Bachelor of Arts (Politics & Journalism)

School of Arts & Sciences

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.

  • Program summary

    Year One

    • ARTS1000 Academic Writing, Communication and Research
    • POLI1001 Politics, Democracy and Governance in Australia
    • COMM1420 Introduction to Journalism
    • HIST1000 A History of Western Civilisation
    • POLI1000 Introduction to World Politics
    • COMM1060 Media and Society

    Year Two

    • COMM2340 Journalism: Theory and Practice
    • COMM3700 Radio OR COMM2330 Journalism for Television and Video

    Year Three

    • POLI3003 Setting the Agenda: The Media and Politics
    • BUSN2580 Introduction to Public Relations
    • COMM3050 Media Ethics and Law
    • COMM3060 Online Newsroom OR COMM3008 Communications Internship

    Electives

    • FIVE (5) Politics & International Relations electives
    • TWO (2) approved Journalism electives
    • TWO (2) other upper level elective units offered by the School of Arts & Sciences (undertaken during years two and/or three)

    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


    Full details of the program requirements are contained in the Program Requirements.

    More information regarding courses can be found at the course descriptions pages Fremantle Sydney.

    Please note: The availability of these courses and teaching staff is indicative only and may be subject to change.

  • 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

    OR

    • International Baccalaureate (IB) score of 25

    *Selection Ranks include ATAR plus Adjustment Factors.

    Applicants with Higher Education Study

    • Successful completion of 2 subjects at an undergraduate level or higher*

    OR

    • 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.

    OR

    • Completion of STAT with scores of at least 135 in the Multiple Choice section and 140 in the Written English section^.

    OR

    • 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).

    Please note: all applicants must be of school leaving age or older to apply.

    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*

    OR

    • International Baccalaureate (IB) score

    *Selection Ranks include ATAR plus Adjustment Factors.

    Applicants with Higher Education Study

    • Successful completion of 2 subjects at an undergraduate level or higher*

    OR

    • 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.

    OR

    • Completion of STAT with scores of at least 150 in the Multiple Choice section and 150 in the Written English section^.

    OR

    • 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).

    Please note: all applicants must be of school leaving age or older to apply.

  • 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 opportunities

    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.

  • Real-world experience

    You will learn from our academics, who are leaders in their field. While not a requirement, internship courses and work-integrated learning opportunities are available to enable you to gain on-the-job experience with professionals in your chosen field.

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

    Service-learning: 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 local the community and there is also the opportunity to take the international version of this course and travel to locations such as Cambodia.

  • Honours

    An Honours award is available for this program. Further information can be found in the Bachelor of Arts (Politics and Journalism) (Honours) regulations, or by contacting the School of Arts & Sciences.

  • Study abroad

    A global perspective adds a valuable dimension to your university education. At Notre Dame University you can study while experiencing the world. We encourage students to become active global citizens through a range of exchange programs, professional placements, study tours, and volunteer opportunities. Visit International Opportunities to find out more.

  • Fees and costs

    This Program has the following loan scheme(s) available for eligible students:


    CSP
    A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a place at university where the government pays part of your fees. This part is a subsidy, not a loan, and you don’t have to pay it back. However, this subsidy does not cover the entire cost of your study. Students must pay the rest, called the ‘student contribution amount’.

    In a Commonwealth Supported Place, your fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your fees will be split into two portions:

    • The Commonwealth contribution, which is the portion paid by the Australian Government.
    • The student contribution, which is the portion you pay. You may choose to pay upfront or defer your student contribution with a HECS-HELP Loan.

    Eligible students will be offered a CSP – you do not need to apply.


    HECS-HELP
    The HECS-HELP loan scheme assists eligible students with the payment of all, or part, of their tuition fees, not including additional study costs such as accommodation or textbooks. Your HECS-HELP debt will be indexed each year in line with the Consumer Price Index.


    For indicative fees and information on how to pay, including Government loan schemes and our online calculator, visit our Fees Page.

  • Student profile data

    The tables below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this Program. It provides data on all students who commenced in this Program in the most relevant recent intake period, including those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia.

    Fremantle Student Profile Data

    TABLE 1a – Bachelor of Arts (Politics & Journalism) BASIS OF ADMISSION IN SEMESTER 1, 2022 INTAKE

    Applicant background

    Semester 1 2022

    Number of students

    Percentage of all students

    (A) Higher education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)
    <5N/P
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study<5N/A
    (C) Work and life experience
    (Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
    <5N/P
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points)
    <5N/P
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, interview, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    N/AN/A
    • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, interview, school marks & recommendation with no minimum ATAR requirement)
    <5N/P
    International studentsN/A N/A
    All students5100.0%

    TABLE 1b – Bachelor of Arts (Politics & Journalism) ATAR PROFILE DATA FOR APPLICANTS ENTERING ON THE BASIS OF RECENT SECONDARY EDUCATION IN SEMESTER 1, 2022 INTAKE

    RECENT SECONDARY EDUCATION - ATAR-based offersATAR
    (Excluding adjustment factors) *
    Selection Rank
    (ATAR plus any adjustment factors) *
    [only if relevant]
    Highest rank to receive an offer N/A N/A
    Median rank to receive an offer N/A N/A

    Lowest rank to receive an offer

    N/A N/A

    Sydney Student Profile Data

    TABLE 1a – Bachelor of Arts (Politics & Journalism) BASIS OF ADMISSION IN SEMESTER 1, 2022 INTAKE

    Applicant background

    Semester 1 2022

    Number of students

    Percentage of all students

    (A) Higher education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)
    <5N/P
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) studyN/AN/A
    (C) Work and life experience
    (Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
    N/AN/A
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
      (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points)
    N/AN/A
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, interview, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    N/AN/A
    • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, interview, school marks & recommendation with no minimum ATAR requirement)
    <5N/P
    International studentsN/A N/A
    All studentsN/P100.0%

    TABLE 1b – Bachelor of Arts (Politics & Journalism) ATAR PROFILE DATA FOR APPLICANTS ENTERING ON THE BASIS OF RECENT SECONDARY EDUCATION IN SEMESTER 1, 2022 INTAKE

    RECENT SECONDARY EDUCATION - ATAR-based offersATAR
    (Excluding adjustment factors) *
    Selection Rank
    (ATAR plus any adjustment factors) *
    [only if relevant]
    Highest rank to receive an offer N/A N/A
    Median rank to receive an offer N/A N/A

    Lowest rank to receive an offer

    N/A N/A

    Notes:  

    “<5” – the number of students is less than 5
    N/A – Students not accepted in this category
    N/P – Not published: the number is hidden to prevent the calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students

    In 2022, due to COVID, additional adjustment factor points were granted to applicants from NSW, ACT and VIC.

  • More information

    Considering your uni options?

    Talk to one of our career advisors for a personalised advice session. Our advisors provide support while choosing a program of study and completing our application process. Book my session.


    For more information, please contact our Prospective Students Office.

    Fremantle and Broome
    Phone: +61 8 9433 0533
    Email: future@nd.edu.au
    Sydney and Melbourne
    Phone: +61 2 8204 4404
    Email: sydney@nd.edu.au

    All international enquiries should contact the International Students Office on international@nd.edu.au.

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*2021 Graduate Outcomes Survey-Longitudinal (medium term outcome), undergraduate category, **2021 Student Experience Survey, postgraduate category and ***2021 Student Experience Survey, postgraduate category - qilt.edu.au

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