Overview
You are curious and creative. You know what’s going on in the world and you want to make a difference as a multi-media storyteller. Join BCIT’s Broadcast and Online Journalism program to take the first steps in your new career. Our reputation in industry means that more than 90% of our graduates are employed. From day one you’ll be working as a hands-on journalist in news, sports and current affairs. Students will be mentored by experienced faculty and connect with professionals in the field. Our emphasis on multi-platform production puts this program on the cutting edge of journalism schools across the country. Check out our student work on our BCIT News website.
About the program
- Two years, full-time
- Program runs from September to May
- Prepares students for a range of journalism and media positions
To see more specifics about how BCIT’s unique training prepares you for a fast-paced journalism career, visit our Program Details page.
Work integrated learning
Every full-time diploma program has a practicum component where students spend time with an industry partner (TV and Radio stations; production, sports and entertainment companies). Practicums are typically four weeks in duration. In addition to practicum, students may have the opportunity to enter co-op in level four.
Who should apply for the Broadcast and Online Journalism Diploma?
This program was developed by industry professionals for people who have a strong curiosity about the world and want to develop critical thinking skills related to news and current affairs storytelling. You should also have strong written and oral communication skills.
If this sounds like you, apply today through our Entrance Requirements page.
What grads can do
There is always a strong demand for writers, reporters, video journalists, producers, and researchers who are skilled in producing radio, television, and online content. Our graduates work in newsrooms, sports stations, and media relations firms, including government and production houses. Some have established their own video production companies.
Learn more about the career possibilities available to our graduates on the Graduating and Jobs page.
- Next up Entrance Requirements
Entrance Requirements
Application processing
Open to applications beginning October 1st (or next business day).
Entrance requirements
Applicants will be accepted on a first qualified basis, as long as space remains. You must meet the following entrance requirements to qualify:
- English: two years of education in English in an English-speaking country with one of the following:
- English Studies 12 (67%) or
- English First Peoples 12 (67%) or
- Acceptable equivalent high school course or
- 3.0 credits of post-secondary English, humanities or social sciences (67%) from a recognized institution
What if I don’t meet these English requirements? - BCST 0001 - Broadcast and Online Journalism Entrance Assessment (60%)
This online assessment evaluates English literacy, current events awareness, and program aptitude. Results will be posted to my.bcit.ca within ten business days of the exam date.
Recommended for success
Attendance at one of the information sessions held each month of the school year at 5:30 pm in the Broadcast Centre, Building SE10 on the Burnaby campus
BCIT Broadcast and Media Communications Part-time Studies courses
Related industry experience
Previous post-secondary education, particularly English, political science and communications
Awareness of current events
International applicants
This program is available to international applicants. A valid study permit is required prior to starting the program.
Students enrolled in this program must complete the mandatory work component to qualify for graduation. A co-op work permit is required prior to starting the work component.
Apply to program
To submit your application:
- Include proof of meeting all entrance requirements.
- Convert all transcripts and supporting documents to PDF files.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.
Apply Now
Scheduled Intakes
September each year.
myCommunication
Within two business days of submitting your completed application, BCIT will send a message to your personal and myBCIT e-mail addresses. All correspondence regarding your application will be posted to your online myCommunication account at my.bcit.ca. We'll send you an e-mail when a new message is posted. It's important to watch for these e-mails or regularly check your account online.
You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within four weeks.
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Costs & Supplies
Bring your own device & additional equipment
Tuition fees
Please see the Full-Time Tuition & Fees pages for tuition fee amounts:
Books & supplies
Student spending above and beyond tuition depends largely on individual preferences and practices. The following estimates provide a range of spending:
Level 1: $1,000
Level 2: $350
Level 3: $300
Level 4: $300
These are general estimated costs, subject to change.
Additional costs and supplies
In addition to some textbooks and stationary, Broadcast and Online Journalism students must supply additional resources to ensure they can participate in classes, and deliver assignments to meet learning outcomes. These resources include:- Smartphone with a mobile plan
- Audio recording apps
- Microphone (for smartphone), mic/smartphone adapter
- USB flash drives with sufficient storage space
- 2 TB external hard drive
- SD memory card 64GB
Vehicles
There are also additional vehicle costs associated with our labs. All students in the Broadcast and Online Journalism program require access to a vehicle in order to cover stories off-campus, particularly in second year. Students without access to a vehicle will need to arrange transportation with colleagues, take a taxi, or pursue stories entirely on-campus. All vehicle costs (parking and gas) are shared equally among Television and Journalism students when covering stories for BCIT Magazine (in second year).Financial assistance
Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.
- Go back Entrance Requirements
- Next up Courses
Courses
The hands-on experience of working in radio, television, and online makes your training at BCIT completely one-of-a-kind. In your two years in the program, you’ll practice the everyday skills needed for journalism and learn how to investigate original news stories, shoot and edit stories, produce documentaries and more. We have a strong focus on digital journalism and how to use social media for news and information reporting.
Program matrix
Level 1 (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
---|---|---|---|
BCST 1108 | Video Journalism | 3.0 | |
BCST 1118 | Video Editing | 2.0 | |
BCST 1128 | On-Air Performance | 3.0 | |
BCST 1130 | Introduction to News Reporting | 2.0 | |
BCST 1132 | Introduction to Radio | 2.0 | |
BCST 1134 | News Writing 1 | 3.0 | |
BCST 1139 | Visual Fundamentals for Journalists | 2.0 | |
BCST 2215 | Web Design for Journalists | 3.0 | |
Level 2 (16 weeks plus 4 week practicum) | Credits | ||
BCST 1331 | Media Law | 2.0 | |
BCST 2230 | News Reporting | 2.0 | |
BCST 2232 | Radio and Online News 1 | 6.0 | |
BCST 2233 | Television News 1 | 2.0 | |
BCST 2234 | Documentary Production 1 | 2.0 | |
BCST 2235 | Journalism Practicum 1 | 8.0 | |
BCST 2238 | News Writing 2 | 2.0 | |
BCST 2240 | Digital Journalism | 2.0 | |
COMM 1112 | Media Relations Skills for Journalists | 3.0 | |
Level 3 (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
BCST 3332 | Radio and Online News 2 | 8.0 | |
BCST 3333 | Television News 2 | 8.0 | |
BCST 3340 | Advanced Journalism | 2.0 | |
BCST 3700 | Digital News 1 | 8.0 | |
MKTG 3800 | Media Entrepreneur for Broadcast | 2.0 | |
Level 4 (16 weeks plus 4 week practicum) | Credits | ||
BCST 4430 | Documentary Production 2 | 2.0 | |
BCST 4432 | Radio and Online News 3 | 8.0 | |
BCST 4433 | Television News 3 | 8.0 | |
BCST 4434 | Digital News 2 | 8.0 | |
BCST 4435 | Journalism Practicum 2 | 7.0 | |
Total Credits: | 110.0 |
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
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Program Details
Your journalism training at BCIT is unlike any you’ll get anywhere else. From the beginning of your first week, you’ll be involved in learning skills and knowledge journalists and media professionals use every day. We have a very active industry advisory committee which helps us keep our program up to date and which mentors our second year students in industry rotations throughout the year. We are live and on the air – our students:
- Prepare and deliver a 30-minute news program that’s broadcast online
- Report from the field and in the studio at Canada’s only FM student-run radio station, Evolution 107.9
- Produce photos, video and audio for our website bcitnews.com
Through this program, you’ll develop interviewing skills and announcing techniques, hone your writing, and learn how to deliver compelling news stories. All your courses and experience, including industry internships, are designed to give you the ability and confidence to start and succeed in your journalism career.
Program length
Two years, full-time.
The program runs from September to May each year.
Additional program options
Program delivery
In person: This program is delivered on campus.
Program location
Burnaby Campus
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC
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Graduating & Jobs
With the practical career skills you’ll develop through this program, you’ll be prepared to begin an exciting career in a wide range of journalism positions, both online and in traditional print, TV, and radio.
Some career opportunities in journalism include:
- Video Journalist
- Field Reporter
- Sportscaster
- Sports Play by Play
- Writer/Editor
- Researcher
- Media Relations
- News Anchor/On-Air Host
- Video/Digital Producer
- Associate Producer
- Feature Editor/Reporter
- Online Writer/Editor
Testimonials
“Our Experience with BCIT Students in our newsroom in Vancouver…is that the people who are coming out of BCIT are able to fit into our newsroom immediately.”
Ian Hanomansing, CBC News
“BCIT’s Broadcast and Online Journalism program provides a solid foundation for any aspiring journalist. In the years since graduating, I’ve been able to report on some of the most complex issues of our time for the world’s finest news organizations. BCIT helped pave the way.”
Imtiaz Tyab, Correspondent, CBS News
“After completing my degree, I enrolled in the BCIT Broadcast Journalism program. The wonderful instructors gave me the tools to hit the ground running and start building a career as a working journalist. Best of all, they helped place me as an intern at the CBC, where I have been able to fulfill a wide range of rolls over the years. I love what I do and I wouldn’t be here without BCIT.”
Renée Filippone, CBC Foreign Correspondent
Graduate employment outcomes
The BCIT student outcomes report presents summary findings from the annual survey of former students administered by BC Stats one to two years after graduation. These reports combine the last three years of available results for the 2020-2022 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2019-2021 graduates and for Degree 2017-2019 graduates. The reports are organized into three-page summaries containing information on graduates’ labour market experiences and opinions regarding their education. More detailed information can be accessed at the BC Student Outcomes website.
To view these results, you may need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.
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Faculty, Advisors & Staff
Ian Foote
Ian spent several years as an anchor and reporter in South Korea where he covered local news and geopolitical affairs in East Asia. During this time, he also provided analysis on breaking stories and inter-Korean tensions for CKWX, CKNW and Sputnik radio in Scotland. Prior to his on-air work, Ian helped develop and teach a course designed to help students improve their English-language skills through news media. Ian is a grad of the BCIT Broadcast Journalism program. He also holds a BA in English Literature from the University of the Fraser Valley, with a concentration in Media and Communication Studies.
Julia Foy
Julia is an award-winning broadcast journalist with over 35 years of experience in radio and television news. Since attending BCIT’s Broadcast Journalism program, she worked at radio stations CKNW and CISL, and television stations CKVU, CTV and Global. She received awards from BC Association of Broadcasters, Radio Television and Digital News Directors Association and Jack Webster Foundation for excellence in TV News Reporting. She’s been teaching in the BCIT Broadcast and Online program in part-time studies since 1997, and full-time since 2013. Julia completed the Provincial Instructors Diploma in 2015. She’s proud to offer students a strong combination of current experience and professional guidance.
Christine German
Christine is a graduate of the Journalism program at BCIT who also holds a BA in English Literature from the University of Saskatchewan. She has worked as a freelance producer with the CBC, Force Four Productions, Channel 4 (UK) and as a full-time producer for TVNW Media Group. Christine also spent time on the mic and in-front of the camera as a host and play-by-play commentator, including at the Athens Olympics in 2004. Prior to becoming a journalist, she worked in media relations for an international sports organization. In recent years Christine has switched her focus to Digital Journalism training, specializing in mobile reporting, multi-platform storytelling, and data journalism.
Keanan Kipp
Like many faculty members, Keanan is a graduate of BCIT’s Broadcast Journalism Program. She worked for several years at Global BC, as a news writer, Line-up/Associate Producer, and eventually as the Show Producer for the Global Morning News. While she enjoys the fast-paced environment of the control room, Keanan also loves getting out to Field Produce on location. In addition to her broadcast diploma, Keanan has a Bachelor’s Degree in Visual Arts and French from Vancouver Island University. In her spare time she likes to put her planning and producing skills to use as a freelance event coordinator.
Theresa Lalonde
Theresa Lalonde started working for CBC Radio when she was a teenager, hosting CBC North’s Saturday Night Request show. She’s also been a reporter and producer and host in Ontario and Nova Scotia before joining the Vancouver newsroom in 2000. She’s worked for national radio programs and local news, now producing for radio, TV and the web. Lalonde currently produces the award-winning current affairs program “Our Vancouver” hosted by Gloria Macarenko. She also mentors new journalists on major projects and series. She recently was the coordinating producer for CBC Vancouver’s Indigenous Jr J School. She joined the Professional Advisory Committee for the Journalism program at BCIT in 2010 and began teaching Radio Documentary, Intro to News Reporting, and now Advanced Journalism in 2016.
Julie Nolin
Julie is an award-winning journalist, who began her media career in 1990. She has worked as a reporter, photographer, editor, documentary director, producer, and anchor across Western Canada, in mainstream and Indigenous television, radio, and newspapers. She has been a reporter and producer with CTV Vancouver since 2013. Aside from a Master’s degree in International and Intercultural Communication, she is currently pursuing a Doctoral degree in Leadership and Learning. She is passionate about diversity, inclusion, and intercultural competency – and has focused much of her studies on Indigenous cultures. Teaching and developing curriculum since 1995, Julie also enjoys inspiring young journalists and writers, along with providing a focus on research, presentation, and storytelling skills
Mary Kay Thurston
Mary Kay Thurston is a graduate BCIT’s Television program. She began teaching Broadcast Journalism after working as a writer-producer at Vancouver’s CKVU TV. She has also worked as a freelance photographer, and as news editor for CBC, Global and ATV in Halifax. Other career highlights include serving as Vice President of the Broadcast Educators Association of Canada, receiving the BEAC Michael Monty National Excellence in Teaching Award and a Jack Webster Foundation Fellowship. Of all her achievements, Mary Kay is most proud of the BCIT High Flight Scholarship she has established in tribute to her husband Mike, who lost his life in a helicopter accident in 2001.
Advisory committee
- Bhupinder Hundal – Global BC
- Dave Barry – CFJC
- Scott Fee – CHEK
- Espe Currie – CITY TV
- Jill Drews – TransLink
- Blake Price – Podcasting / Sports
- Laura Ballance – Laura Ballance Media Group
- Andrew Weichel – CTV Vancouver
- Terry Schintz – News 1130
- Fiona Hopewell Jensen – CBC Vancouver
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Internship Opportunities
Students in the BCIT Broadcast and Online Journalism Program complete three different industry internships during their second year of study. This means each student spends a total of 12 weeks with different industry partners and learning from those currently working in the field. It’s an excellent opportunity for students to make connections and try out the work they will get to tackle after graduation.
Our regular internship partners include a mix of television and radio newsrooms, sports organizations, media relations and PR companies, and video production houses.
- CBC Vancouver
- Global News
- CTV Vancouver
- CITY News
- CKNW
- The Discourse
- CHEK TV (Victoria)
- CKPG (Prince George)
- CTV Victoria
- Global Okanagan (Kelowna)
- CBC Okanagan (Kelowna)
- Radio NL (Kamloops)
- CFJC (Kamloops)
- Roll Focus Video Production
- Sportsnet 650
- SFU Athletics
- Vancouver Whitecaps
- Vancouver Giants
- BC Lions
- Canadian Esports Championship Series
- Fraser Valley Bandits
- ET Canada
- Laura Ballance Media Group
- Jelly Marketing and PR
- Canadian Cancer Society
- BC SPCA
- Special Olympics
- TransLink
- Delta Police
We also partner with several established internship programs, such as:
- CBC Toronto News and Network Talk Internships
- CBC Joan Donaldson Internship
- CBC Vancouver Summer Internship Program
- The Botchford Project Media Mentorship Program
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Contact Us
General enquiries
Kai Mannella
Administrative Assistant
604-434-5734 | Kai_mannella@bcit.ca
Mary Kay Thurston
Admissions Coordinator
604-432-8668 | Mary_Kay_Thurston@bcit.ca
Contact a Program Advisor with the BCIT program name in the subject line if you have a question about:
- Program selection and program planning
- Applying for transfer credit and advanced placement
- Job placement and graduate outcomes
- Student life
Questions or comments?
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