Studies & Degrees in International Journalism

Choose where you would like to study International Journalism:

When embarking on a journalism degree, you should expect to learn things like writing, reporting, interview skills, public speaking skills, critical thinking, and similar. Journalists usually write and edit news reports, commentaries and features for newspapers, magazines, electronic media and radio or television stations.  Some of the tasks journalists do include gathering news and information by interviewing people and attending events; carrying out research in order to provide background information for articles; evaluating the suitability of reports and articles for publication or broadcasting,; writing articles that comment on or interpret news events; presenting news on air. In international journalism, the practice and study of journalism is addressed in a wide variety of international contexts. International journalists engage with global events and study and practice journalism in an international context. International journalists have to deal with issues like reporting with cultural sensitivity, working with translators and other international partners, and getting the necessary information in an unfamiliar setting.

Personal Qualities

To engage in international journalism, you need to possess the qualities required for a journalist (i.e. good communication skills), as well as the qualities required for you to work in a foreign environment, and sometimes even in a dangerous setting. Qualities to consider are:

• Excellent communication skills
• Critical thinking
• Aptitude for subjects like literature and history
• Ability to write clear, concise, objective and accurate material quickly
• Possess good general knowledge
• Interest in current events
• Able to speak clearly when working on radio and television
• Able to get to the heart of an issue
• Flexible, adaptable, and willing to travel
• Willing to work long hours

Study Options

Various universities around the world offer degrees in International Journalism. These are usually aimed at students, who intend to work as journalists in an international environment or work for global media networks; for students, interested in travelling, working abroad, and reporting stories from different parts of the world. The degrees are of course offered at various levels – mostly bachelor’s and master’s. It would be a good option if the course you choose combines practical modules like writing and reporting in print, radio, TV and online journalism with theory modules like media law, ethics, media theory and international politics. Other factors to consider when choosing an institution for your international journalism degree are: location – would you have access to the industry for contacts and internships; guest speakers – does the university invite journalists, who can give you examples from their own careers; does the school have good links with media companies; graduate prospects – where have former students been hired after graduation; internship opportunities, and of course facilities.

Career Options

Career options for international journalists are definitely very exciting. Graduates can work in newspapers and magazines, in radio and TV broadcasting, and other news organizations all over the world. They can specialize in a field of interest, and travel to different countries to explore the issue they are interested in. Another choice for you could be to do further study, do research, and go into teaching.