For many people, journalism is a career that has no equals; being able to write and report on ground breaking events - or simply on those of a local nature - is something that thousands of people enjoy and, more to the point, make a living from. Journalism is taught across the world to degree level at many universities, but what do you look for in a journalism degree?

The first thing to consider is whether you wish to study part time or full time; there are courses available in both spheres, meaning that if you are working in a different field and looking to change to a journalism career you can study part time. The benefits of this are enticing to some, but the younger generations may wish to study for a degree in journalism on a full time basis.

University applications service UCAS says there has been a 51% rise in the number of students wanting to study journalism in the five years between 2002 and 2007. But is a degree in journalism worthwhile or simply a waste of time?

Well, firstly there is the cost to think of. A student on a three-year UK BA degree will typically have to find at least 40,000 pounds once tuition fees, accommodation and maintenance costs are taken into account. Surely it is far better to do a degree in a subject other than journalism first and then do a short course or an online journalism course. That way, if you decide that journalism is not for you you can switch career more easily. If you only have a BA Journalism degree then you are much more restricted.

Should journalism courses be vocational or academic in nature? In my view journalism is a craft and the basic skills can be learnt in a matter of weeks - at a fraction of the cost of a degree.

Although, what may be the most useful major for me and my potential career, may not be the best for everyone else. In order to become successful in anything that a person does there has to be a drive, and a passion. Communications is very important to me but that doesn't mean that just anyone will be good at it. Nor does it mean that others will find the same intrigue in it. If all were to choose a similar major, there would be no variety. The field of communications would lack enthusiasm and possibly even talent. Focusing on a single major could result in losing talented doctors, teachers, artists, and other people that form our society. The major that one chooses needs to be one that fuels their passion and their talent. It should not be one that is chosen based on what seems best by the world.

Journalism covers the following sections- New reading, Writing, Editing, Reporting, Photographing, Broadcasting and Anchoring. Journalism can be classified into broad categories of media, Print Journalism (Newspaper, Magazines, and Journals etc) and Electronic Media (News channels, Radio, Internet etc.). If you opt for Print journal then you can work as a reporter, writer, and columnist in a leading news paper or national magazines. In electronic media one can opt to become a news reader, anchor, web writer, editor, correspondent etc.

The basic eligibility required for a bachelor degree in Journalism course is the completion of 10+2 from a recognized board. Some colleges also provide Post graduate program in Journalism for that your Bachelor degree is required to get admission in it. Besides this, you are required to qualify an entrance test to get a seat in Journalism in reputed colleges of Delhi or India. You could also go for Diploma in Journalism or specialized training at reputed media organizations.





Read about study programs, and also read about study journalism in australia and mba university of victoria.

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