Bachelor of Media and Communication
Swinburne Online - online delivery only
The Bachelor of Media and Communication is designed to provide students with the latest skills and knowledge to prepare them for roles in dynamic, ever changing media and communication industries. The degree takes a strategic approach to media and communication and links theoretical and practical knowledge and skills needed to operate in diverse settings within industry. Drawing on a range of media and communication disciplines, the degree seeks to equip students with the knowledge and skills to achieve institutional/organisational objectives. Graduates will be well qualified for positions in settings such as media, communication and creative industry agencies, not-for-profits, government departments, small business and large corporate organisations.
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Duration
3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Intakes
Online (March, July, November) - View application and start dates
Study mode
- Online

Study with Swinburne Online
With Swinburne Online, the learning experience is 100% online and studied at your own pace. Our courses are built for the jobs of the future with a focus on collaboration and our flexible learning environment empowers you to study on your own terms. They are developed by leaders in the field and taught by professionals with industry experience.
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
Course structure
To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Media and Communication students must complete 300 credit points comprising of: Introductory Studies:
- Four (4) Core Units of Study (50cp)
- One (1) online core unit of study (12.5cp)
- Eight (8) units of study from one of the Media and Communication majors (100cp)
- Eleven (11) units of study (137.5 credit points) comprising of a second major, co-major, advanced minor, minor/s, and/or electives
*Students studying through SOL complete one online core unit of study and 11 units of Other Study. Students may not complete more than 150 cps (normally 12 units) at Introductory Level.
A unit of study can only be counted once, where units are shared between majors and/or minors, students must choose an approved alternate. Students also have an opportunity to undertake a WIL Professional Placement.
The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Bachelor of Media and Communication is 150 credit points (normally 12 units)
Units of study
MDA10006 Innovation Cultures: Perspectives on Science and Technology
Secondary studies
Additional 11 units of study (137.5 credit points) comprising of a second major, and/or co major, and/or advanced minor/s, and/or minor/s, and/or electives. Find out more.
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities, course aims and objectives, graduate skills and professional recognition.
Career opportunities
Graduates of the Advertising major will be equipped to work in a diverse range of advertising settings in roles such as an advertising coordinator, advertising artist, commercial producer or communications consultant.
The Media Studies major may lead to employment in interactive content creation, journalism, radio, public relations, communications research, advertising, digital media production, web design, video production, and architectural visualisation.
The Public Relations major can lead to roles in areas such as community relations, investor relations, government relations, product publicity, issue management, crisis and risk communication as well as media relations.
Aims and objectives
- demonstrate knowledge, conceptual understanding, technical skills and expertise in the field of media and communication
- formulate arguments that draw on and critique the differences between relevant theories and evidence as they pertain to the field of media and communication
- exercise initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and/or scholarship, alone and in collaboration with others
- demonstrate critical analysis, creativity and problem-solving in relation to a range of media and communication activities and processes
- recognise and reflect on social, cultural, legal and ethical issues relating to media and communication industries in local and international contexts
- apply a broad understanding of an audience through interpreting and communicating ideas, problems and arguments in a range of media and communication contexts and formats, using the English language
- reflect critically on their own practice and/or scholarship and use this to improve their own creative and productive outcomes
- apply research methodologies relevant to media and communications.

Graduate skills
The Swinburne Graduate Attributes signify that Swinburne intends that its teaching courses assist all its graduates to be:
- capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas
- entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community
- effective and ethical in work and community situations
- adaptable and able to manage change
- aware of local and international environments in which they will be contributing (e.g. socio-cultural, economic, natural).
Professional recognition
Pathways and scholarships
- Pathways, credit transfer, recognition of prior learning and scholarships.
Course fees and requirements
- Entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.
Course fees
Students who participate in a six- or 12-month professional placement will be subject to an increase in total course fees.
2023 rate* | Estimated total cost of the course | Estimated cost of the course per year if studying full-time* | Amenities fee per year if studying full-time* |
---|---|---|---|
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) |
$45,426 | $15,142 | See how your SSAF is calculated |
How do I pay my fees?
HECS-HELP is a loan and discount scheme available to eligible students enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place. A HECS-HELP loan can cover all or part of the student contribution amount.
Find out more about fees.
Entry requirements
Successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification.
VCE prerequisites: Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 25 in English (or equivalent) or 30 in English (EAL).
Non-year 12 entry
Completion or partial completion of an approved tertiary qualification (including Certificates, Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas, Associate Degrees and Degrees). 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.
How to apply
View the Course Admission Information, which includes the ATAR and Student profiles for this course. Swinburne’s general admissions information is also available here.
Find out more
Email: enquiries@swinburneonline.com