Bachelor of Politics & Journalism

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Notre Dame Fremantle

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Politics & Journalism at the University of Notre Dame Australia (Fremantle) combines the study of politics with hands-on journalism skills, so you learn both how governments operate and how to communicate stories that matter. It’s ideal for students who are curious about current affairs, passionate about media, and want to make an impact through reporting, political analysis, or public communications.

Curriculum structure

Year 1
Your first year lays the foundation for both politics and journalism. You’ll study POLI1000 Introduction to World Politics and POLI1001 Politics, Democracy and Governance in Australia to understand political systems and decision-making, while COMM1420 Introduction to Journalism introduces you to reporting and media communication. Alongside this, ARTS1000 Academic Writing, Communication and Research helps you develop strong research and writing skills essential for both fields.

Year 2
In the second year, you’ll build on your journalism skills while deepening your understanding of political systems. Units like COMM2340 Journalism: Theory and Practice teach advanced reporting techniques, while practical courses such as COMM3700 Radio or COMM2330 Journalism for Television and Video give you hands-on media experience. Electives and political studies continue to broaden your perspective and analytical skills.

Year 3
Your final year focuses on applying your skills in real-world settings. You’ll study POLI3003 Setting the Agenda: The Media and Politics to see how media shapes public opinion, explore ethical and legal standards in COMM3050 Media Ethics and Law, and can put your skills into practice through COMM3060 Online Newsroom or a communications internship. With electives like BUSN2580 Introduction to Public Relations, this year prepares you for a smooth transition into careers in media, politics, or communications.

Focus areas (in a string):

Politics theory, democracy and governance, world politics, journalism theory and practice, media ethics and law, media production, political communication

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Gain a strong understanding of politics and journalism, critically evaluate sources, communicate effectively across media formats, practice ethical journalism, work independently and collaboratively, and develop problem-solving and reflective skills

Professional alignment (accreditation):

This is an accredited Level 7 Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) bachelor’s degree, recognised for its quality and relevance to careers in media, communications, and politics

Reputation (employability rankings):

Notre Dame Fremantle graduates leave ready for roles in politics, media, government, and public relations, supported by a program that balances theory with hands-on experience, valued by employers across public and private sectors

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

One of the biggest strengths of the Bachelor of Politics & Journalism at the University of Notre Dame Australia (Fremantle) is how much you’ll learn by doing. You won’t just study politics or media theory—you’ll gain hands-on experience through internships, practical projects, and real-world placements that prepare you for a professional career. The university provides supportive facilities, personalised guidance, and resources like the Michael J M Wright Library, helping you combine academic learning with practical skills:

Internships & work-integrated learning – Take part in the Communications Internship or Professional Project courses, gaining real-world experience in media organisations, TV studios, radio stations, or publishing companies while earning credit.
Service-learning programs – Engage in community projects and social justice-focused subjects, applying your knowledge to make a meaningful impact while developing civic awareness.
Global experiences & study abroad – Participate in international study tours or semester-long exchanges to broaden your perspective, gain cultural insight, and connect your studies to global contexts.
Hands-on project units – Courses like Feature Writing and digital newsroom projects let you practice journalism techniques, create content for real audiences, and collaborate with classmates on creative media work.
Library & research resources – The Michael J M Wright Library offers extensive print and digital collections, study spaces, and computing facilities to support your research and media projects.
Collaborative learning spaces – Small seminars and group projects give you regular opportunities to work with peers, practise communication, and receive personalised feedback from lecturers.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Politics & Journalism at the University of Notre Dame Australia (Fremantle) leave ready to combine political insight with practical media skills—an advantage that’s highly valued in today’s workplace. This degree opens doors to careers such as political journalist, communications officer, public relations specialist, or media advisor, giving you the tools to confidently step into roles where both storytelling and an understanding of civic issues are essential:

Career support & employability services – Notre Dame’s Careers and Employability team supports you from your first year through 18 months after graduation, offering personalised career advice, résumé and interview coaching, access to job and internship listings via CareerHub, and guidance on graduate pathways.
Strong employment outcomes – Graduates in humanities and social sciences programs report solid employment rates, with many securing full-time roles soon after finishing their degree and an average starting salary around AUD 62.6 k.
Industry engagement & partnerships – Through internships and professional project units, you’ll build connections with media organisations, government departments, communications firms, and non-profits, giving you real-world experience before you graduate.
Accredited qualification with long-term value – This fully accredited Level 7 AQF bachelor’s degree is recognised nationally and internationally, providing a strong foundation for a variety of career paths and further study.
Graduation outcomes – Alumni go on to work in journalism, media production, communications, political analysis, public affairs, and other roles where strong writing, research, and ethical decision-making are essential.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, you can continue to deepen your skills and expand your career opportunities. Options include postgraduate study like a Master of Journalism, Master of Public Relations and Strategic Communication, or Master of International Relations. You could also pursue honours or graduate certificates in media studies, political communication, or digital storytelling to strengthen your research and professional skills, making you stand out in competitive fields.