Bachelors of Science / Journalism

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Queensland

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science / Journalism at The University of Queensland combines scientific knowledge with professional journalism skills, preparing students to explain complex scientific ideas to the public. It is ideal for students interested in both science and media, allowing them to choose a science major while learning reporting, research, and digital storytelling.

Curriculum structure:

Year 1:
In the first year, students build a foundation in both science and journalism while beginning their chosen science major. Core journalism courses such as Introduction to Journalism and Reporting and Research introduce news writing and storytelling, alongside introductory science subjects from areas like biology, chemistry, mathematics, or environmental science. Students also develop basic research, analytical, and communication skills.

Year 2:
The second year strengthens subject knowledge and introduces more practical journalism training. Students continue intermediate science courses in their major while studying journalism units such as Digital Storytelling and Media Writing, focusing on multimedia reporting and audience engagement. Practical learning increases through laboratory work, field activities, and applied media production.

Year 3:
In third year, students move into advanced science coursework and professional journalism development. Advanced science subjects are paired with journalism units such as Feature Writing and Investigative Reporting, helping students produce in-depth science stories. Students also gain experience in research-based communication and multimedia storytelling.

Year 4:
The final year focuses on specialisation and industry readiness. Students complete advanced science electives and capstone journalism courses such as Advanced Journalism Project and Professional Practice, producing publishable science communication work. This year emphasises independent projects, portfolio development, and preparation for media or science communication careers.

Focus areas (in a string): science communication, journalism practice, multimedia storytelling, scientific research, digital media production, reporting and writing, public communication of science

Learning outcomes (in a string): communicate complex scientific information clearly, apply journalism techniques to science reporting, produce multimedia content, conduct research and analysis, develop professional media communication skills, integrate science knowledge with storytelling

Professional alignment (accreditation): industry-informed journalism training with opportunities for practical media production, research projects, and professional portfolio development aligned with science communication and journalism careers

Reputation (employability rankings): The University of Queensland is ranked among the world’s top universities and recognised for strong graduate employability and research excellence across science and communication disciplines

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the Bachelor of Science / Journalism at The University of Queensland gain hands-on experience by combining scientific investigation with practical journalism training. The program emphasises laboratory work, field-based science learning, and real-world media production, helping students develop both research and communication skills. Students work in professional learning environments, collaborate on projects, and build experience through internships, research activities, and science communication tasks.

Laboratory-based science training across disciplines such as biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science
Fieldwork opportunities linked to science majors including environmental, marine, and ecological studies
Research-focused coursework and advanced science investigation projects
Practical journalism training in reporting, writing, and multimedia storytelling
Collaborative group projects combining science research with journalism communication
Industry placements and internship opportunities for media and science communication experience
Access to research stations including marine and environmental field study locations
Data analysis, modelling, and scientific research tools used within science majors
Digital storytelling and multimedia production assignments
Workshops, tutorials, and project-based learning led by academic researchers and journalism professionals
Community-focused science communication projects targeting real audiences

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science / Journalism at The University of Queensland are well prepared for careers that combine scientific knowledge with strong communication skills. The dual degree supports roles across media, research organisations, government, and industry, including science communicator, journalist, digital content producer, and communications adviser. Students graduate with practical experience in research, reporting, and multimedia storytelling, making them competitive in both science and media-related fields. Graduates could expect to earn between AUD 55,000 and 70,000 per annum.

Career outcomes include science communicator, journalist, communications adviser, digital content producer, technical writer, and media officer
Hands-on learning through laboratory work, research projects, and journalism production helps graduates transition into professional roles
Opportunities for internships, placements, and real-world projects build industry experience before graduation
Access to a wide range of science majors allows students to specialise for careers in health, environment, technology, or research sectors
Interdisciplinary skill set combining analytical scientific thinking with professional media communication
Collaborative projects and portfolio development supporting employment in media and science organisations
Professional journalism training aligned with industry expectations and evolving digital media environments

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can continue with honours in a science discipline, or pursue postgraduate study in journalism, science communication, media, environmental science, or other specialised science fields. The degree also provides a strong pathway into research-based programs such as a Master’s or PhD, particularly for students interested in scientific research, policy communication, or advanced media careers.