Author and political commentator Peter van Onselen will head up the University of Western Australia's new masters of international journalism course.
Professor van Onselen will be appointed foundation professor, and will develop the new course, drawing on the experience of industry professionals as well as academic scholars.
"It is really important that students learn not just the underpinnings of good journalism, but core content for the areas they want to write about as well," Professor van Onselen said.
"I hope that this program can grow to become the southern hemisphere's answer to Columbia University's journalism masters.
"I have already had a great deal of interest from senior practitioners about teaching the masters.
"It will give students fantastic exposure to leading journalists from around the country to complement the theoretical underpinnings of the course."
Professor van Onselen was awarded his PhD in political science from The University of Western Australia.
He also holds a Bachelor of Arts with First Class Honours in Political Science and a Masters in Policy Studies, both from the University of New South Wales.
He was an Associate Professor in Politics and Government at Edith Cowan University before becoming contributing editor at The Australian and a presenter at Sky News where he hosts its Sunday morning political program Australian Agenda.
He has also appeared on television election panels covering state, federal and United States elections.
