Master's Programme in Journalistic Communication Based on UNESCO's Model Curricula for Journalism Education
Of the forty-four education institutions in Bolivia teaching communication-related subjects, not one offers journalism studies at either graduate or postgraduate level. As a result, practicing journalists who have attended Bolivian universities tend to lack knowledge and specialist training, thus impeding the quality of journalism delivered. In response to this issue, the Bolivian Association of Schools of Social Communication (ABOCCS) will adapt and transform its existing Master's Programme in Communication into a Master's in Journalistic Communication, based on UNESCO's model Journalism Education Plan. Bolivian professors and professional journalists who will later go on to teach the Master's programme and/or act as thesis supervisors will receive training from national and international experts, covering a broad spectrum of subjects including Investigative Journalism, Journalism in Conflicts, and Environmental Journalism. The newly trained professors will prepare instructional guides for the modules, and then implement and deliver this material to a group of 20 Bolivian graduates (mainly women) with undergraduate degrees in other fields so as to incorporate alternative viewpoints, and to strengthen and diversify the professional profile of the nation's journalists. OBJECTIVE To provide training to 30 Bolivian professors and professional journalists on the instruction of a Master's Programme in Journalistic Communication, which will then be implemented and delivered to a group of 20 Bolivian graduates from a variety of academic backgrounds.