Bachelor of Media and Communication
with a major in Journalism – Blended learning – on-campus and digital learning
The Bachelor of Media and Communication focuses on developing key skills in professional communication and media content creation.
Swinburne’s strong industry connections ensure this course links theoretical knowledge with practical, experiential learning relevant to growing areas of employment*.
Learn how the media sector is evolving through an examination of issues such as diversity, the influence of social networking data, ownership and privacy, and automated media and the digital economy.
You’ll also benefit from Swinburne’s partnership with Adobe which gives you free access to, and coaching in, the Adobe Creative Cloud while studying.
This flexible degree will help you prepare you for a career you’ll be passionate about.
You’ll major in at least one area (from a choice of ten options). Then further tailor your degree to suit your interests. There are twenty-four options for a second major or co-major and an even broader selection of minors or single electives.
You may also choose to add a professional internship, international exchange or study tour to your degree.
* The Australian Government’s Job Outlook shows that sectors related to this degree are expecting strong future growth. This includes advertising, public relations, multimedia specialists and media producers. Other sectors, such as journalism and writing, are expecting a future of stable to moderate employment growth.
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.
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I’ve had amazing internships with incredible companies. I’m working in an industry placement as a Social Media Response Specialist at Optus. I’ve been able to use the skills learnt in my major, and have worked with the Digital Content team to create content for the Optus website.
Chloe
Bachelor of Media and Communications (Professional), majoring in Social Media
Studying Cinema and Screen Studies allowed me to critically look at popular film and television and explore the ways in which they have succeeded and why. I have really enjoyed the chance to learn from experienced tutors and lecturers who were constantly there for support and feedback. Getting advice has really helped me to grow as a writer and feel more confident in my own work.
Annika
Bachelor of Media and Communication, major in Cinema and Screen Studies
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:
- develop 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
- critically apply 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
- critically evaluate and apply research methodology relevant to the field of media and communication.
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 2021.
Students who participate in a six- or 12-month professional placement will be subject to an increase in total course fees.
| 2021 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) |
$43,500 | $14,500 | 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
Find out more about 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.