (e.g. for 2024 admission, STAT results obtained in 2023, 2022 or 2021 can be considered).

Study locations

Sydney

Fremantle

What you will learn

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Arts (Politics & Journalism) graduates will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate broad theoretical and practical knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts related to politics, international relations and journalism;
  2. Identify appropriate sources and evaluate information
  3. Demonstrate an awareness of different conceptual approaches and/or research methods
  4. Identify the ethical considerations informing the study and professional practice of politics, international relations and journalism
  5. Synthesise knowledge and apply skills in order to solve complex political and cultural problems
  6. Communicate arguments and/or ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences in a range of forms
  7. Exemplify the technical and professional skills required in the domains of politics, international relations and journalism
  8. Work independently and, where appropriate, in collaboration with others
  9. Reflect upon personal knowledge, skills and experiences drawn from the study and practice of politics, international relations and journalism.

Career pathways

Graduates of this program can follow diverse career paths in the private and public sectors; many employers will welcome the transferable skills. The following careers are open to graduates of this program: diplomatic service officer, member of parliament, electorate officer, political campaign assistant, social research officer, public affairs consultant, media advisor, human rights worker, intelligence analyst, public service officer, social media manager, aid worker/humanitarian worker and policy analyst.

Course structure

Program summary

Required Courses

ALL students are required to complete the following Courses:

  • ARTS1000 Academic Writing, Communication and Research
  • ABOR1000 Aboriginal People

Politics & International Relations Courses

  • POLI1000 Introduction to World Politics
  • POLI1001 Politics, Democracy and Governance in Australia
  • POLI3001 Information Disorder and Political Warfare
  • POLI3003 Setting the Agenda: The Media and Politics
  • TWO (2) Politics and International Relations elective Courses

Journalism Courses

  • COMM1420 Introduction to Journalism
  • COMM2340 Journalism: Theory and Practice
  • COMM3050 Media Ethics and Law
  • One (1) Capstone Course comprising either COMM3002 Digital Journalism Portfolio OR ARTS3002 Internship or Professional Project
  • TWO (2) Journalism elective Courses

Elective Courses

  • 200 units of credit from courses offered by the School of Arts and Sciences

Core Curriculum

  • CORE I: Foundations of Wisdom
  • CORE II: Elective
    • Electives in philosophy and/or theology
    • Professional embedded electives that integrate studies in a profession with philosophy and/or theology
    • An option to undertake a pilgrimage embedded in the study of the philosophy and theology of pilgrimage, e.g., World Youth Day
    • An option to undertake a course that integrates philosophy & theology with community service and charity work
    • An option to undertake an elective in philosophy, theology, and the liberal arts contained within an international experience

Credit for prior study or work

Applicants who have successfully completed subjects at another University, which are relevant to the selected program of study, may be eligible for credit (Advanced Standing).