Scandinavians seek Australian university to study media

Norwegian students will soon learn about journalism from an Australian university.

The University of Queensland will offer its Bachelor of Journalism course offshore for the first time this year, from second semester in July.

Head of the University's Journalism Department Professor John Henningham said the first year of the UQ degree course would be offered in Oslo through flexible delivery and traditional lectures.

"Students will come to The University of Queensland in Brisbane to complete the second and third years of the course," he said.

"It's part of a twinning arrangement between UQ and Norwegian private college Bjorknes Privatschole.

"We're very pleased because we were approached by the Norwegians to offer the course, based on the international reputation of our program.

"UQ has Australia's longest-established and largest journalism department. We have made an impact through our professional and academic publications, as well as the success rate of our students in finding employment. Graduates are working throughout Australia and the world."

About 30 students on Norwegian Government scholarships will be enrolled in the course.

Professor Henningham said UQ's Journalism Department had a large number of international students enrolled in Australia, including students from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific Islands and North and South America. The Department produces a newspaper International Echo to assist international students build contacts.

An important role in supporting overseas students is being undertaken by the Department's new Centre for International Journalism, which with industry support is helping in the training of journalists from developing countries. The Centre is also forging links with journalists and professional bodies throughout the world.

Media: Further details, Professor John Henningham, telephone 07 3365 2630 or Jan King, UQ Communications telephone 0413 601 248.

Enquiries can also be directed to communications@mailbox.uq.edu.au