Journalism at undergraduate level prepares students for careers as journalists and provides a general education about journalism and news media, press, radio, television and multimedia. The focus is on practical and theoretical aspects of journalism, including reporting and writing, ethics, law, research methods, photojournalism and design. The main aims of the Honours year are: To enable students with an adequate background in Journalism & Mass Communication to pursue further study in one specialist area in more depth than is possible with a pass degree To enhance students capacity for independent research and to acquire research skills appropriate to their area of specialisation. To train to a standard sufficient for enrolment in postgraduate research degrees, and for a specialist career. Achievement of first class or IIA honours allows direct entry to a PhD program.

An Honours year in Journalism and Mass Communication focuses on developing and consolidating the knowledge and skills acquired during undergraduate study, with particular emphasis on utilising those skills in a sustained and purposeful way by conducting independent research. Apart from content knowledge, employers and professionals value both the reliability and capacity for independent work, and the skill at writing substantial reports which are demonstrated by successful completion of Honours.