3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
The Bachelor of Journalism and Broadcast Media at Edith Cowan University (ECU) is a dynamic 3-year full-time program (or 6 years part-time) at the Mount Lawley campus, perfect for creative storytellers passionate about uncovering news, producing broadcasts, and shaping public conversations across TV, radio, online, and social platforms. You'll gain hands-on skills to launch a career as a journalist, broadcaster, presenter, producer, or influencer, with exclusive real-world opportunities like producing stories for Channel 7's *Project WA* program, building your portfolio right from your third year.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
Lays a strong foundation in media essentials, where you'll dive into storytelling basics through units like JBM1605: Fundamentals of Journalism, learning core reporting and writing techniques, alongside JBM1600: Radio and Podcast Production to master audio creation from scripting to editing, and SPR1600: Introduction to Screen Practice for hands-on video basics. This year builds your confidence with practical projects that mimic real media workflows, setting you up to think like a pro from day one. You'll also explore CMM1605: Communication Campaigns, understanding how messages influence audiences in today's digital world.
Year 2
Ramps up your technical and creative skills, focusing on multi-platform production and deeper journalism practices, with advanced units in broadcast techniques and strategic storytelling. You'll refine your abilities in radio, TV, and online formats, collaborating on team projects that simulate newsroom dynamics. This stage emphasizes adaptability, preparing you for the fast-paced industry while honing interview and presentation skills seen in ECU's industry partnerships.
Year 3
Delivers industry immersion, highlighted by the *Project WA* partnership with Channel 7, where you'll produce broadcast-ready stories on real West Australian topics like crayfishing or sustainability initiatives, showcasing your work as reporters, presenters, and producers. Under leaders like Course Coordinator Dr. Steinar Ellingsen, you'll polish professional portfolios with live broadcasts and feedback from media pros. Graduates emerge ready to hit the ground running in competitive roles.
Focus areas: Journalism, broadcasting, screen production, and strategic communication, with a global perspective and hands-on projects across TV, radio, podcasts, and digital platforms.
Learning outcomes: Advanced communication and critical thinking skills; proficiency in reporting, producing, presenting, and multi-platform content creation; real-world portfolio development through industry broadcasts and partnerships.
Professional alignment (accreditation): No formal accreditation body noted, but strong industry ties with Channel 7, Channel 9, ABC, Nova radio, and partners like Bus Stop Films provide work-integrated learning and broadcast opportunities.
Reputation (employability rankings): ECU's media programs, including this Bachelor, are flagship offerings in the new WA Screen and Media Academy (launching fully in 2026 at ECU City campus), renowned for producing high-quality graduates employed worldwide in radio, TV, and screen roles; student work airs on commercial networks and screens at festivals.
At ECU, you won't just learn journalism theory in a classroom—you'll be producing broadcast content from day one. The Bachelor of Journalism and Broadcast Media is built on hands-on experience that mirrors the professional industry, giving you skills that employers actually want. Throughout your degree, you'll work with state-of-the-art broadcasting facilities and industry-standard equipment while gaining real portfolio pieces that set you apart from graduates of other universities.
The program emphasizes developing your ability to report across TV, radio, online platforms, and social media, and you'll learn how to monetize your content as a freelancer—a crucial skill in today's media landscape. You'll also explore critical storytelling around social justice, climate change, diversity, and inclusivity, preparing you to work as a journalist who understands the complexities of our world. Here's what makes learning at ECU distinctive:
- Project WA broadcast partnership: Third-year students produce an exclusive program aired on Channel 7, giving you real broadcast experience with a commercial network since 2021. This is a major portfolio highlight that demonstrates your reporting, presenting, and interviewing skills to potential employers.
- State-of-the-art broadcasting studios: ECU City features technologically advanced, industry-immersive radio and television studios that mirror professional broadcast environments where you'll prepare and present programs and news bulletins.
- RadioECU: Student-run radio station where you can gain practical experience and connect with industry professionals and peers in real broadcasting scenarios.
- Hands-on news production: You'll work on creating stories for broadcast and developing content across multiple platforms, not just watching others do it.
- Industry-professional instruction: Broadcasting staff are active industry professionals, meaning you're learning from people currently working in the field who bring real-world insights into your coursework.
- Skills in freelance monetization: Unlike many programs, this degree teaches you how to generate income from your content, preparing you for the modern media economy where traditional employment isn't the only pathway.
- Social justice and global storytelling focus: The curriculum emphasizes reporting on issues like climate change and diversity, equipping you to work as a journalist who creates meaningful social impact.
- Diverse career pathways: Graduates work as print, radio, and television journalists; social media influencers; media presenters; producers; content creators; and reviewers—giving you flexibility in your career direction.
For more information about ECU's broadcasting facilities and resources, visit the WA Screen and Media Academy page at ECU.
At Edith Cowan University (ECU), the Bachelor of Journalism and Broadcast Media prepares you for a modern career in news, television, radio, digital media, and content production. Graduates develop strong practical newsroom skills, digital storytelling abilities, and broadcasting experience that help them work confidently across multiple media platforms. The course is ideal for students who want to combine journalism with on-camera presentation, podcasting, streaming, and digital content creation.
Typical career outcomes include journalist, broadcaster, reporter, producer, presenter, digital editor, digital content producer, and social media consultant:
ECU Careers and Employability services support students with resume writing, interview preparation, portfolio development, networking opportunities, and career planning for media industries
Students gain hands-on experience in simulated television and radio newsroom environments using industry-standard broadcasting equipment
The course includes industry engagement opportunities such as “Project WA,” where students contribute to real television content production in collaboration with Channel 7
Work Integrated Learning experiences and newsroom production projects help students build professional portfolios and gain practical industry exposure before graduation
Graduates receive an AQF Level 7 Bachelor qualification recognised across Australia and internationally, supporting long-term career opportunities in journalism and media industries
The program develops practical skills across online, print, television, radio, podcasting, streaming, and digital media production
ECU is recognised for strong teaching quality and student experience, with consistently high national ratings for undergraduate learning and support
Graduates leave with practical experience in radio, television, newsroom publishing, investigative journalism, and digital storytelling, improving employability in competitive media sectors
Further Academic Progression: After completing this degree, students can continue into postgraduate study such as a Master of Media and Communication, Master of Journalism, Master of Strategic Communication, or other specialised media and broadcasting programs to further expand their professional expertise and career opportunities.



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