Note: This major can only be selected for Semester 1. This course requires 3 years for completion which will have implications on your student visa.
Bachelor of Media and Communication
Majoring in Creative Writing and Publishing
60.0
Choose your major
Advertising
Gain vital skills to succeed in the creative world of advertising. Explore effective design and strategy, advertising development and implementation. Create ads that hit the mark with audiences.
Cinema and Screen Studies
Explore the wide variety of film and TV genres, industry perspectives, and production styles. Benefit from a range of industry links with leading Screen Culture organisations.
Creative Writing and Publishing
Gain an understanding of creative text and popular culture in literature. Develop models for your own writing and critiquing skills in literature, while exploring subjects such as self and society.
Immersive Media
Learn how to develop content for the future of entertainment, business and advertising with a major in immersive media. Engage in 360, VR (Virtual Reality), AR (Augmented Reality), and MR (Mixed Reality) interactive experiences.
Journalism
Combine traditional journalistic skills with online publishing and multimedia production. Learn the skills required for interacting with audiences, social networking and building online communities.
Public Relations
Influence the public perception of an organisation through engaging content, targeted messaging and strategic campaigns. This degree is accredited by the Public Relations Institute of Australia.
Social Media
Gain a comprehensive understanding of social media platforms within social, cultural and industry contexts. Learn how to analyse new and emerging media technologies and drive their use and innovation across industry.
Overview
Swinburne’s Bachelor of Media and Communication sets you up for a fast-changing media landscape, with practical skills, deep industry connection and the flexibility to tailor your degree to your interests and ambitions.
You’ll build career-ready experience through applied projects that mirror the way media and communications teams work today, graduating with a portfolio of work and the skills to step into the industry with confidence.
- Work on real industry briefs, including running a company’s social media channels, entering professional pitch competitions or participating in a simulated newsroom environment
- Learn from teaching staff who are active in their fields and bring current industry insight into the classroom
- Study a curriculum aligned to fast-changing industry needs, with meaningful mentorship and support
- Choose from seven majors plus co-majors, minors and electives to deepen your specialisation or build a personalised skill set.
Don't miss our upcoming Screen & Media Info Session
Interested in film and TV or media and communication? Get all the need-to-know details on studying at Swinburne, including courses, scholarships, careers and more. Wednesday 24 June, 5 – 7pm.
Swinburne Open Day 2026
Stop by our Hawthorn campus on Sunday 26 July for Open Day – the stop where everything starts. Got everything you need? Apply for midyear now and get on your way in Semester 2.
Our refreshed course focuses on creativity, innovation, and excellence, meaning you’ll gain:
- hands-on skills and training in augmented, virtual and mixed reality
- strong connections with industry experts that last a lifetime
- relevant and robust theory of today's media and communication environment.
Your major
Creative Writing and Publishing
Combine innate creativity with professional skills in writing, editing and publishing, and make a splash in creative and literary industries. Cut your teeth in classroom writing festivals, readings and workshops, and build a portfolio under the mentorship of industry-connected educators. Gain career-ready skills shaped by social, cultural and professional contexts.
Your industry experience
All our bachelor degrees enhance your employability and include units in which you work on real projects for a range of industry partners. There are also numerous opportunities for elective internships, placements and other industry experiences in media and communication fields.
Skills you’ll learn
- Collaboration
- Content Creation
- Creative writing
- Critical thinking
- Editing
- Publishing
Your career opportunities
- Journalist
- Publisher
- Writer
- Editor
- Novelist
- Screenwriter
Key codes
International student visa
International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.
Why Swinburne?
Top 200 for Communication
#1 in Melbourne for overall experience
The median income for PG graduates one year out is $86.6K (#1 in Victoria)
Double degrees
Combine your media and communication degree with a second degree to gain diverse skills, expand your career pathays, and graduate with two qualifications. Here are some options:
Related courses
-
Bachelor of Business
-
Bachelor of Media and Communication (Professional)
-
Bachelor of Arts
-
Bachelor of Media and Communication (Professional)
-
Bachelor of Media and Communication / Bachelor of Business
-
Bachelor of Arts
Qualifications
One of the following:
- successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification
- completion or partial completion of an approved tertiary qualification (including certificates IV (completed), diplomas, advanced diplomas, associate degrees and degrees).
Applicants without a formal qualification may be considered for entry if they have significant and relevant work experience and/or upon completion of the STAT test.
Guaranteed Entry ATAR
60.0
Lowest ATAR to receive an offer in 2025 [after adjustment factors]
57.0
You’ll be guaranteed a place in this course if you meet or exceed the ATAR Guaranteed Entry Score, provided you meet the course prerequisites.
If your ATAR is below the guaranteed entry score, you can still be offered a place as your ATAR may be adjusted based on subject adjustments, equity schemes or other factors.
Subject adjustments:
- A study score of 25 in any Business, any Humanities, Literature, or Theatre Studies equals 2 aggregate points per study.
- A study score of 30 in any Business, any Humanities, Literature, or Theatre Studies equals 3 aggregate points per study.
Overall maximum of 10 points. Subject adjustment points are applied to the aggregate, not the ATAR.
Students admitted to the course with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be eligible for academic credit.
*Applicants without a formal qualification but with significant and relevant work experience will be considered if they can demonstrate that they can undertake the course with a reasonable prospect of success.
Successful completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent overseas qualification.
This will be assessed at the time of your application. To check your eligibility for this course, visit our entry requirements for international students page.
Course prerequisites
- VCE Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 20 in any English (except EAL) or 25 in English as Alternate Language (EAL) or equivalent
- VCE Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 20 in any English (except EAL) or 25 in English as Alternate Language (EAL) or equivalent
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. Check admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- IELTS overall band of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 65%, all skills 65%
- or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.
Informed Choices
Informed Choices is how Swinburne supports you through course selection, navigating university experiences and accessing the right support services at the right times, along with ensuring you can successfully complete your course, and are equipped with the information you need to make the right career decision for you.
Informed Choices covers five areas of course requirements and capability:
Sensory
Mobility and movement
Legal, duty of care and professional
Learning and knowledge creation; and
Interpersonal.
Required components
Required components are essential functions and attributes that are encountered in different learning and assessment contexts throughout the course.
The examples below show how these components appear in practice, which can guide your approach to learning and participation throughout the course.
Sight
Students in the Bachelor of Media and Communication will use and interpret visual information, including colour and/or facial cues, to maintain safety and make accurate assessments.
Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustments in activities such as:
Producing media artefacts using audio, video and photography equipment.
Sound
Students in the Bachelor of Media and Communication will use hearing to respond to vocal cues and differentiate sounds and tone, to maintain safety and make accurate assessments.
Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustments in activities such as:
Producing and editing media with audio components.
Adaptable components
The following sensory components are required in this course. Reasonable adjustments can likely be supported.
| Component | Definition |
|---|---|
| Touch | Feel tactile differences and changes in objects, assess physical conditions, and respond to discomfort or danger, to maintain safety and make accurate assessments. |
Adaptable components
The following sensory components are required in this course. Reasonable adjustments can likely be supported.
| Component | Definition |
|---|---|
| Endurance | Sustain physical effort and concentration over extended periods without experiencing excessive fatigue. |
| Dexterity | Use fine and coordinated movements of the hands and limbs to complete tasks that require precision and control. |
| Fine motor skills | Execute small, precise movements efficiently, such as manipulating tools, equipment, or controls. |
Adaptable components
The following sensory components are required in this course. Reasonable adjustments can likely be supported.
| Component | Definition |
|---|---|
| Cultural sensitivity (including equity awareness) | Respect diverse cultures, identities, and perspectives by acting in inclusive, fair, and nonjudgemental ways. |
| Engage effectively | Interact with others honestly, respectfully, and responsibly to build trust and professional relationships. |
| Professional reflection | Review your learning and performance to identify areas for improvement. |
Adaptable components
The following sensory components are required in this course. Reasonable adjustments can likely be supported.
| Component | Definition |
|---|---|
| Cognition | Apply thinking skills such as attention, memory, language, and perception to focus, learn, and complete tasks over a continued period of time. |
| Understand and apply information | Interpret and use information by following instructions, making decisions, solving problems and applying knowledge. |
| Critical thinking and analysis | Analyse and evaluate information objectively to form well-reasoned conclusions. |
| Digital literacy | Use digital tools and technologies effectively to access, create, and apply knowledge. |
Adaptable components
The following sensory components are required in this course. Reasonable adjustments can likely be supported.
| Component | Definition |
|---|---|
| Verbal communication | Express ideas clearly through spoken language, supported by tone and body language, to support understanding and feedback. |
| Social cues | Notice and respond to unspoken communication such as body language, facial expression, gestures and pace of conversations. |
| Written communication | Express information through written formats including via software, print or handwriting. |
| Numeracy | Use numbers and data to make decisions in everyday and professional situations. |
| Collaboration and teamwork | Work with others to build trust, contribute to shared goals, and maintain positive team dynamics. |
| Conflict resolution | Address disagreements calmly and respectfully to reach beneficial outcomes. |
| Emotional regulation | Take part in interactions with others in a way that supports respectful and productive communication. |
| Adaptability | Respond to changes by adjusting plans and managing different tasks as situations change. |
Credit transfer
Credit is granted in recognition of previous study and/or experience and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Apply for a pathway course
Pathways allow students to progress from one qualification to another where the first course is recognised as an entry requirement and/or provides credit (advanced standing) to the second.
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Diploma of Arts and Communication (UniLink)
8 months full-time, 8 units max credit
-
Diploma of Business (UniLink)
8 months full-time, 8 units max credit
-
Diploma of Community Services
18 months full-time, 8 units max credit
-
Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing
1 year full-time, 8 units max credit
-
Diploma of Sport/Diploma of Leadership and Management
1 year full-time, 8 units max credit
-
Diploma of Arts and Communication (UniLink)
8 months full-time, 8 units max credit
-
Diploma of Business (UniLink)
8 months full-time, 8 units max credit
Note: This information should be used as a guide for those who have completed a course and are seeking credit into another course. For those yet to commence their course, during the time taken to complete, this information may change. Credit available may vary depending on the major selected within any given degree. Progression to professional degrees may be subject to additional criteria or academic performance.
How credit points work
Successful completion of the Bachelor of Media and Communication requires students to complete units of study to the value of 300 credit points. All units of study are valued at 12.5 credit points unless otherwise stated.
What your course could look like
This is the indicative sequence for Semester 1, 2026 only. You are advised to use the study plan template available via your student portal in conjunction with your course planner to plan your studies. Sequence may also vary depending on advanced standing and exemptions. The unit offering information is correct at the time of publication, however changes may occur.
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 | |
|
Communicating with Data
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA10012 |
|
Content Creator Lab
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA10018 |
|
Writing Fiction
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
LIT10002 |
|
Elective
Elective unit |
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Introduction to Media Studies
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA10001 |
|
Global Media Industries
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA10008 |
|
Editing for Writers
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
PWR10002 |
|
Elective
Elective unit |
|
Want to see the full range of electives?
Learn about all the electives you can take in the course handbook.
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 | |
|
Writing and Publishing Studio
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
PWR20002 |
|
Diversity in Australian Writing
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
LIT20002 |
|
Elective
Elective unit |
|
|
Elective
Elective unit |
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Prose Poetics
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
LIT20003 |
|
Elective
Elective unit |
|
|
Elective
Elective unit |
|
|
Elective
Elective unit |
|
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Professional placement - Major (12 months) | |
|
Work Experience in Industry A
Practical unit, 25.0 credit points |
WEI20001 |
|
Integrated Professional Placement A - Media and Communication
Academic unit, 25.0 credit points |
MDA20016 |
|
Work Experience in Industry B
Practical unit, 25.0 credit points |
WEI20002 |
|
Integrated Professional Placement B - Media and Communication
Academic unit, 25.0 credit points |
MDA20017 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 | |
|
Sudden Writing
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
LIT30007 |
|
Pitch, Edit, Publish
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
PWR30001 |
|
Elective
Elective unit |
|
|
Elective
Elective unit |
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Literary Industry Practice
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
LIT30004 |
|
Elective
Elective unit |
|
|
Elective
Elective unit |
|
|
Elective
Elective unit |
|
2026 tuition fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$17,399.00
Total fee* ($AUD)
$52,197.00
2026 tuition fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$40,850.00
Fees are estimates only
Published student tuition fees for 2026 unit enrolments in HE Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) and Undergraduate Full Fee Paying (FFP) are subject to change based on individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees may vary for units studied in future years, with part-time fees being proportionally lower depending on the number of units taken per semester. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
How do I pay my fees?
HECS-HELP is a loan and discount scheme available to you if you are eligible and enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place. A HECS-HELP loan can cover all or part of your contribution amount. You can also choose to pay your fees up front.
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Finances
- check your Australian bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Eligibility for HECS-HELP
You are eligible for a HECS-HELP loan if you have been offered a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) for an undergraduate degree at Swinburne or a UniLink course, and you:
- are an Australian citizen and doing at least one unit of your course in Australia; or
- hold a permanent humanitarian visa and will be living in Australia for the duration of your course; or
- hold a New Zealand Special Category visa and meet the special eligibility requirements for New Zealand citizens.
Student services and amenities fee
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
The fee shown in the capped amount for 2026.
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown is the capped amount for 2026.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$373.00
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$373.00
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2026 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.
Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.
When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 20 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.
Professional placement fees
Students who participate in a six- or 12-month professional placement will be subject to an increase in total course fees.
Apply through an agent
Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Apply directly
Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.
Apply through VTAC
International students currently studying Year 12 in Australia must apply through VTAC. VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.
VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.
Interested in a specific major?
You can apply using the main VTAC code for this course. Or, use individual VTAC codes to apply for specific majors:
Advertising - 3400213531
Cinema and Screen Studies - 3400213541
Creative Writing and Publishing - 3400213551
Immersive Media - 3400213441
Journalism - 3400213561
Public Relations - 3400213571
Social Media - 3400213581
Interested in a specific major?
You can apply using the main VTAC code for this course. Or, use individual VTAC codes to apply for specific majors:
Advertising - 3400213533
Cinema and Screen Studies - 3400213543
Creative Writing and Publishing - 3400213553
Immersive Media - 3400213443
Journalism - 3400213563
Public Relations - 3400213573
Social Media - 3400213583