Digitalization requires special technical skills. Two new continuing education programs on Cross-Media and Data Journalism at FHWien der WKW teach how to use the latest technologies with a focus on storytelling skills. With these specializations journalists are becoming more attractive and indispensable for employers!
7 questions about the new continuing education programs Cross-Media and Data Journalism – with answers from the Head of Program Regula Blocher
1. Why should I invest in my digital skills as a journalist?
As a rule, journalists are already very well specialized and skilled in their departments. However, when it comes to technical skills in the digital media world, it is currently an advantage to specialize in this area. The economic pressure in the media industry is high, jobs are being cut – which is why journalists also have to make sure that they remain indispensable on the job market: At the Vienna Management Academy by FHWien der WKW, we have developed two continuing education programs that prepare working professionals for new job profiles in journalism.
2. What are the benefits of the new continuing education programs in Cross-Media and Data Journalism?
Our programs focus on practical application with regard to actual usage scenarios. In combination with sound scientifically knowledge, participants learn to develop and implement innovative approaches in the field of cross-media and data journalism. The skills acquired in this way make graduates attractive for media companies.
3. Why should I study Data Journalism?
Our program is the only one of its kind in the German-speaking world. We train editors to become sought-after experts in the fields of digital research, data analysis and visualization. We also set great value on storytelling skills and development of creative, interactive formats.
In Austria, there is a high demand for specialists in this area and their skills are accordingly demanded.
4. Why should I study Cross-Media Journalism?
It is becoming increasingly important for media companies to cover as many different channels as possible with stories in order to reach people with news. In addition, the number of companies with their own newsroom is also increasing. Therefore the need for well-trained editorial staff will continue to increase. How do you effectively bring journalistic stories to social media? How do you make a podcast for informative content? How do you create good videos on currently relevant topics? All of this is being taught in the Cross-Media Journalism program.
5. Why should I study at the Vienna Management Academy by FHWien der WKW?
The new continuing education programs in Cross-Media and Data Journalism mark the next step in journalism education: 20 years ago, FHWien der WKW was one of the first universities in Austria to start training journalists academically with the Journalism & Media Management study programs. With the new programs, we are now creating an additional offer in the sense of “lifelong learning”. In doing so, we are building on 20 years of experience and a large pool of outstanding lecturers from the field.
6. Is it possible to combine this continuing education program with my career and family?
The continuing education program is designed to be as compatible as possible with work and private life. The attendance dates are held in compact weekend blocks every two weeks. In addition, around a quarter of the courses can be completed via distance learning, which further increases flexibility.
By teaching in small groups, lecturers can also focus on the individual experiences of the students’ professions and build their lectures on this.
7. What title do I receive on completion of the course?
After two semesters, you will graduate as “Academic Expert” in Data Journalism or Cross-Media Journalism. With a third semester, the course can be extended to a fully-fledged Master’s program, which concludes with the academic degree “Master of Arts (Continuing Education)”. For the Master’s thesis, a journalistic project must be conceived, implemented in a workpiece and reflected theoretically. In the Master’s examination, the thesis and the knowledge acquired during the program are presented to an examination board.
In addition to the academic qualification, which can be gained while working, the degree program provides all graduates with a stronger critical examination of digital journalism.
Do you have questions about the program? Contact our Head of Program Regula Blocher!
Phone: 0800 40 00 77-09
Email: regula.blocher@fh-wien.ac.at