Bachelor of Journalism (Honours)

Gain a deeper understanding with a well-rounded mix of humanities and journalism courses

In your first year as a journalism student, you take Foundations of Journalism I and II. These courses offer an examination of the news media’s important role in democratic society, building on a strong grounding in the humanities you get in the Foundation Year Program. This pairing is both theoretical and practical—you learn how to read, listen to and watch the news critically. It gives you the historical and contemporary context you need to focus on specific topics in upper years and later in your career.

Work on the craft of reporting for the public

In upper years, you begin reporting for the public.

You improve your listening, interviewing, reporting and multimedia skills as you take an increasing number of journalism courses from King’s award-winning journalism professors.

You pair your core journalism classes with electives or another degree concentration.

In addition to the courses listed below, you will take 18 credit hours in arts or science electives (as approved) in second year, and 18 credit hours in arts or science electives (as approved) in third year.

The faculty offers a wide range of journalism electives from Documentary Journalism and Opinion Writing, to Feature Writing and Sports Journalism, and more.

Some electives can be taken in second year.
Not all electives are offered every year. Those listed below are available through 2024-25.

Become industry ready through projects, workshops and internships

In your final year, you complete an honours project and two workshops, typically chosen from News (required)/Audio/Video/Creative Nonfiction, and one workshop chosen from Investigative/Magazine/Audio Documentary/Video Documentary. Before graduating, you complete an internship at a media organization where you get hands-on, real-world experience.

Produce award-winning work

The Signal is the School of Journalism, Writing & Publishing’s media outlet—the hub for your news stories, videos and current affairs podcasts.

In recent years, students have covered a murder trial from start to finish and reported on important moments in the city’s history. Student work published on The Signal regularly wins regional and national awards including Atlantic Journalism Awards, Emerge Media Awards and Canadian Online Publishing Awards.

Gold Award
Best Publication (Academic)
Canadian Online Publishing Awards 2018
The Signal

1^st Place
Audio Storytelling
Emerge Media Awards 2018
What if the Halifax Explosion never happened?

JOURNALISM INTERNSHIPS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Get a foot in the door

In fourth year, you’ll do a month-long internship at an approved journalism outlet before graduation. Students have worked for newsrooms such as the Canadian Press, CBC, the Globe and Mail, National Post, Elle Magazine and Sportsnet, and also at smaller outlets such as alt-weeklies and video production houses.

Most students complete internships in Canada, but students have also completed internships in New York, Chile and Beirut.

Additional Requirements

Students are required to complete at least three credit hours in Canadian history or Canadian political institutions. This requirement may be satisfied by a 3 credit hour course from History, Political Science, Indigenous Studies or Canadian Studies courses. This is to be taken as one of the Arts & Science electives in either second or third year. Students who can demonstrate that they have an adequate knowledge of Canadian history or political institutions may be excused from this requirement with permission of the Director of Journalism, provided they propose a coherent alternative academic program of study.