The Australian College of Journalism (ACJ) and Central Queensland University (CQU) have joined forces to open a pathway to the most comprehensive online journalism courses offered nationally.

With the advent of this alliance, which extends their academic options, ACJ graduates are also now eligible for admission into CQU's Bachelor, Advanced Diploma and Diploma of eJournalism which are all offered online.

The Australian College of Journalism's Diploma of Freelance Journalism has been formally recognised by CQU, allowing ACJ graduates exemptions and entry into CQU journalism programs.

CQU Journalism Professor, Alan Knight said that CQU students could work from their home computers to study a wide range of advanced journalism courses including media law, feature writing, photography, media ethics and online investigative journalism. “Students who have been turned away from overcrowded journalism courses at other universities will now be able to obtain a full tertiary qualification from CQU,” Dr Knight said.

The Principal of the Australian College of Journalism, Julia Buxton, (pictured with Alan) said ACJ distance students had already shown strong interest in the new pathway scheme. They will now be able to complete their freelance journalism studies with ACJ and continue along a degree pathway with CQU -- all by distance education.

“We notified our Freelance Journalism students of the new articulation pathway between the Australian College of Journalism and CQU and were immediately inundated with student emails expressing their enthusiasm and support,” said Julia Buxton. “This alliance between ACJ and CQU is a new bridge for students who want a pathway to a media career with high academic standing." Further information is available from the Australian College of Journalism on 1800 252 775 www.acj.edu.au or Central Queensland University on 1 300 360444 or www.cqu.edu.au