Journalism and Creative Writing – NEW

Program Overview

Durham College (DC) and Trent University Durham GTA (Trent) have teamed up to create an exciting new integrated diploma and degree program — blending practical media production experience with crucial critical thinking and writing skills. With an emphasis on hands-on learning, gain new confidence while building a strong portfolio of work that will help launch your career in journalism, broadcasting and media. Achieve an Ontario College Diploma in Journalism – Mass Media and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Media Studies upon graduation in just four years.

In this program, enjoy courses at both DC and Trent’s Durham GTA campus each year (locations are only 15 minutes apart by car, 25 minutes by transit). Throughout your studies, you will refine your skills in writing, social media and content creation, putting your abilities into practice through a variety of hands-on learning and work placements. You will also develop the practical skills and experience necessary to launch an exciting career in broadcasting and journalism.

Diploma and degree

Field Placement

Writing workshops

Admission Requirements

Applications for this program are made through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre. For complete information on the admission requirements and application process, please visit www.trentu.ca/futurestudents/degree/journalism-and-creative-writing.

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or mature student status
A minimum of six Grade 12 4U or 4M courses, including program-specific prerequisites
A minimum overall final average of 70 per cent (unless otherwise specified)
ENG 4U with a minimum of 60 per cent

View All Requirements

Intakes and Availability

Date	Domestic Availability	International Availability
September 2020	Open

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SAMPLE COURSES

Writing for Broadcast
Print & Web Design
Feature Writing & Publishing
Visual Media
Critical & Opinion Writing
Broadcast Production
Media, Law and Ethics
Media Production

Career Options

WHAT YOU COULD BE

Journalist
Content creator
Editor
Social media manager
Author
Producer
Podcaster
Media relations specialist
Communications officer

View all Career Options

Program Details

Media is a constantly evolving and competitive industry that demands professionals who have both practical experience in media production as well as highly developed critical thinking and writing skills. Experience the best of both worlds as a student in the Journalism and Creative Writing program. Achieve an Ontario College Diploma in Journalism – Mass Media and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Media Studies upon graduation in just four years.

Due to the constant evolution of technology and the increasing development of new platforms of communication, traditional media professions such as journalism are facing new opportunities, as well as new challenges. Changes in the delivery methods of traditional news have forced journalists and others within the journalism industry to change how they do their jobs. For instance, journalists can now collect information with their phones and deliver stories directly to multiple platforms.

Graduates possess skills in: broadcasting, reporting, interviewing, editing, writing, content creation and media production, teamwork and critical thinking. They also have knowledge of applicable legislation, standards and professional ethics and recognize the importance of continuous learning. More specifically, they have a clear understanding of the impact of digital technology on journalism and are able to respond and adapt effectively and efficiently to technological changes.

This program embraces the broad changes occurring in the media landscape and offers a progressive curriculum that allows you to focus on development of skills in journalism, social media and content creation on all platforms – online, print and broadcast.

Develop the essential skills, knowledge and behaviours required to work in this progressive, critical profession.

Important links:

School of Media, Art & Design
The Chronicle http://chronicle.durhamcollege.ca
Riot Radio http://dcstudentsinc.ca/riot-radio/
Durham College’s Global Class http://www.theglobalclass.org/
Twitter: @DCUOITChronicle

NOTE: Students enrolling in this program are required to purchase their own laptop. For specific hardware and software requirements for this program click here.

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or mature student status
A minimum of six Grade 12 4U or 4M courses, including program-specific prerequisites
A minimum overall final average of 70 per cent (unless otherwise specified)
ENG 4U with a minimum of 60 per cent

Courses

Courses and course descriptions are subject to change.

Career Options

WHAT YOU COULD BE

Journalist
Content creator
Editor
Social media manager
Author
Producer
Podcaster
Media relations specialist
Communications officer

WHERE YOU COULD WORK

Communications departments
Magazines
News organizations
Online media companies
Marketing and publishing companies
Public relations firms
TV and radio stations
Self-employed (podcaster, blogger, content creator)

Experiential Learning

Field placement: Your learning experience is complemented by a seven-week field placement at the end of the eighth semester. Gain valuable, hands-on experience in a professional workplace setting while applying the theoretical knowledge and skills learned in the classroom.

Working newsroom: You also have the opportunity to work in The Chronicle newsroom at DC during the third and fourth semesters of the program, where you will draw on your foundational learning to edit video and audio, present on Riot Radio as a host and podcaster, create online and print content for newspaper, and stay active across social media platforms.

Program Transfer, Degree Completion and Additional Credentials

Graduates of the Durham College Journalism – Mass Media diploma program or Journalism advanced diploma program may be eligible to pursue the Journalism and Creative Writing integrated program. Credit transfers and pathways are discussed with students on a case-by-case basis.

Please visit our pathways page to learn more.

COVID-19 Information

Journalism and Creative Writing – NEW

Program Overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes and Availability

SAMPLE COURSES

Career Options

WHAT YOU COULD BE

Program Details

Admission Requirements

Courses

Career Options

WHAT YOU COULD BE

WHERE YOU COULD WORK

Experiential Learning

Program Transfer, Degree Completion and Additional Credentials

Helpful Resources

College guide September 2020 [PDF]

College guide September 2020 [Interactive]

Graduate Employment Report [PDF]