How to become a journalist
Research, compose and edit news stories, reports and opinion pieces for print or electronic publication.
What does a journalist do?
Journalists research, compose and edit news stories, reports and opinion pieces for print or electronic publication. They may write for news, travel or entertainment purposes or for the advertisement of products.
Duties and tasks
Analyse current events, news articles, films, books, performances and celebrity news to write opinion pieces and reviews.
Create advertisements for a variety of media based on product attributes and targeted market.
Research and analyse information on important current events, product information, recent studies or entertainment using factual information, interviews, police reports and investigations.
Work with clients, management, editors and stakeholders to produce appropriate content for intended audience and purpose.
Write and edit informative material for textbooks, product manuals, references, brochures, etc.
Write and edit pieces on public interest for a variety of sources such as television, newspapers, magazines and online news sources.
Industry bodies
Related jobs
Author
Columnist
Feature writer
Leader writer
Reporter
Researcher
Discover related degrees
UndergraduateGRF-ART-DEG
Innovators, communicators and creators start here!
Develop critical thinking, writing, and research skills in demand across all industries. You can follow your passion with majors and electives that interest you. Develop connections through peer learning, networking, and work experience.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Available majors
- Creative Writing,
- History and Society,
- Journalism,
- Literature and Culture,
- Strategic Communication
UndergraduateGRF-JRN-DIP
Build skills to create impactful stories across platforms
Work on the professional practices journalists need to get started. You’ll explore investigative reporting and media law. Build practical skills for multiple formats. Gain industry insights. Graduate ready for entry-level roles or continue your studies.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 1 year full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Undergraduate Certificate in Journalism
UndergraduateGRF-JRN-CTF
Make a start in journalism with a practical foundation
Take your first step towards becoming a journalist. You’ll learn the foundations of reporting across digital, print, and broadcast. Build core writing skills. Appreciate ethics. Graduate with a solid base and a pathway to further study.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Advanced Diploma in Journalism
UndergraduateGRF-JRN-ADP
Creative and technical skills for reporting and media careers
Study a combination of journalism skills and theory. You’ll work on investigating, writing, and broadcasting. Explore global media challenges. Graduate prepared for professional roles or further study in communications and media.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- Approx. 1.5 years full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Discover related subjects
UndergraduateCUR-CWG320
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 2 Mar 2026, 31 Aug 2026
UndergraduateLTU-JRN2001
- Study method
- 100% online
- Start dates
- Starts 13 Jul 2026
Journalism for Solutions and Social Justice
UndergraduateGRF-LHS357
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 13 Jul 2026
Global Journalism: Reporting the World
UndergraduateGRF-LHS352
- Study method
- 100% online
- Start dates
- Starts 2 Mar 2026
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Step up your career with these resources
How to get a journalism internship
Journalism can be a tough industry to break into—but completing an internship can help you stand out from the crowd.
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