Journalism course | A guide for aspiring Journalists!

Journalism course | What is Journalism?

Journalism is a subdivision of mass communication. Today, people wish to stay aware and updated about the events happening around the world, including politics, celebrities, science, culture, and more. The reach of this field was limited in the past years as print media was the only source of information then. But, with changing times, a journalist can now work at firms dealing with radio, television, and even the worldwide web. If you are an aspiring Journalist, begin your journey to enter this industry by taking up a Journalism course. Read on as we talk all about the course, top universities, salaries, and more. 

What does a Journalist do?

A journalist is a storyteller. They act as a bridge between the news and the people. They are involved in gathering information about a particular subject, followed by investigation, checking facts, and presenting it as a news story. Journalists can make stories on genres like sports, entertainment, politics, health and fitness, and many others. They can also largely influence readers and viewers and form opinions.

What skills are required to become a Journalist?

It takes more than just academic knowledge to become a successful journalist. A few skills are listed below-

1. Communication

As a journalist, your job demands a lot of writing, research, development of scripts, content generation, and editing. The ability to communicate well helps a journalist connect with the audience, giving them the chance to establish their point. 

2. Digital literacy

The world is driven by digital technology, and today’s journalists must have a stronghold over social media, websites, apps, smartphones, laptops, and any other broadcast medium. Therefore, digital literacy is essential, and shortly, visual-driven content will be everything.

3. Research and attention to detail

Journalism is all about making news reports after extensive research. There is a lot of competition in this field, and you must always be confident and bring up hot topics in the news market to catch people’s attention. The credibility of your news is another important factor, and you need to be very attentive about it.

4. Problem-solving abilities

Working as a journalist can mean that you will have to deal with day-to-day problems and challenges at work. During such times you need to stay focused and tackle the situation well. You must develop the ability to think and find the best possible solution to any issue that might crop up during work.

5. Understanding the ethics of journalism

Logical reasoning and an unbiased attitude are vital signs of a good journalist. You can easily rise through the ranks without compromising on the code of ethics. You must understand that twisting fact for one’s benefit is wrong, and what you must focus on is building trust among the viewers.  

Journalism course | Eligibility and syllabus

You can pursue journalism courses after the 12th or after graduation. Besides, you can also choose to complete online journalism courses; some are available for free and offer you a valid certificate on completion too.

The journalism course eligibility for undergraduates is-

• You must complete the 12th examination with a minimum of 50%, from a recognized board, in any stream.
• Your admission depends on merit or a university-level exam.

If you are applying for a postgraduate Journalism course, the eligibility criteria include-

• You must have a valid bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or college.
• Additionally, entrance tests are also sometimes required.

The courses offer detailed information and knowledge on reporting methods and ethical journalism. Journalism is a vast field of study and requires you to know the basics of several subjects. However, you will learn a lot during the job. Take a look at the journalism course details with regards to the subjects covered-

• Native Language English
• Introduction to Mass Communication
• Fundamentals of Journalism
• Media Laws and Constitution
• Editing Techniques
• Advertising and Public Relations
• History of Journalism
• Environment and Media
• Media, Society, and Development
• Magazine Journalism
• TV Broadcasting
• Communication Skills

These journalism course topics and a few others are covered at different levels when pursuing journalism. You will also find yourself learning new things every day while working as a journalist.

Top universities for Journalism

Here are the world’s top universities that offer a Journalism course-

1. University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
2. University of Southern California, USA
3. The London School of Economics and Political Science, UK
4. Stanford University, USA
5. University of Pennsylvania, USA
6. University College London, UK
7. Yale University, USA
8. Harvard University, USA
9. University of Florida, USA
10. Boston University, USA

The scope of journalism has reached new heights and gained importance worldwide. It brings various opportunities and opens up paths to follow in terms of jobs. As career choices, you may become-

• Editor
• Proofreader/ Sub-editor
• Researcher
• Critic
• Photojournalist
• Cartoonist
• Illustrator, etc.  

What are the application requirements?

After you’ve shortlisted the universities you want to apply to, you must check their websites to find out the admission requirements. Some of the common requirements across all universities are-

• Transcripts
• Statement of Purpose
• Letters of Recommendation
• CV
• Proof of language proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE test scores)
• Standard test scores (GRE or GMAT)

It is essential to prepare all documents in advance. Once you have submitted your application, you will receive a letter of acceptance if you get shortlisted. Thereafter, you can apply for a student visa and even get a scholarship.

How much does it cost to get a degree in Journalism?

With endless possibilities, the Journalism field is expanding, and more students are opting for it. The average course fee is around $40,000 per year. Depending on the country and the university you choose, the tuition fee for a Master’s degree in Journalism will range between $50,000 and $70,000. 

How much does a journalist get paid?

The job of a journalist is very demanding and requires a person to have a diverse set of skills. The average yearly salary can vary from $55000 to $171000. The amount will depend on the country you are working in, the university and the subjects you study. 

Scholarships for pursuing a Journalism course

Scholarship name	Amount	Eligibility
American Copy Editors Society	Six scholarships are awarded to students annually- – Bill Walsh scholarship – $3500+ financial aid – Aubespin scholar- $2500 – Remaining 4 scholarships- $1500 each	– Applicants must be juniors/seniors in university or graduate students during the summer/fall term. – Awarded to critical thinkers to make writing clear in any field.
Journalist of the Year	– Winner gets $3000. – Three runner-ups get $850 each.	This scholarship is awarded to top journalists in high school in the US.
The Society of Professional Journalists	– Winner gets $1000. – First runner-up gets $500. – Second runner-up gets $300.	It is open to high-school students who complete an essay on the given topic.
New York Financial Writers’ Association Scholarship	$3000	This scholarship is for undergraduate and graduate Journalism students who are interested in financial and business Journalism in the tri-state New York area.

What’s next?

There are numerous opportunities if you study journalism. With the digital era expanding, there are e-magazines and e-newspapers that people can read easily, on the go. So, you can be a part of the digital world too if you pursue Journalism. Therefore, you can definitely think about pursuing a Journalism course to lay a strong foundation for the future.

Key takeaways

• Journalism offers diverse career opportunities in print, broadcast, and digital media, emphasizing essential skills like communication, digital literacy, research, and ethics.
• Top universities worldwide provide journalism courses for undergraduates and postgraduates, enabling students to pursue careers in editing, reporting, photojournalism, and more.
• Costs for journalism degrees vary, so prepare application materials like transcripts and test scores, and explore scholarship options to support your education in this field.

If you have any questions regarding choosing a course or university, feel free to reach out to us or drop a comment below!

Good luck on your journey to becoming a journalist!

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FAQs

Q1. Which country is the best for studying journalism?

Answer- Some of the best countries to study journalism include- 

• USA
• UK
• Australia 
• Canada
• New Zealand
• Spain

Q2. What are the 7 types of Journalism in the industry? 

Answer- Here are the seven types of Journalism- 

• Investigative journalism
• Celebrity journalism
• Gonzo journalism
• Ambush journalism
• Opinion journalism
• New journalism
• Sports journalism

Q3. How much do Travel Journalists earn?

Answer- The average annual salary of Travel Journalists is around $66768.