Data and Media Communication Concentration provides students with the cutting-edge interdisciplinary knowledge and skills in data media and communication needed for the changing landscape of today’s media industry. Students study the concepts and methods of dealing with data, generating exclusive stories from big data and using multi-dimensional tools to present the results. Special emphasis is placed on the essential skills of data journalism, including new gathering, investigative reporting, data-driven storytelling and news visualization.

Unique Features

Students in the Journalism Major pursue studies in three major areas: (1) professional journalism, in which students learn the principles and skills of gathering, presenting, and producing news and current affairs; (2) the theoretical foundations of the profession, in which students develop a conceptual understanding of the profession and its role in society through legal, ethical, political, historical, economic and media communication theory courses; and (3) complementary studies of the relationship between broadcast or print or internet journalism and society as well as the way politics, government, business, and law operate in both local and international communities. In all these areas, emphasis is in Hong Kong and mainland China, with due attention to the international context in which both communities operate.

The journalism practicum courses are an essential component of journalism education to develop students’ ability to write well, edit well, and to produce quality print, internet and broadcast news stories. While necessary supervision is provided, students are allowed autonomy in their involvement.

The News Portal “BU J-LAB” serves as a platform for the Journalism students to learn by doing and to gain hands-on experience in new media setting. It integrates students’ reporting work and covers the content of the news stories produced by the students. Topics included current affairs, politics, business and finance, culture and leisure.

Student Learning Experiences

Almost every year, the department organizes reporting study trips for journalism students. Our students are also encouraged to go on exchange study at one of the many universities we partner with around the world, including in the United States, Australia and Europe.

Career Opportunities

Data and Media Communication Concentration is designed to train prospective journalists for employment in a wide range of media production and communication industries which adapt new technologies to reporting and writing. Besides joining news organizations, graduates can also work for public relations corporations, the marketing sector and other organizations such as Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), to perform data-driven storytelling. Another career path is governmental and administrative positions, with graduates standing out for their interdisciplinary skills in writing and programming.

Remarks

1) ^Subject to annual review and University's approval.