Course Road Test - Bachelor Of Communication (journalism) At Rmit University

The Age

Monday April 21, 2008

Julia Proctor

Your alma mater?

No. But RMIT can count Robert Thomson, former editor of the London Times and current editor of The Wall Street Journal, among its alumni. According to programs co-ordinator Maree Curtis, RMIT journalism graduates are found throughout Australian and international media. They've even got a famous course drop-out.

Who's that?

Reportedly, Eddie McGuire, of Who Wants to Be A Millionaire and The Footy Show fame, quit the course after a semester.

Wasn't for him?

Seemingly not. But there are plenty queuing up for the three-year degree at RMIT's Melbourne city campus. Ms Curtis reports upwards of 1500 applicants for just 45 places annually. You'll need an ENTER score of more than 95 (with a high English score).

So what kind of students are lining up to be tomorrow's hacks?

According to Ms Curtis, there are two kinds of school leavers competing for journalism places: those passionate about journalism and those who have high ENTER scores and are encouraged towards journalism by careers teachers.

Ms Curtis sounds a cautionary note. "A high English score does not a journalist make," she says, urging students to research a career in journalism before enrolling. Each year about 13 students leave the course in the first six months as they discover journalism is not for them. Journalists, says Ms Curtis, need to have a broad curiosity, an interest in current affairs and the world around them, and an ability to talk to people. She notes about 20% of course entrants are non-year 12 leavers.

But what are the students really like?

Ms Curtis says her students stand out. "Everyone knows the journalism students," she says, describing them as often headstrong and demanding. "We need kids with that basic temperament, young people willing to ask questions. We try and take that innate good stuff and tidy up the edges so they can take their place in the workforce."

And their teachers?

According to Ms Curtis, all RMIT journalism teachers have practical journalism experience.

So what are they teaching these would-be Lois Lanes?

The course, explains Ms Curtis, blends theory and practice. Students are taught the practical skills needed for a career in journalism, but also need to take more theoretical courses. Every semester students are involved in producing live TV and radio, as well as newspapers. Additionally, students do work experience.

Great - but do they get jobs?

Apparently most RMIT journalism graduates find work in the news media within six months of graduating. For some, says Ms Curtis, the offers roll in before they graduate.

What do students have to say?

Laura Poole, 21, is a recent graduate now working on The Wimmera Mail-Times in Horsham. She describes the course as "really hands-on" and believes it prepared her well for life in the newsroom.

So where do I get more info?

www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=BP220

-- JULIA PROCTOR