Stellenbosch University BPhil Journalism
About the Programme
The postgraduate course, the BPhil in Journalism at honours level, is a professional course that delivers beginner-journalists to the media industry. Students who wish to apply for admission must either be in possession of a B-degree (in any field), or be in their final year of a B-degree.
A written application must be addressed to the Registrar
before the end of August of the preceding year.
Applications can be sent to:
The Registrar, University Office,
Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602.
Applications may also be done online at http://admin.sun.ac.za//Student/Admissions/forms/Intro_aansoeknagr.html.
Only 20 to 25 students are admitted to the course annually.
Admission Test and Interview
All applicants are expected to write an admission test in September of the preceding year. Upon passing the admission test, applicants will be invited for an individual interview.
A typing speed of 35 words per minute is a requirement for successful applicants, and this will be tested in the first week of the academic year.
Structure of the course
Students are expected to complete all assignments, attend class and other relevant media-related events from Monday to Friday. This includes some weekends. It will also be required of students to compile, write and read the daily local news bulletins for Stellenbosch’s community radio station MFM 92.6 (http://www.mfm.co.za). The following subjects are compulsory :
- MA(Journalism) he MA in Journalism is a structured programme consisting of 180 credfits. Students have to visit Stellenbosch for specific seminars. The course is popular with media practitioners who wish to further their education. The student can choose between three different. M-options: a structured programme with 70% coursework and a 30% research component; a 50% structured programme with a 50% thesis. Journalism Practice: News, Journalism Practice: Features and Articles, Media History, Media Management, Media and Society, Media Ethics, Radio Journalism, TV Journalism, Science and Technology Journalism, Financial Journalism, English for Journalists, International Journalism, Cultural Literacy, Photo Journalism, Computer Skills for Journalists, Page Layout, Internet Journalism, Media Law and Research Methodology
Duration of the course
The course starts in the first week of February and ends in November. Following this, students are required to complete a practical internship at an approved media institution for a minimum of four weeks before the degree is awarded in April of the next year.