News Archive

The first graduates from the Masters of International Journalism were launched from the recent spring graduations.

The 13 graduands combined theory and practical experience in the new course developed by political commentator Peter van Onselen.

Professor van Onselen, who completed his PhD in political science at UWA, said he hoped the program would grow to become the southern hemisphere's answer to Columbia University's journalism masters.

The newly-minted journalists were among 1,852 graduands to receive their degrees in six ceremonies in Winthrop Hall. This included 113 PhDs and professional doctorates.

The usually formal atmosphere of the graduation season was injected with some fun by musician and comedian Tim Minchin, who was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University.

Since graduating from UWA in Arts, his career has taken off, with his musical version of Roald Dahl's Matilda currently running on both Broadway and in London's West End.

Tim has won worldwide acclaim as a composer, lyricist, comedian, actor and writer. Matilda won a record seven Olivier Awards - British theatre's most sought-after awards.

His career as a composer started at Christ Church Grammar School's Midnite Youth Theatre Company and he also worked with Perth's WA Youth Theatre Company and UWA's University Dramatic Society. In the earlier days of his success, he was always keen to perform in the Dolphin Theatre when he returned to Perth - where he honed his skills.  But as his fame grew, the little theatre became too small to contain his fans. His most recent Perth appearance was as Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar in May, at the Perth Arena.