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Study Journalism Abroad in 2024
This blog on studying journalism abroad will give insight into how it varies across abroad and uses different media. You will know about print, electronic and digital journalism focusing on how these mediums progressed and their future. Journalism streams can be practiced all over the world but a country’s media laws may have an effect on how the journalism degree is taught and the subjects of the program. Students will learn the latest multimedia broadcast media skills along with traditional media skills that include all the elements of journalism. Students can apply for the master’s course after completing their bachelor’s degree with the required aggregate IELTS, TOEFL, PTE etc. are some of the popular English proficiency tests accepted by universities abroad that international students must take.
Table Of Contents
Table Of Contents
1. What is Journalism?
Journalism is the gathering, creating, preparation and distribution of reports of current events based on facts and information. The journalism term is used for the profession whereas a journalist is a person who collects and presents the news adequately. Journalism is specifically classified into two sections - Print and Electronic Media (Audio/Visual). Print Media involves newspapers, magazines and journals. Print journalism has different work profiles which include reporters, editors, correspondents, columnists and many more. Meanwhile, Electronic Media is the distribution of news or info via electronic media like radio, TV and the web. Well-known work profiles in the electronic media section include anchor, reporter, editor, correspondent etc. Journalism has become one of the most popular professions among youths in the current era. Candidates of different academic backgrounds are choosing journalism programs due to various career options and career opportunities. In this blog, we have also discussed in comprehensive detail journalism programs, their opportunities, types, work areas and more.
1.1. Types of Journalism to study abroad
In the past years, communication channels have broadened from radio, tv to digital and social mediums. The media industries in the world provide a generous number of job opportunities to suitable candidates. Currently, journalism has become one of the most prestigious careers everywhere. Candidates can avail of jobs as a journalist in English, Hindi and many other common or regional languages. Candidates can also avail of jobs in different types of journalism listed below:
|
Types of Journalism |
|
|
Broadcast Journalism |
Communications |
|
Fashion Journalism |
Foreign Correspondent |
|
Freelance Writing |
Investigative Journalism |
|
Newspaper Reporter |
Photojournalism |
|
Social Media |
Sports Journalism |
1.2. Journalism Courses available Abroad
Students from the stream of Arts/Commerce/Science can opt to pursue a course in Journalism. Most colleges/universities that offer journalism as a course specify that candidates will be considered eligible to apply for admissions if they have cleared their 10+2 from a recognized institute with a minimum aggregate of 50%. To pursue a journalism course at the PG level candidates should have completed their graduation degree with passing marks. Many universities offer journalism programs at UG and PG levels. Some of the courses are mentioned in the table below:
|
Journalism Courses available abroad |
Level |
Duration |
|
Bachelor of Mass Communication |
Undergraduate |
4 years |
|
Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication (BJMC) |
Undergraduate |
4 years |
|
BJ (Bachelor of Journalism) |
Undergraduate |
4 years |
|
BSc in Journalism and Mass Communication |
Undergraduate |
4 years |
|
BBA in Mass Communication and Journalism |
Undergraduate |
4 years |
|
BA in Mass Media and Mass Communication |
Undergraduate |
4 years |
|
Master of Journalism |
Postgraduate |
2 years |
|
Master in Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC) |
Postgraduate |
2 years |
|
Master of Mass Communication |
Postgraduate |
2 years |
|
MSc in Mass Communication |
Postgraduate |
2 years |
2. Job Profiles in Journalism
For making a career further in Journalism, we have some job profiles in Print Media and Electronic Media, In the following section we have classified job profiles in both areas.
2.1. A Career in Print Media
Below mentioned are some basic and important job profiles and their roles. Photojournalists, cartoonists and fashion bloggers are some other profiles.
Reporter: The reporter gathers news and reports with accuracy. Timeliness, News sense and objectivity are a few important qualities, which a reporter must have.
Correspondent: Correspondents are also called special reporters who are hired for a specific purpose. Correspondents can cover any beat like politics, sports, crime, entertainment etc.
Feature Writer: The responsibility of a feature writer is to write soft stories with deep research and observations on a particular subject.
Proofreader: The role of a proofreader is to assess the edited copy. He/She must have good grammatical and punctuation skills to proofread the document or report.
Leader Writer: The leader writer writes their views and opinions on the current trending topics through the editorials section.
Editor: The Editor must maintain a journal's reputation. He also ensures that the article corresponds with the media's in-house style guides.
Columnist: The columnist writes for a specific column in depth in the newspaper or magazine section. The column can be related to any topic and subject highlighting his viewpoint on any subject like religion, art, politics, fashion or movies.
2.2. A Career in Electronic Media
Various job profiles in electronic media are listed below:
Electronic Media Reporters: Electronic media also called broadcast reporters should have good presentation and verbal skills. He should have a news sense.
Researchers: The researchers involve deep research on a particular topic. Outstanding qualities required for this job role are creativity and excellent market and ground research skills.
Presenters/anchors: A presenter should be confident and must have excellent speaking and communication skills and the ability to remain steady in demanding situations.
Freelancers: Apart from the above-mentioned job profiles, freelancers are informal employees who are assigned a particular task and are paid according to it.
3. Journalism Courses Abroad: Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility criteria for admission to a majority of universities offering journalism courses are based on candidates’ potential in the written entrance exam with a personal interview round. The written pattern exam contains objective type multiple choice questions on topics like English, current affairs, general awareness, media awareness, logical reasoning etc. However, some institutions also offer direct admission to candidates based on their performance in the qualifying exam (Class XII or graduation). Are you thinking of studying for an MS in journalism abroad? Then you have to match the entire criteria provided by the universities. These eligibility criteria for admission may vary according to the country. So, we have listed below the common eligibility criteria for students who are willing to pursue journalism courses from universities abroad.
- The Application process needs a 10th-12th class certificate from a recognized school.
- Bachelor’s degree with 70% aggregate from a recognized university/ college if you are considering for master’s.
- English proficiency tests i.e. IELTS, TOEFL, PTE and Duolingo, you can submit a score on any of the proficiency tests mentioned above.
- Entrance exams accepted by abroad universities i.e. GRE and GMAT.
- You have to submit the ‘letter of recommendation’ and statement of purpose for the program.
- You can also submit a resume (if required).
Note: Eligibility may vary with different specializations; hence students need to cross-check the exact requirements based on the course requirements.
3.1. Top Recruiters For Journalists As a Career
Below are some areas where a journalist can work at different profiles.
|
Top Recruiters |
|
|
News Agencies |
Press Information Bureau |
|
Legal Affairs Department |
Television Industry |
|
Newspapers |
Circulation and Public Relations |
|
Private/ Public Radio Industry |
Journals |
|
Blogs |
Websites |
3.1. Journalism Courses Jobs & Salaries Abroad
Many journalism aspirants chose journalism due to their interest and passion in this field. The average annual salary of a journalist ranges from INR 2.33-9.58 lakh. The salary scale of a journalist in print, television and radio with similar experiences may differ. For example, a senior journalist in electronic media is paid more than a journalist in print media with the same experiences. The major difference is because of the higher advertising revenue generated in television compared to newspapers and magazines. Students after completing the masters in journalism courses get a better job profile and roles with a better pay-scale package. Every year, so many students get placement in the top organizations all over the world with a better salary package in hand. The average salary that an MS in Journalism graduate can earn is around USD 68,000 yearly.
4. Pros and Cons of Journalism
Journalism is a profession for curious people and like every other profession; journalism too has both pros and cons.
Some are categorized below:
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
New opportunities and challenges |
Not very lucrative |
|
Opportunity to work with informed people |
Challenging and demanding |
|
You learn for a living |
Long workdays |
|
Opportunity to meet people |
Work pressure |
|
Opportunity to travel |
Stressful |
|
A strong sense of achievement |
Risk to life |
|
You get paid for writing |
- |
|
Benefits of a press card |
- |
5. Journalism Program Structure
In the abroad you would study journalism as part of your bachelor’s degree, focusing on it as a major or minor. At the master’s level, you will study journalism as a separate subject. In some countries, you will be able to study journalism as a program by itself at all levels of study. When deciding on where to study journalism it’s important to consider the practical experience offered by a university, for example, journalism internships, placements or work experience. Another consideration will be the access to facilities that a university has such as radio studios and filming equipment.
According to your program, journalism programs involve practical classes using a mixture of broadcast devices and writing assignments. There will also be tutorials, lectures, personal study time and seminars.
The course structure and syllabus of a journalism degree will vary depending on the country and different universities you are enrolling in. Some of the semester modules & electives you may study journalism in includes:
- Media law
- Journalism and society
- Storytelling
- Journalism and ethics
- Broadcast journalism
- Journalism and photography
6. Future Journalism Careers
You learn a lot of transferable skills when studying journalism including writing, storytelling, critical thinking and knowledge of media law. There are loads of options for future careers, including:
- Broadcast journalist
- Subject-specific journalist
- Editor
- Reporter
- Presenter
- Producer
- Researcher
If you are finding a career in journalism it can be very competitive and it will also take a lot of time to gain experience. Journalism graduates should focus on gaining more experience as they can while studying, including extracurricular media activities, or internships and placements during internship periods or university holidays.
6.1. Work Permit after Journalism Courses Abroad
After completing the bachelor's or master's in journalism abroad students are eligible to apply for post-study work permits abroad. Many countries allow students to work after completing the degree.
6.2. Journalism Courses Abroad Scholarship
There are over 1400 scholarships in master’s programs available for international students. Foreign universities offer many scholarships to candidates based on their education merit and eligibility criteria. This abroad scholarship opportunity will give relaxation to students in their tuition fees and it can allow their pocket to complete their degrees on an affordable budget.
7. Top 5 Universities to Study Journalism
In this section, we have classified the top 5 universities to study journalism abroad with what courses are available in the particular university.
7.1. University of Amsterdam
The media is all around us. They decide and have an impact on how we perceive and engage with the world around us. With their tales, programs, performances, exhibitions, collections, and data, the media structure information, circulate it and define our culture. In the areas of media archaeology, the creative sector, datafication, digital methodologies, and information analysis, the UvA's Department of media studies is a preeminent international institution. Media Culture and Media & Information are two more comprehensive university programs in media studies that focus on a different critical component of media evolution and effect.
Courses Available at the University of Amsterdam:
- Bachelor’s Media & Culture
- Bachelor’s in Media & Information
- Master’s New Media and Digital Culture (Media Studies)
- Master’s Film Studies
- Master’s Media Studies
7.2. University of Southern California
The foundation of journalism and public relations is the telling of compelling stories that inform, enlighten, educate, advocate for causes, and heal. Journalists and PR specialists work to hold institutions responsible, foster communities, and strengthen companies by sharing these stories too, about, and for a diverse mosaic of people. Our faculty at USC, which includes scholars and practitioners, offer a distinctive synthesis of critical theory and ethical practices that equips our students for careers in a world where their words and stories have more sway than ever.
Courses Available at University of Southern California:
- BA in Communication
- BA in Journalism
- MS in Journalism
- MA in Specialized Journalism
- MA in Specialized Journalism(Arts & Culture)
- Ph.D. Program( Communication)
7.3. The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
With its excellent, interdisciplinary teaching and research training, the LSE Department of Media and Communications is ranked third in the world and first in the UK. The top graduate program in the world includes Ph.D. programs, a few short courses, as well as 12- and 24-month master's degrees that draw from the fields of social science. Students can select from a variety of MSc programs, including Gender, Media, and Culture; Strategic Communications, and Media & Communications. Over 200 graduate students from all over the world are presently enrolled in the department, which is situated in the center of London.
Courses Available in the London of Economics and Political Science:
- MS in Media and Communications
- MS in Strategic Communications
- MSc in Gender, Media and Culture
7.4. Stanford University
Journalism and Stanford University have a long history together. When SU initially opened its doors in 1891, the student body immediately started a collegiate newspaper. A few years later, in 1910, the institution presented "News Writing," its first journalism course. Today's journalism program at the school places a strong emphasis on gathering and analyzing data to create and disseminate compelling stories. Undergraduates learn how to use software and programming languages like R, Python, and spreadsheets during their four years at SU to improve their storytelling. Equally data-driven is the graduate program in journalism. Because of this, SU has helped its alumni gain employment in newsrooms and institutions around the country, including Google News, The Wall Street Journal, and the New York
These Journalism Courses Available at Stanford University in United States:
- BA in Journalism
- MA in Journalism
7.5. Nanyang Technological University Singapore (NTU Singapore)
Experiential learning is a major component of NTU Singapore's Bachelor of Communications Studies program. For instance, the four-year program is taught at the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information, which supports intensive international field excursions to expose undergraduates to the reality of reporting from abroad. A 22-week internship is another requirement for third-year students to get practical experience and begin developing their career networks. The institution also provides a master's program that can be pursued full- or part-time in addition to the undergraduate degree. It's important to note that although NTU Singapore is ranked fifth overall in the QS World University Rankings, the journal names the institution as the best in Asia for communication and media studies.
Course Available at Nanyang Technological University Singapore:
- Bachelor of Communication Studies (BCS)
- Master of Communication Studies (Research)
- Master of Media & Communication (MMC)
8. Conclusion
We have cited all the primary details regarding your study abroad venture for a master’s and Bachelor’s degree abroad for Journalism. Career Clinic is a study abroad consultancy and we can help students to study abroad. Read this article and get more information about how to Study Journalism in universities abroad. If you found this information informative, read our other blogs!
9. WHO ARE WE
Are you the one who is passionate about being a journalist? If this sounds like you, then perhaps journalism could be a promising career for you. Be Aware! It's not a usual 9 to 5 work. You may have to work different work hours to cover breaking news as it happens and to complete it on narrow deadlines. A career in Journalism from the best universities in the world will help you to start your career in the field of digital, print media and Electronic Media. Connect with Career Clinic today and choose an opportunity to handpick the best journalism universities abroad. Get in touch with us immediately for the Jan, 2024 intake across the global universities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Journalism is becoming extremely popular as a subject with several countries offering a course that involves both theoretical and practical training. In the past years, communication channels have broadened from radio, tv to digital and social mediums. The media industries in the world provide a generous number of job opportunities to suitable candidates. The best countries to study mass communication include the USA, UK, Canada, Australia and Germany.
There are several ways for an Indian student to study journalism abroad. One option is to apply to universities or colleges that offer journalism programs, and then apply for a student visa to study in that country. Another option is to look for scholarships or grants specifically for Indian students studying journalism abroad. Additionally, some organizations or foundations may offer internships or fellowships for Indian journalists to study abroad. It's also worth considering if you want to study for a short-term or long-term course.
Studying journalism abroad gives you new opportunities and challenges, the Opportunity to work with informed people, learn for a living, a strong sense of achievement, get paid for writing, and get many benefits of a press card Not only does a study abroad experience boost your resume, but it also enhances your network to include all the international contacts you have met along the way.
The Journalism sector has come forth with more programs, research options, and choices of career opportunities. The typical salary of a journalist abroad varies between USD 60,000 (INR 48 Lacs) to USD 75,350 (INR 60 Lacs) a year. Moreover, the course provides foreign students with the right exposure to express their opinion and views on a wide variety of subjects. Let’s explore more about this course.
