Macleay College Launches Journalism Course

Macleay College Launches Journalism Course

From 2013, aspiring journalists will have a practical alternative to a traditional university degree when Macleay College opens its Melbourne campus.

Already well-established in Sydney, Macleay College offers students a one-year, fast-track course that prepares them for the rigours of journalism and makes them -job-ready', with practical newsroom experience at the heart of its teaching.

Macleay College has a 20-year history of successful alumni, many of whom now hold prominent positions in the media, including SBS Dateline's Yalda Hakim, Channel 9 News Reporter Dimity Clancey and 2GB Evenings producer Emily Bevan.

'Our point of difference is that we concentrate on the core skills that make a good journalist, and we offer students a highly focused, hands-on environment for their studies," said Dr Raffaele Marcellino, Dean, Macleay College.

The college's new Head of School of Journalism, Stephen Davis, has focused on replicating the newsroom and providing students with -real-life' stories to research and develop. A former journalist with the UK's The Sunday Times and TV's 60 Minutes, Davis is keen that students experience the buzz and excitement of getting the news as well as an understanding of the importance of the media's role in society.

The course covers news writing, research, ethics, and media law. Students work in online multi-media newsrooms developing radio and TV broadcast stories and researching current events and issues. There is also a shorthand component - an increasingly sought-after skill by employers.

'Although theory is important, to be valuable to an employer graduating students need to be industry aware, and able to demonstrate they have the skills and savvy for today's fast-paced news environments," said Dr Marcellino.

'Our lecturers are working journalists who understand the work pressures and skill requirements, as well as the topical issues within the profession."

Macleay College has operated in Sydney since 1989, offering one-year diploma courses in journalism, business, accounting, marketing and advertising which develop -job-ready' students, or provide a pathway for further degree studies. Facilities include Mac rooms, radio and television recording facilities, and internship job placement programs. The Melbourne campus, co-located with Australian College of the Arts, opens in January 2013.
Macleay College's Melbourne campus is at 55 Brady St, South Melbourne.
Further course information: www.macleay.edu.au