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.
Midyear Info Evenings
You might be able to start studying midyear! Meet our academics and get the details at our Info Evening in Hawthorn on 29 May. Register now!
Start dates
Hawthorn campus
- Semester 1 - 26 February 2018
- Semester 2 - 30 July 2018
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 |
+
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 |
| Ethics for Journalists | JOU10006 | 12.5 |
| Reporting Public Forums * | JOU20002 | 12.5 |
| Broadcast News Reporting | JOU20004 | 12.5 |
| Media Law | JOU20006 | 12.5 |
| Investigative Journalism * | JOU30001 | 12.5 |
| Journalism Features * | JOU30007 | 12.5 |
| Specialist Reporting * | JOU30011 | 12.5 |
*Outcome unit – completion demonstrates the attainment of course learning outcomes
+
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
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 2018.
Students who participate in a six- or 12-month professional placement will be subject to an increase in total course fees.
| 2018 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) |
$19,332 | $6,444 | 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.
Study Abroad
EMBRACE THE ADVENTURE
Whether you’re looking for a semester exchange or a short-term study tour, Swinburne offers a range of international study opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Sammy Foster (pictured) gained amazing experience along with credit towards her Bachelor of Communications (Media Studies) while on exchange at the University of California, Los Angeles.
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.
The full Course Information Set and Whole of Institution Set are available for reference.