Models of Work-Integrated Learning in Journalism Education

Abstract

Practice-based learning is widely accepted as a crucial aspect of educating and training future journalists around the world. Shrinking newsrooms and changing media landscapes shift responsibility onto journalism programmes for delivering practical experiences. While internships are by far the predominant model, limited opportunities and concerns over equitable access to placements has prompted journalism educators to explore suitable alternatives. This article presents a typology of work-Integrated Learning (WIL) in journalism education, identifying the strengths and limitations of different models. Work-integrated learning is an umbrella term encompassing a wide range of forms of experiential education. Taking a critical approach, this article presents a typology of different models of WIL in journalism education from traditional models, such as internships, to emerging approaches including university-led WIL, pop-up newsrooms and Purpose WIL. In offering an overview of the various approaches to WIL in journalism education, this article aims to highlight the gaps in how journalism WIL has been implemented and suggests an agenda for enlivening and broadening WIL in journalism education. More equitable and accessible WIL closely linked to the needs of the industry ensures that future journalists have the graduate capabilities necessary for employment in a dynamic media landscape.