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Ministry-approved title: Journalism
Durham College (DC) and Trent University Durham GTA (Trent) have teamed up to create an 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.
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.
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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 (with an option in Creative Writing) 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 research using generative artificial intelligence (AI) and collect information on their phones to deliver stories directly to multiple platforms and use generative artificial intelligence (AI) to create data visualizations or analyze documents.
Graduates will develop skills in: broadcasting, writing, podcasting, reporting, interviewing, editing, using AI, content creation and media production, teamwork and critical thinking. You will have knowledge of applicable legislation, standards and professional ethics and recognize the importance of continuous learning. More specifically, you will gain a clear understanding of the impact of digital technology and generative AI on journalism and will be 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, social media and broadcast.
Develop the essential skills, knowledge and behaviours required to work in this progressive, critical profession.
Important links:
For more information about the program and learning outcomes, please visit www.trentu.ca/futurestudents/degree/journalism-and-creative-writing.
The courses listed below are for incoming students. If you are a current student, please refer to your program of study for the year you began your program. Your program of study can be found on MyDC.
Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
In person
Students will come to campus to complete in-person learning requirements. Detailed schedules, with course-specific delivery information, will be available after registration. Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
Your learning experience is complemented by a six-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.
Past placement opportunities have included:
Working newsroom: You also have the opportunity to work in The Chronicle newsroom at DC during the fifth and sixth semesters of the program. Here you will draw on your foundational learning to edit video and audio, present on Riot Radio as a host and podcaster, create content for the Chronicle news properties, and stay active across social media platforms.
Graduates of the Durham College Journalism – Mass Media 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.
Looking for more pathway opportunities or to transfer to Durham College? Click here for more information.
NOTE: Students enrolling in this program are required to purchase their own laptop.
A Mac notebook computer is recommended. Please see the hardware requirements document for details.
DO NOT PURCHASE THIS SOFTWARE PRIOR TO STARTING THE PROGRAM.
Creative Cloud brings together everything you need to create your greatest work. One simple membership gives you and your classmates to the very latest versions of all the Adobe professional creative desktop applications like Photoshop®, Illustrator®, Premiere Pro® and more — plus new features and upgrades as soon as they're available. And that's just the beginning. With Creative Cloud™, everything you need to create intuitively and collaboratively is included.
Free downloadable software (please download and install prior to the start of classes. Caution: To avoid malware, only download from the actual developer or using the links below):
NOTE: These requirements were accurate at the time of posting and are subject to change. Please be aware that hardware and software versions are subject to change and will be updated as needed. For further information and FAQ click here.
Brandon Carson is a website designer and developer with experience developing and teaching online, hybrid, and in-person courses. Brandon holds a diploma in Web Development, a B.A. in Adult Education and Digital Technology, an M.A. in Learning and Technology, and is completing a Doctorate of Education.
Teresa Goff is a published writer, award-winning radio broadcaster and college professor with extensive experience designing and implementing curriculum-based experiential learning related to diversity, equity and inclusion. Her classes focus on dialogue, debate and creative development. Research interests include Indigenization, social innovation, social justice, knowledge mobilization and urban issues.
Prior to joining Durham College, Danielle Harder was a reporter and producer CBC Radio and Television and wrote for national and local magazines and newspapers. She holds a B.A. in Journalism and an M.A. in Communications and Technology. She is on secondment to the International Education office until September 2026.
A proud member of Durham College’s journalism faculty team since 2003, Brian Legree worked as a newspaper reporter, columnist and editor and radio newscaster for two decades prior to entering the classroom. Brian graduated from both Western University and Fanshawe College and won the 2021 Chair Academy Exemplary Leadership Award
Sam Riches is an award-winning journalist who has worked across the country. He started his career in Yukon, reporting throughout the territory and into Alaska. He returned to Ontario, where he established himself as a freelancer, contributing to publications such as The New Yorker, The Atlantic and WIRED, among others.
Kenyon Wallace is an investigative reporter with the Toronto Star. He has reported on numerous public interest issues, including secret mistakes made by health care providers and unscrupulous driving schools. He has a Bachelor of Commerce from UBC, and an M.A. in Journalism from Carleton University.
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