Overview

Immerse yourself in the latest tech, surround yourself with the brightest minds and kick-start your career with the Bachelor of Media and Communication. Our refreshed course prepares you for today’s media sector from day one. Through collaborative media production, you'll master the skills demanded by today's dynamic environment, engage in cross-disciplinary media labs and co-create for endless possibilities. Through industry projects, work placements, and internships, we’ll nurture your professional growth and help you discover your true passions.

Course prerequisites have changed

The English and EAL study scores have been updated for Semester 1, 2025 entry. Please see the Entry requirements tab for updated information.

Change of Preference Expo

Looking for your #1 VTAC preference? Explore your options and get personalised advice from course experts, based on your Year 12 results. Friday 13 December, Hawthorn campus.

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

Public Relations

Understand how to influence and manage the public perception of an organisation.

Learn to effectively communicate with a chosen target audience through the production of engaging content, targeted messaging and strategic campaigns. Along with writing skills and event management, you will develop an understanding of new media, digital marketing and crisis communication.

This degree is professionally accredited by the Public Relations Institute of Australia.

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

  • Digital literacy
  • Presenting
  • Problem solving
  • Project management
  • Strategic communication planning
  • Writing

Your career opportunities

  • Communications officer
  • Crisis manager
  • Fundraising and sponsorship coordinator
  • Public relations officer
  • Marketing officer

Key codes

CRICOS course code
088390J
VTAC Code (IFP)
3400210853
VTAC Code (CSP)
3400210851
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.

Professional recognition

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)

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 2024 [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 bonuses, equity schemes or other factors. Use the above ATAR as a guide on your eligibility, and see the course handbook page for more information on entry requirements. 

Additional performance criteria and prerequisite requirements may also apply. 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.

Course prerequisites

These prerequisites have been updated for Semester 1 2025 entry
  • VCE Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 20 in any English (except EAL) or 25 in English as an Additional 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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

4
Core units
+
8
Major units
+
12
Elective units
=
3-year bachelor degree

What your course could look like

This is the indicative sequence for Semester 1, 2025 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
Introduction to Media Studies
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
MDA10001
Global Media Industries
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
MDA10008
Introduction to Media Studies
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
MDA10001
Global Media Industries
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
MDA10008
Introduction to Public Relations Theory and Practice
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
PUB10001
Elective
Elective unit
Semester 2
Communicating with Data
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
MDA10012
Content Creator Lab
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
MDA10018
Communicating with Data
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
MDA10012
Content Creator Lab
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
MDA10018
Professional Communication Practice
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
COM10007
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
Public Relations Writing
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
PUB20003
Elective
Elective unit
Elective
Elective unit
Elective
Elective unit
Semester 2
Global Public Relations Practice
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
PUB20001
Issues, Crisis and Risk Communication
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
PUB20004
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
Events Management
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
PUB30001
Elective
Elective unit
Elective
Elective unit
Elective
Elective unit
Semester 2
PR Campaign Planning and Management
Major unit
PUB30004
Media and Communications Industry Project
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
MDA30020
Elective
Elective unit
Elective
Elective unit

2025 fees

Yearly fee* ($AUD)

$16,992

Total fee* ($AUD)

$50,976

2025 fees

Yearly fee* ($AUD)

$39,280.00

Fees are estimates only

Published student tuition fees for 2025 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 Financials
  • 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 2025.

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 2025.

Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

$365

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

$365

Scholarships

Scholarship applications for 2025 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.

Representatives and agents
BA-MCMN
Search for agents

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.

Course code
BA-MCMN
Apply directly
Course code
BA-MCMN
CRICOS code
088390J
Apply directly

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.

VTAC Code (CSP)
3400210851
Apply through VTAC
VTAC Code (IFP)
3400210853
Apply through VTAC
Start dates
Location
Last date to apply
Start dates
Semester 1
Location
Hawthorn
Last date to apply
26-February-2025
Start dates
03-March-2025
Semester 2
Location
Hawthorn
Last date to apply
30-July-2025
Start dates
04-August-2025
Start dates
Location
Start dates
Semester 1
Location
Hawthorn
Start dates
03-March-2025
Semester 2
Location
Hawthorn
Start dates
04-August-2025
Upcoming events
Change of Preference Expo 2024
13-December-2024