• SFU News
  • News
  • 2019
  • August
  • Study on the Gold Coast’s world-famous beaches during SFU’s new digital journalism program

learning

Study on the Gold Coast’s world-famous beaches during SFU’s new digital journalism program

August 14, 2019
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
SMS
Email
Copy

By Tessa Perkins Deneault

Journalists and those in the creative industries are now expected to have a diverse set of adaptable skills. Employers are increasingly looking for candidates who have skills in media literacy and new technologies, along with theoretical knowledge in art, design and communication.

SFU’s new Creative Technologies in Digital Journalism certificate prepares students for this dynamic industry. The unique, interdisciplinary program combines courses in contemporary arts, interactive arts and technology, publishing and communication with a semester abroad on Australia’s Gold Coast—minutes away from world-famous beaches.

During an exchange at Griffith University students will learn from experts in global and data journalism, and take courses in visual and interactive media and media relations at the Gold Coast Campus. The first exchange will take place in spring 2021.

At SFU, students will choose from a broad range of creative technology and digital journalism courses across the Faculty of Communication, Art and Technology (FCAT), where they will learn from experts in public communication, media studies, digital media, journalism and design.

“FCAT is thrilled to offer this unique program to not only students in our faculty, but also to any SFU student who wants to augment their degree with these in-demand skills,” says Stuart Poyntz, the faculty’s associate dean, academic.

To help with the cost of the international exchange to Griffith University, FCAT has established an International Mobility Award that will offer up to 10 awards of at least $1,000 each year to students pursuing the certificate.

“This certificate strengthens SFU’s partnership with Griffith University,” says Poyntz. “Students will learn from experts in data journalism in a beautiful setting on the Gold Coast.”

This specialized credential program, which begins accepting students in January 2020, is open to all SFU undergraduates. It can be completed in seven to nine courses and, for students already in FCAT, should not increase the length of a bachelor’s degree.

“We established this certificate to respond to the needs of our students and the demand for highly skilled graduates who can adapt to the changing needs of the creative industries,” says Poyntz. “Students will learn a valuable combination of hands-on and theoretical skills to prepare them for the ever-evolving field of digital journalism.”