Welcome to the Department of Journalism

Preparing the next generation of industry experts

Welcome to the Department of Journalism – your gateway to a career in media practice and research. Our Department offers a range of programmes to prepare you for working in the broader media industry, understand the role of media in democratic societies and conduct research on the rapidly changing global media landscape.  If you are interested in pursuing further study and research in journalism and media studies, we look forward to hearing from you!

The Department of Journalism Department offers a range of postgraduate programmes that that serve as a launchpad for individuals looking to advance their careers in the field of journalism and media practice and research.

These programmes equip graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the dynamic world of journalism and media practice and research

Merging tradition, innovation, and real-world application to craft tomorrow’s journalists and media experts; welcome to our department! We look forward to connecting with you.

Greetings and a warm welcome from our Departmental Chair, Prof Herman Wasserman

SACOMM’s annual conference

The Department of Journalism is co-hosting the annual conference of the South African Communications Association

taking place from 10 to 12 September. The theme of the conference is “The Politics of the Present”.

Abstracts are due on 15 April   –  Click HERE to download the call for papers.

Study with us

BAHons Journalism

The BAHons Journalism programme is a popular option for students interested in following a practice-oriented, comprehensive programme aimed at equipping graduates with skills needed to enter the workplace.

MA Journalism

The MA Journalism provides students with the opportunity to deepen their research skills and gain advanced knowledge of journalism and the media. It is a hybrid course based on remote learning.

PhD Journalism

Admission to the PhD programme in Journalism requires the candidate to be in possession of a recognised Master’s degree in Journalism …

News and media

Read about the happenings in and around our Department.

Prof Wasserman Visits the Netherlands as a Visiting Professor.

The Chair of the Department of Journalism, Prof Herman Wasserman, travelled to the Netherlands in…


Prof Wasserman to speak at Inaugural NU-Q Lecture on the Global South Disinformation in the Global South

Disinformation has become a key concern in scholarly production, communication practice, and political discourse in…


Stellenbosch University co-hosts International Communication in Africa conference

Stellenbosch University’s Department of Journalism recently co-hosted the International Communication Association Regional Conference in Africa…


Stellenbosch Journalism to host SACOMM conference in 2024

  Five researchers affiliated with the Department of Journalism at Stellenbosch University were recently elected…


Professional Certificate in Media and Digital Policy in Africa Now Available on edX

Stellenbosch Journalism is thrilled to announce a significant milestone in providing high-quality education in the…


Legal process being weaponised to prevent free speech in SA

The rise of strategic lawsuits aimed at hindering public participation is a real threat to…


Students are provided with an unparalleled working environment as far as scenic beauty and ambience are concerned, allowing them to pursue their studies with the zest it deserves.

Feedback from past students

“My goal was to attain research-based expertise in journalism and media and skills to be able to search for, and critically examine, knowledge, and this is why I enrolled for the PhD in Journalism at Stellenbosch.”
Dr. Sibobile Mpofu
Stellenbosch PhD 2017

“Many Universities train PhDs, but it is the quality that matters; Stellenbosch Journalism provided me with a great research acumen that I will always cherish.”
Dr. Anthony Mavuto Gunde
Stellenbosch PhD 2015

“An Academic Researcher needs to be just as curious as a journalist. My PhD afforded me the opportunity to dig deeper into Journalism using academic tools.”

Dr. Marenet Jordaan

“I embarked on a PhD Journey at Stellenbosch to gain a deeper understanding of the intersection of journalism, culture and society.”
Dr. Mphathisi Ndlovu
Stellenbosch PhD 2016

“Enrolling for my PhD with Stellenbosch’s Department of Journalism was the best career move I made because I had the opportunity to study under highly qualifies staff and, through my research, to contribute to the ongoing debates of how to transform Journalism curricula in South Africa to enable them to meet the needs of a democratic Nation.”
Dr. Bevelyn Dube
Stellenbosch PhD 2013

“Daar is soveel klein detail en afrondingswerk wat dié kursus my geleer het, dat ek die voorreg het om daardie detail en afrondingswerk tot vandag toe as vanselfsprekend te kan bestempel in my lewe.”
Bea Lingenfelder
Klas van 2016

“The skills we’re taught in Crozier Street are remote and adaptable in a world where that’s code for survival.”

Kyra Tarr
Class of 2018

“Baie dankie vir julle moeite met ‘n wonderlike kursus. Ek het soveel goeie herinneringe en lesse wat ek nou steeds saam met my dra.”
Franco Havenga
Klas van 2017

“I am still really close with [classmates]. We still ask each other for assistance with contacts for articles or will discuss news events in our WhatsApp group as journalists do. You were right when you told us that we will make friends for life in this course.”
Lisa Lottering
Class of 2016

“It has been amazing to see how many of the skills I learnt during Journalism honours I can use in my new role. From editing copy, to interviewing, writing, the inverted pyramid, the list goes on!”
Rachele Button
Class of 2020