Journalism - Photojournalism

Traits, skills and aptitudes

Those in journalism or creative industries tend to be innovative, methodical, and directive.  

You need:  

• flexibility 
• eloquence and precise language skills
• an understanding of your medium and knowledge of your area of interest 
• the ability to be objective and self-critical about your work and to accept objective criticism from others 
• research and organizational skills 
• time-management skills 
• negotiation and marketing skills 
• interviewing skills 
• self-discipline. 

You should enjoy gathering and clarifying information, writing, and presenting to people. You should also be prepared to work irregular hours and travel for work.

Practicum, co-op and work integrated learning opportunities

In your final semester, you’ll participate in a four-week practicum at a digital or print-based journalism, editorial, corporate or non-profit organization.

You are responsible for securing your placement, which needs to be approved. Before your practicum, you’ll complete assignments and get assistance creating a resume, setting up your LinkedIn profile, practicing interviews, and learning how to approach potential employers about a practicum placement. 

You’ll also have the option to complete a cooperative work term between your first and second year of study. This work term isn’t required to graduate.

Credential

After successfully completing this program, you’ll receive a SAIT Journalism diploma with a major in Photojournalism.

Program length

2 years

Accepts international applicants - not-PGWP eligible

This program is open to international applicants; however, program availability may be limited. This program does not meet the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program. 

Not eligible for CAJG

This program is not eligible for the Canada Alberta Job Grant. 

Related careers

Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.

Potential careers (NOC):

• Journalists (51113)
• Editors (51110)
• Technical writers (51112)
• Authors and writers (51111)
• Photographers (53110)

Admission requirements - Applicants educated in Canada

Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and completion of the following courses or equivalents:

• at least 60% in English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2.

SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.

Admission requirements - Applicants educated outside of Canada

All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements with an international document assessment. Find accepted educational documents and assessment options. 

SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.

Application process

When applying in the application portal, select Journalism. You will declare your major before your second year of the program.

Program outline

The Journalism - Photojournalism diploma requires 60 credits (20 courses) to complete.

The program spans two years, with two semesters each year.

Required courses

You must take all of the following courses to complete this program.

Required courses - Journalism core

• JOUR 212 - Social Media Management 3 Credits
• JOUR 251 - News Writing I 3 Credits
• JOUR 254 - Online Journalism I 3 Credits
• JOUR 258 - Journalism Ethics 3 Credits
• JOUR 302 - News Writing II 3 Credits
• PHOT 216 - Visual Journalism I 3 Credits
• PHOT 256 - Visual Journalism II 3 Credits
• PUBL 210 - Media Software for Journalists 3 Credits
• PUBL 261 - Publication Planning & Design 3 Credits
• RSCH 203 - News Research for Journalists 3 Credits
• WRIT 230 - Writing for Journalism 3 Credits
• MKTG 260 - Marketing Essentials 3 Credits

Required courses - Photojournalism major

• PHOT 320 - Lighting and Illustration for Photojournalists I 3 Credits
• PHOT 325 - Photojournalism for Print Media I 3 Credits
• PHOT 334 - Advanced Workflow for Photojournalists 3 Credits
• PHOT 350 - Lighting and Illustration for Photojournalists II 3 Credits
• PHOT 355 - Photojournalism for Print Media II 3 Credits
• PHOT 366 - Visual Journalism IV 3 Credits
• PHOT 385 - Photojournalism Work Experience 3 Credits

Elective courses

Choose one course from the following list.

• BLAW 300 - Business Law 3 Credits
• MKTG 261 - Digital and Social Media Advertising 3 Credits
• MKTG 265 - Digital Marketing Foundations 3 Credits
• MKTG 306 - Building and Managing Brands 3 Credits
• MKTG 366 - Business Development and Customer Relationship Management 3 Credits
• MKTG 375 - Integrated Marketing Communications 3 Credits
• PHIL 241 - Critical Thinking 3 Credits
• PHOT 353 - Freelancing and Portfolio Production 3 Credits

Optional courses

• CPWK 255 - Cooperative Work Term 0 Credits

Suggested schedule of study

We recommend you complete the courses in the order listed below.

Progression

You must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better each semester and pass the prerequisite courses to progress through the program.

To qualify for graduation, you must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.

Review our grading and progression procedure > 

Books and supplies

Books are approximately $400 for the whole program.

Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore’s website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date. Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn’t receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you’re in luck; no textbook purchase is required this term.

Camera and related equipment

Camera equipment costs range between $600 and $2,000 and must be purchased during your first year.

Additional equipment (lighting, video and workflow accessories) costs around $2,000 and must be purchased as you enter your second year.

For the best learning experience, upgraded camera equipment can also be purchased for about $7,000. Equipment recommendations can be found at saitphoto.ca.

Computer

This is a bring-your-own-device program with custom hardware and software requirements. You’ll need a Mac computer that meets these minimum requirements and is approximately $1,200 (including a port adapter):

• 13-inch MacBook Air (November 2020 or newer)
• Apple M1 chip
• 8 GB RAM or greater
• 256 GB or greater solid-state drive (SSD)
• 2 x Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports
• macOS Ventura or newer
• Up-to-date antivirus and malware protection software
• USB-C port adapter with Gigabit Ethernet, memory card reader, 4K/60Hz HDMI and 2 x USB-A

Macs can be purchased at a discount through Apple Canada’s store for higher education.

Licenses for the following software must also be purchased:

• Adobe Creative Cloud for Mac (latest release, full-access subscription)
• Camera Bits Photo Mechanic for Mac (latest release, standard version).

Education discounts are available for both Creative Cloud and Photo Mechanic.

Business program advising

For any questions or to set up an advising appointment, please get in touch with our School of Business.

Phone: 403.284.8485
Email: business.advising@sait.ca

Program outcomes

1. 1. Use critical thinking skills and fact-checking as a journalistic verification process.
   2. Apply ethical principles, codes and standards that align with journalistic values.
   3. Demonstrate adaptability and agility in a dynamic industry.
   4. Ensure accurate and respectful reporting on diverse communities and issues.
   5. Collaborate effectively in teams where diverse perspectives are represented.
   6. Create visually compelling content that engages a broad audience.  
   7. Demonstrate digital literacy and proficiency.
   8. Apply relevant marketing strategies.  
   9. Apply an entrepreneurial mindset.
   10. Demonstrate awareness of physical, mental, and digital challenges that affect safety in a journalistic environment.

Graduate outcomes

A. Safety - awareness of safety standards relevant to the workplace.

• Safety awareness

B. Responsible leadership - personal, ethical and respectful behaviour within the workplace and global community.

• Teamwork and multi-disciplinary collaboration
• Self-initiative
• Ethical reasoning and action
• Global awareness
• Sustainability

C. Communication - the exchange of information professionally and effectively.

• Language skills
• Interpersonal skills

D. Information literacy - the strategies used to become informed, from recognizing an information need to accessing and evaluating information and using it effectively and ethically.

• Problem-solving and critical thinking
• Quantitative literacy
• Technological literacy

E. Technical knowledge, skills and abilities - technical competence specific to the discipline or industry.

• Specialized technical skill set