Journalism

FAQ

1) How do I apply?

First apply to enter Langara College.  Indicate on the application that you want to enter the Journalism Program (Diploma program for high school graduates and Certificate program for university graduates).  Your application will first be assessed by Registrar and Enrolment Services to make sure you meet the college's basic requirements and your documents (transcripts, necessary test scores) are in order. 

The Journalism Department requires applicants to take an entrance test (see dates below) and submit a statement of intent, a resume and samples of your journalistic work.  The two-hour entrance test assesses your general knowledge of current affairs, grammar and punctuation as well as your writing skills.  It's not the kind of test that you can study or prepare for.

Here's an application checklist:

• transcripts
• test scores
• entrance test
• statement of intent
• resume
• samples of work, if any (newspaper articles, blog postings, photos, videos, letters to the editor, podcasts, etc.

Entrance tests can be taken on one of the following dates at Langara College in the A Bldg. on 49th Av. at Ontario.  No registration required.

1. Mon., Feb. 27th, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in A122b
2. Thur., Mar. 29th, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in A122a
3. Tues., Ap. 24th, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in A122a

If you are unable to take the test at Langara, arrangements can be made to mail the test to your location.  Contact Gene Keith (gkeith@langara.bc.ca) for details.

2) What is a “Statement of Intent?”

The Journalism Department requires applicants to submit a "statement of intent," a resume and samples of their journalistic-type work.  The statement should outline what you intend to do as a journalist and what kind of journalism do you want to do and why. Tell us about your goals and your ambitions.  Where do you want to be in five years? Whose job do you want? Do you plan to go into print or broadcasting? Do you want to work for a small media outlet or large?  What are your dreams, your passions about journalism?

While you’re at it, tells us about how you became interested in journalism. Tell us about your past experience in writing or journalism? Was there one incident or experience that turned on the light bulb for you? In short, you should give us some indication that you are serious about and committed to journalism. And one more thing: It should show us that you can write.

3) What does the Journalism Department look for in candidates?

We look for people who have a solid academic record, especially in English-language skills. We look for people who like to write, take pictures, record video and design websites.  We look for people who are curious about the world around them, and who love to tell stories. We look for people who have a strong sense of social justice and a desire to right the wrongs of the world.

We look for people who have made up their minds that they want to pursue journalism as a career. We look for enthusiasm, dedication and commitment. We look for people who can demonstrate their interest in journalism—for example, those involved in high school, college or university publications, or club newsletters.  

We look for other demonstrations of your interest. For example, have you done any research on journalism so you know what the job entails? Have you interviewed any working journalists to see what their lives are like? Have you taken any part-time or evening courses in journalism?  Tell us all you’ve done.

4) When will I know my status?

Once your application is complete, (see checklist in #1) we will evaluate the entire application and notify you by mail within one month.  Note that we usually receive more applications than we have space available.  If the spots have been filled, you may be placed on a waitlist and notified if a space becomes available.

5) Will I be considered for the Certificate Program if I do not have a degree?

If you have nearly all the required credits for an undergraduate degree, you may be considered for the Certificate Program. The following factors will also be taken into consideration:

• other education credentials
• writing or journalism experience
• maturity

6) What do you recommend I do if I don’t get into the program?

Applicants to both programs are encouraged to apply again for the following year. You may re-activate your existing application with Registrar and Enrolment Services any time after October 1. You do not need to pay the application fee again. Try to enhance your application by such things as adding to your writing portfolio, providing letters of support, taking part-time courses in writing or journalism, interviewing a journalist, and improving your test scores, if applicable.

If you are a Diploma Program applicant, we recommend that you also apply to the College as an Arts and Science student. Register in university-transferable academic courses—if possible courses that are part for the Journalism package. That way you will have already completed the required academic courses for Journalism Program should you be accepted into the program the following year. We strongly recommend you take JOUR 1100, Introduction to the News Media, which is open to non-journalism students.

7) Can I take the program part-time or in the evening?

Though we encourage students to attend full-time in order to benefit from the intensive, hands-on nature of these programs, we will consider requests to attend part-time if space is available.  Contact the chair for permission.  We do not offer evening courses. 

Applicants to the Diploma program can, if they wish, take required academic courses before coming into the program. The advanced standing will then make the load somewhat lighter, primarily in semesters one and two.

8) Can I work full-time or part-time while I’m in the program?

We strongly recommend that you do not have to work to support yourself while in the program. The program workload is heavy, deadlines must be taken seriously, and some of your assignments will be off-campus or involve evening or weekend work. Some journalism students do manage to work part-time on weekends or during breaks. It helps if work hours are flexible.

9) Do I need any special equipment while I’m in the program?

Most necessary equipment,  such as cameras, video recorders and all computer hardware and software, is provided. You may borrow the equipment on a three-day loan basis. You are responsible for damaged and lost equipment. You will need to buy your own digital sound recorder and batteries and a portable hard drive.