Enrolment of first year Journalism students has increased by seventy percent at Central Queensland University (CQU) in 2002, the first year such degrees were made available nationally, according to a recently released internal report. “Maybe it’s coverage of the Afghan war and other events surrounding September 11th that’s spurred interest among 127 new students. Maybe it’s our new on-line-learn-everywhere approach. Whatever it is, they’re intrigued by the jobs journalists perform and want to know more,” said Alan Knight, CQU’s Chair Professor of Journalism and Media Studies.

Actually, there are many reasons why so many students are turning to CQU. The university has progressively restructured its courses the last four years by aligning itself with rapidly changing industry requirements and launching three new e-Journalism programs: a Bachelor’s degree, an Advanced Diploma and a Diploma.

Courses are available in flexible delivery mode, which means distant students – already one as far away as France -- participate in industry recognized eJournalism courses no matter where they are.

CQU students meet industry demands because the university calls on professionals in the business to interact with students, providing real-world training and advice.

The Group Education and Training Development Manager for the Fairfax group, Cratis Hippocrates, recently told students that the need for multimedia skills was sweeping through journalism. “Courses need to be at the forefront of these changes to give students the best chances of getting jobs," he said.

And CQU courses are. The eJournalism radio studio houses a fully functional 24-hour newsroom with a modern digitised news production system, News Boss, that merges text with audio to create radio news bulletins for class and individual projects. Advanced students engage in flexible learning too, producing documentaries, newspapers, and websites. Work experience is also an integral part of the training. Students participating in Rockhampton studies are located in the city centre, which provides direct access to the courts, police headquarters, and Council members. Local media like the ABC, the Morning Bulletin, WIN TV and other outlets are within walking distance of the classrooms. It’s an active location for field experience.

“All of our students can conduct their studies on-line, yet still receive personal instruction while building a solid network of contacts among professionals in the community, the region and around the country so they can get a job when they graduate,” Knight said.