Bachelor of Media and Communication
with a major in Journalism
The Bachelor of Media and Communication is designed to prepare students for a career in the media, communications and multimedia industries. Students learn about how the media is evolving through an examination of issues such as ownership, control of the media and the impact of new media technologies on society. The course links theoretical and practical knowledge and skills needed to operate effectively in diverse settings in industry.
Selected major: Journalism
Combine traditional journalistic skills with online publishing, multimedia production and the skills required for interacting with audiences, social networking and building online communities. Publish and broadcast work in online, television, radio and print outlets.
Start dates
Hawthorn campus
- Semester 1 - 4 March 2019
- Semester 2 - 5 August 2019
VTAC codes
- 3400210851 (CSP)
- 3400210853 (IFP)
Faculty
Faculty of Health, Arts and Design
The opportunity to gain hands-on experience while studying at Swinburne has benefited my career. I've completed work experience as an assistant editor and marketing assistant. I met lots of new people, improved my writing and editing skills and learnt some marketing and advertising lingo.
Thia
Studying media and communication
Throughout my course I've been challenged to make and take opportunities for myself, which has been extremely rewarding. I've just started a work placement and it has provided a clear link between what I've learned in class and what I hope to achieve in my career.
Tim
Studying advertising
Course details
- Course structure, work integrated learning and professional recognition.
Course structure
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.
View course rules and special requirements
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Communication Practice | COM10007 | 12.5 |
| Media Content Creation | JOU10007 | 12.5 |
| Introduction to Media Studies | MDA10001 | 12.5 |
| Global Media Industries | MDA10008 | 12.5 |
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Selected major: Journalism
Combine traditional journalistic skills with online publishing, multimedia production and the skills required for interacting with audiences, social networking and building online communities. Publish and broadcast work in online, television, radio and print outlets.
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| News Writing | JOU10004 | 12.5 |
| Journalism Features | JOU10008 | 12.5 |
| Reporting Public Forums * | JOU20002 | 12.5 |
| Broadcast News Reporting | JOU20004 | 12.5 |
| Media Law and Ethics | JOU20006 | 12.5 |
| Investigative Journalism * | JOU30001 | 12.5 |
| Video Project * | JOU30009 | 12.5 |
| Specialist Reporting * | JOU30011 | 12.5 |
*Outcome unit – completion demonstrates the attainment of course learning outcomes
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Other studies
12 units (150 credit points)
Choose from a combination of the following course components to complete 150 credit points of other study. Students may also select elective units (12.5 credit points each).
- Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight standard units of study per year
- Part-time study: 50 credit points/four standard units of study per year
- One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)
- See the course planner for an example degree structure
Course learning outcomes
On successful completion of the Bachelor of Media and Communication, graduates will be able to:
- demonstrate knowledge, conceptual understanding, technical skills and expertise in the broad 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 judgment in planning, problem-solving and decision-making in professional practice and/or scholarship, individually 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 performance and/or scholarship and use this to improve their own creative and productive outcomes
- apply research methodology relevant to the field of media and communication.
Course structure
To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Media and Communication, students must complete 300 credit points comprising of:
- 4 Core units of study (50 credit points)
- 8 units of study from one of the following Media and Communication majors: Advertising, Cinema and Screen Studies, Creative Writing and Literature, Digital Advertising Technology, Games and Interactivity, Journalism, Media Industries, Public Relations, Professional Writing and Editing, Social Media (100 credit points)
- 12 units of study (150 credit points) comprising of a second major, and/or co-major, and/or advanced minor/s, and/or minor/s, and/or electives
Students must not complete more than 125 credit points 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 alternative.
Students also have an opportunity to undertake a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Professional Placement.
Professional Placements
Professional Placements are subject to a competitive selection process. International students may be eligible for a Professional Placement where a relevant Professional degree exists.
International students who successfully gain a placement through the selection process will be required to change courses to the relevant Professional degree, in order to complete a placement and should consider any visa and extended study duration implications prior to applying.
Students who undertake a 12-month professional placement are subject to the following course rules and must complete 375 credit points comprising:
- 4 Core units of study (50 credit points)
- 8 units of study from one of the following Media and Communication majors: Advertising, Cinema and Screen Studies, Creative Writing and Literature, Digital Advertising Technology, Games and Interactivity, Journalism, Media Industries, Public Relations, Professional Writing and Editing, Social Media (100 credit points)
- 4 units of study from the Professional Placement Co-Major (100 credit points)
- 10 units of study (125 credit points) comprising of a second major, and/or co-major, and/or advanced minor/s, and/or minor/s, and/or electives
Students who elect to undertake a 6-month professional placement are subject to the following course rules and must complete 337.5 credit points comprising:
- 4 Core Units of Study (50 credit points)
- 8 units of study from one of the following Media and Communication majors: Advertising, Cinema and Screen Studies, Creative Writing and Literature, Digital Advertising Technology, Games and Interactivity, Journalism, Media Industries, Public Relations, Professional Writing and Editing, Social Media (100 credit points)
- 2 units of study from the Professional Placement Minor (50 credit points)
- 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.
Work Integrated Learning
Swinburne's Work Integrated Learning program provides opportunities to gain invaluable skills and confidence in knowing that you have what it takes to land a job in your field by graduation. You can also earn credit towards your degree. Choose from six- or 12-month professional placements, professional internships, industry-linked projects, industry study tours and accreditation placements. Find out more.
Choose a professional placement option:
12 months Six monthsProfessional Placement in Media and Communication
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Work Experience in Industry A | WEI20001 | 25 |
| Integrated Professional Placement A - Media and Communication | MDA20016 | 25 |
| Work Experience in Industry B | WEI20002 | 25 |
| Integrated Professional Placement B - Media and Communication | MDA20017 | 25 |
Professional Placement in Media and Communication
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Work Experience in Industry A | WEI20001 | 25 |
| Integrated Professional Placement A - Media and Communication | MDA20016 | 25 |
Professional recognition
On completion of the Public Relations major students may be eligible to become a member of the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA) and should confirm eligibility with the Institute.
The Advertising major is professionally accredited by the Media Federation of Australia (MFA).
Fees
- Fees for 2019.
Students who participate in a six- or 12-month professional placement will be subject to an increase in total course fees.
| 2019 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) |
$19,698 | $6,566 | 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.
Scholarships
At Swinburne scholarships are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. Scholarships are available for both commencing and current students.
How to enter this course
- Entry requirements, pathways, credit transfer and recognition of prior learning.
How to apply
Applications for Semester 1 for courses listed on the VTAC Guide are generally made through VTAC. Under certain circumstances, some students (e.g. Non-Year 12) may apply directly to Swinburne. Find out more about how to apply.
Applications for all other intakes should be made directly to Swinburne.
View the Course Admission Information, which includes the ATAR and Student profiles for this course. Swinburne’s general admissions information is also available here.