UNESCO’s Model Curricula for Journalism Education provides generic models that can be adapted according to each country’s specific needs. The publication takes full cognizance of the social, economic, political and cultural contexts of any country, highlighting the connection between democracy and journalism, and arguing for a more cross-disciplinary approach within journalism training centres.

The challenge for any journalist is to present facts from a gripping and relevant angle with authority. This requires verification skills enhanced by an engaging cross-disciplinary educational experience. To meet this challenge, UNESCO’s Model Curricula for Journalism Education offers a framework for a comprehensive education that can be adapted to specific needs. Developed through a global consultation process over a period of two years, the publication was endorsed at the first World Journalism Education Congress (25-28 June 2007). However, it is not meant to be prescriptive. The models it provides have to be adapted by journalism educators to meet local needs and resources.

In October 2010 the Higher Education Chamber of the Brazilian National Education Council (CNE) held a public hearing to discuss the changes proposed to the existing journalism education curricula by an expert commission established by the Brazilian Ministry of Education (MEC). The report incorporates the recommendations by UNESCO, including the Model Curricula for Journalism Education.

Guilherme Canela from UNESCO’s Office in Brasilia represented the Organization during the public hearing that gathered experts from MEC, journalists’ associations, journalism higher education institutions, students, communications corporations, among others. Canela highlighted the main contributions by UNESCO toward a quality education model in the field of journalism and appraised the Brazilian Government’s initiative to debate the curricula changes with different sectors of the society.

The Model Curricula for Journalism Education is currently available in eight languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Nepali, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. To download the publication in Portuguese please click here.