University of South Australia

Communication and Media

Interested in Communication and Media?

Skilled communicators are essential in every organisation. Our adaptable communication and media qualifications will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to create, develop and deliver effective communication across a range of platforms. 

Our suite of postgraduate degrees will give you specialised skills and advanced knowledge to prepare you for management roles within the communication, media and creative industries sectors.

Developed and designed with industry, our qualifications are relevant, up-to-date, and guaranteed to provide you with the best start in a fast-paced industry. The curriculum continues to be informed by industry partners, including an advisory group of practicing communication and media professionals.

Key features

  • Study a degree that has been designed and developed in consultation with industry.
  • Gain valuable real-world experience when you complete a final-year industry placement or project.
  • Study at a university ranked No. 1 in SA for graduate skills in Media and Communications1 and learning resources in Media and Communications2.
  • Learn from industry experts.
  • Study a curriculum informed by world-class research in Language, Communication and Culture3.
  • Benefit from flexible study options – you can choose to study on-campus or online.

1ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Communications – Skills Development Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.
2ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Communications – Learning Resources Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.
32018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).

Learn more about communication at UniSA

Want to create content that can inform and inspire? Hear about the different career pathways a professional communicator can take, including in areas like digital and social media, public relations, communications advisory, media, freelancing, and more.

UniSA Video

Why UniSA?

UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities1, we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.

We’ve invested millions of dollars in new buildings and facilities, so you will have access to the latest technologies and will learn in ultra-modern teaching spaces. We’ve had 100% of our research rated at or above world-class2, and this excellence shines through our teaching. Our people are inspired by challenges and opportunities. We partner with local icons and international industry professionals to focus on real-world projects.

1UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.
22018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA), 4-digit Fields of Research.

UniSA offers the following Communication and Media degrees

Choose your level of study

Short programs

Are you after a career change or looking to upgrade your existing skills? Or perhaps you just have an interest in a particular subject area and want to further your experience, skills and knowledge. At UniSA we offer a suite of short programs that will allow you to build your knowledge and skill set. 

Designed in collaboration with expert academics, program content is industry-relevant and up-to-date. Short programs include:

World-class partners for a world-class university

We are a globally connected university with over 2,500 industry and professional relationships that support student internships, research and community engagement.

Your career

Communication is at the core of everything we do – and skilled communicators are essential in every organisation. Careers to consider:

  • communication officer: plan content and write copy for promotional publications and material
  • digital and social media manager: responsible for developing and implementing marketing strategies for an organisation’s social media sites
  • media liaison officer: liaise between two organisations to communicate and coordinate activities
  • public relations practitioner: understand and support client needs – and use all forms of media and communication to build, maintain and manage their reputation
Your Career

Global networks

We are a globally connected university, and our staff and students come from over 90 countries. We have more than 2,500 industry and professional relationships that support student internships, research and community engagement. Our students have had placements and internships with organisations like:

Industry facts

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Employment for sales, marketing and public relations professionals in Australia is projected to increase by 14,000 (12.1 per cent) by November 2020.1

1Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2015 

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Employment for advertising, public relations and sales managers in Australia is projected to increase by 6,500 (5.2 per cent) by November 2020.1

1Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2015 

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Between now and 2020, the total Australian media and entertainment market will reach $47.4 billion.1

1PwC Media and Entertainment Outlook report 2016

UniSA's leading art museums and galleries

Ask UniSA

  • How do I apply? minus-thick plus-thick

    The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.

    The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.

    There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.

    If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.

    You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.

    If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying

  • Is there a closing date for applications? minus-thick plus-thick

    Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

    Undergraduate

    The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.

    Postgraduate

    Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.

    As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.

  • What credit can I receive for previous studies? minus-thick plus-thick

    You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central. 

  • Can I speak to someone regarding my study options? minus-thick plus-thick

    Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.

More FAQs

Study at UniSA

Hear from Minnie as she shares her experiences studying at UniSA and her journey as a Communication and Media graduate.

The degree focuses on communication for both traditional and online media. You will learn how to plan, deliver and evaluate effective communication that engages and entertains audiences via a range of media.

UniSA Video

What others are saying

This degree is very versatile and has allowed me to combine all my specific interests, including public relations, journalism and digital design, into one degree. I also had the opportunity to undertake an internship as part of the program and a short course in Florence, Italy, studying media and communication in the fashion industry.

Helena Senesi

Bachelor of Communication and Media

Helena Senesi

Helena Senesi

Bachelor of Communication and Media

As a communications professional I have the skills required to increase awareness and ensure that life-saving blood and blood products are available for those in need. Throughout my studies I learnt so much from both my lecturers and classmates – a real benefit of the program is that you are surrounded by like-minded professionals.

Emma Schreiber

Graduate Diploma in Communication (Public Relations)

Emma Schreiber

Emma Schreiber

Graduate Diploma in Communication (Public Relations)

Why study at UniSA?

As one of the most innovative universities in Australia and Asia, there are many reasons to study with us. Here are just three:

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Accessible, helpful and flexible

We have six campuses, a 24/7 online learning environment, and we offer flexible study options like online and evening courses.

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Graduate success

UniSA is South Australia's number one university for graduate careers.*
*ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019-21 – Full-time Employment Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.

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A five star university

Five stars for research, employability, teaching, facilities, internationalisation, inclusiveness and innovation*
*2023 QS Stars Ratings