Start Date
February
July

Duration
3 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus/Online

Program Code
DBMN

SATAC Code
424451 (Internal)

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Entry Scores
2025 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 68.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): B,B,B
TAFE/RTO: DIP
View Guaranteed Entry Info
2024 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 68.00
TAFE/RTO: Cert IV
View full entry requirements

Degree overview

  • Combine the business of marketing with the social sciences of communication to help organisations meet their corporate objectives and promote their products and services.
  • Study at a university recognised as global leaders in Brand Management research1.
  • Take specialised courses in business management, strategic marketing, communication and public relations.
  • Connect with our in-house Marketing Clinic and provide advice to small and medium-sized businesses under the supervision of marketing experts.
  • Study a curriculum informed by above world-class research in Marketing and Communication2.
  • Learn from the same experts who advise global brands like Colgate-Palmolive, Mondelez International and Nestlé.
  • High achieving students may be eligible for the Ehrenberg Scholarship and the opportunity to apply for a part-time position as a Research Assistant at the world-renowned Ehrenberg-Bass Institute for Marketing Science.
  • Apply for a Vacation Research Scholarship with the Ehrenberg-Bass Institute and become involved in world-class research.
  • Complete a marketing practicum as an elective to gain valuable industry experience.
  • Gain real-world experience as part of your studies through an internship, student exchange or mentorship opportunity.
  • Develop career-ready skills employers are looking for once you graduate with enterprise skills embedded in all business courses within this program.
  • Study at a university recognised globally in Business. UniSA Business is in the top one per cent worldwide and has been awarded an overall five stars for excellence3.
  • UniSA Business is accredited by both AACSB International and EFMD (EQUIS) – the world’s leading accreditation bodies.
  • Study at a university ranked in the Top 20 in Australia for Business and Management4.
  • Study a degree accredited by the Australian Marketing Institute (AMI).

1AFR BOSS Magazine, April 2018 – League of Scholars. 22018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 3UniSA Business is one of just 13 institutions in Australia and approximately 200 globally (from over 25,000 universities) to be EQUIS accredited. EFMD, March 2024. 2023 QS Stars Business School Ratings. 42024 QS Subject Rankings.

Snapshot

Business_Hub_images-38 copy_1.jpgCombine the business of marketing with the social sciences of communication to help organisations meet their corporate objectives.

As you develop the practical skills needed to become a marketing and communications expert, you will explore consumer psychology and the scientific laws of brand growth. Your lecturers will be the experts who advise brands like Colgate-Palmolive, Mondelez International and Nestlé.

Your studies will also cover specialised courses such as business management, communication, advertising, and public relations. For high achieving students, there are also vacation research scholarships available providing valuable real-world experience while you study.

What you'll learn

Marketing_Clinic-5 copy.jpgThis degree offers an equal mix of marketing and communication subjects, and over the course of your studies you will also gain a solid grounding in general business principles. In your first year you will be introduced to consumer behaviour, marketing principles, communications and public relations.

This degree will teach you to think critically, manage projects and work as part of a team. You will also develop first-rate expertise in professional marketing and communication practice through the integration, planning and management of key communication projects in an organisational context.

Tertiary Transfer

If you have a Pass average or above from another eligible degree, you may be eligible to use this as entry into this program. Learn more.

Recognised Prior Learning (RPL)

If you have undertaken related Higher Education, TAFE, VET, Professional body or work experience, you may be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) and reduce the duration of the degree. Learn more.

You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.

Degree structure

Course name Area and cat no. Units Reference  
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Marketing Principles: Trading and Exchange MARK 1010 4.5
Accounting for Business ACCT 1008 4.5
Social Media and Society COMM 1083 4.5
Communication and Media COMM 1006 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Business Law LAWS 1018 4.5
Consumer Behaviour MARK 1008 4.5
Public Relations Theory and Practice COMM 1057 4.5
Computer Graphics and Imaging for Design GRAP 1018 4.5 Note(s): 1
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Marketing Analytics MARK 2010 4.5
Professional Development in Marketing MARK 1015 4.5
Design for Digital Technologies COMM 2080 4.5
Content Creation for Media COMM 2079 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Advertising MARK 2007 4.5
Communication Research Methods COMM 2078 4.5
Media Law and Ethics COMM 2076 4.5
Essentials of Marketing Planning MARK 3009 4.5
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Digital Marketing MARK 3016 4.5
Promotional Communication: Advertising, Publicity and Marketing COMM 3064 4.5
Professional Writing COMM 3037 4.5
Marketing Elective 4.5 Note(s): 2
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Integrated Marketing MARK 3012 4.5
Integrated Communication Planning COMM 3062 4.5
Communication Management in Practice COMM 3061 4.5
Marketing Elective 4.5 Note(s): 2

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week. 

Assessment

Marketing_Clinic-15 copy_2.jpgYour studies at UniSA will incorporate both practical, professional and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

  • reports, project documentation, case studies and presentations
  • essays and assignments
  • examinations
  • industry-relevant research-based projects
  • practicals and team-based projects
  • contributions to the workplace and classroom

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.

You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Global opportunities

Why Bachelor of Marketing and Communication

Business_Hub_images-47 copy.jpgContemporary marketing and communications theory combined with opportunities to gain real workplace experience will prepare you for a diversified marketing career.

You could get the opportunity to be selected to participate in our on-campus Marketing Clinic and provide advice to small and medium-sized businesses under the supervision of marketing experts.

UniSA Business is the only business school in South Australia accredited by both AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) and EFMD (EQUIS) – the world’s leading accreditation bodies recognising excellence in business education and research at a global level. These dual accreditations demonstrate the high standards we hold across all areas such as teaching, student learning and research, as well as our commitment to continually improving the quality of our programs.

Ehrenberg-Bass Institute for Marketing Science

The University of South Australia is home to the world-renowned Ehrenberg-Bass Institute for Marketing Science. The Institute is the world’s largest institute for research into marketing and is supported by more than 60 companies worldwide via the Ehrenberg-Bass Sponsorship, including:

  • Colgate-Palmolive
  • Mondelez International
  • Lindt & Sprüngli
  • Danone
  • PepsiCo.

The Institute has been making important discoveries about marketing for more than a decade, with its leading research embedded into our marketing degrees. You will get up-to-date industry knowledge, insights and access to the same experts who advise some of the world’s biggest brands.

Combined degrees

We offer a wide range of combined degrees so you can specialise in two fields and expand your career prospects. Discover how you can pair this degree with another business degree, or a degree from another discipline, and tailor your qualifications to your interests. 

More ways to study

Our flexible delivery and extracurricular opportunities are designed to suit your lifestyle, preferred learning style, and career interests. You can benefit from online and on-campus study, part-time or full-time learning, Summer and Winter School intensive courses, mentoring and networking opportunities with industry, and accelerated learning pathways. Plus, you can make the most of professional development courses endorsed by industry, build leadership skills by participating in the UniSA+ Award, or seek support at our on-campus Business Student Hub

UniSA ACCELERATE

Kickstart your business degree early through UniSA ACCELERATE. Study university courses while you’re in Year 12 and guarantee your place into UniSA with study credit. You can also choose to count study towards your SACE Stage 2. 

Real-world connections

The Marketing Practicum is an exciting industry placement where you can conduct a research project with another student in an organisation for once a week over 12 weeks. Organisations students have been partnered with previously include Balfours, National Pharmacies, Australian Prawn Farmers Association, Robern Menz, Wokinabox and Westfield.

In addition to learning from teachers with professional experience as part of your studies, we also offer opportunities for you to connect with industry outside the classroom. There are a range of engagement opportunities available to you, including:  

  • Build your networks and career options by participating in the Business Career Mentor Program, which pairs you with an experienced business professional  
  • Undertake a Business Internship or complete an industry project, and apply the skills and knowledge gained from your studies in a real workplace setting 
  • Become a global citizen through our international exchange programs– we have more than 80 partner institutions worldwide, and study options that range from two weeks to one year 
  • Meet one-to-one with a senior business executive through our Executive in Residence program. You’ll receive expert guidance and gain workplace insights that will support your career development. 

We host regular University-wide careers events and workshopsexpos, and alumni events in Australia and overseas. 

This could be you

You'll graduate from UniSA prepared for a range of careers - see where our marketing and communication degree could take you.

UniSA Video

Career outcomes

Your career

Our quality teaching and experiences beyond the classroom will ensure you graduate career-ready.

Careers to consider:

  • Advertising account manager: managing client relationships; preparing creative briefs; managing the production of advertisements; managing internal and external communications.
  • Advertising executive: supervising the production of advertising campaigns; developing plans to increase sales for clients; acting as a liaison between their agency and its clients.
  • Brand manager: responsible for driving the growth of a brand; ensuring all aspects of a brand’s marketing and manufacturing match; creating a brand strategy and ensuring all aspects of a product or an activity align with the brand.
  • Copywriter: using creative writing to captivate readers or motivate them to take action; creating copy for advertising in various forms such as billboards, catalogues and on the web.
  • Corporate communications adviser: building and maintaining brand; generating media coverage and message placement; public speaking; partner and relationship building; writing and editing.
  • Digital marketer: driving sales and conversions; optimising website usability; implementing digital and email marketing campaigns; analysing and reporting on website performance and other digital channel initiatives.
  • Market researcher: coordinating research projects; investigating market activity; analysing published data and statistics; evaluating past performance and assessing future trends; commissioning surveys. 
  • Marketing and communications officer: working across any (or all) communications channels such as media and publications, social media and digital, internal communications or brand.
  • Marketing assistant: supporting marketing managers and teams to drive advertising campaigns, create content and operationalise communications plans; assisting with promotional events and website updates; undertaking marketing administrative tasks.
  • Media buyer: understanding audience demographics of various media; purchasing advertising airtime that aligns with the target market objectives of client or company marketing campaigns.
  • Media planner/Campaign manager: combining creative thinking with factual analysis to target marketing campaigns at audiences; identifying the best mediums for building brand awareness and sales.
  • Public relations officer: planning publicity strategies and campaigns; writing and producing press releases; managing enquiries from the public, press and related organisations; building and sustaining a positive brand image.
  • Social media manager: directing the social media presence of a brand, product, individual or organisation; overseeing social media marketing and advertising; developing strategies to increase effectiveness; measuring performance; managing and creating content.
  • Sponsorship officer: managing and procuring sponsors for events and brand awareness activity; developing strategies to leverage sponsorships; executing sponsorship marketing including communications, branding and event planning.

Professional accreditation and recognition

This program has been evaluated and accredited by the Australian Marketing Institute (AMI). Gaining AMI accreditation represents one of several processes ensuring this program provides graduates with an appropriate set of knowledge and skills required by employers within the marketing-related field.

Industry facts

job-listings

Employment for sales, marketing and public relations professionals in Australia is projected to increase by 15.8 per cent by 20241.

1 Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2019

data-presentation

Between now and 2024 the availability of advertising and marketing roles in Australia is projected to increase by 17,700 (21.7 per cent)1.

1 Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2019

How to apply

Applying to study with us:

  • go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
  • you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

Alternative Pathways

Australian

There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

International
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

Deferment

This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

Your study experience and support

Our campuses are home to fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Student services

Student services

The Business Student Hub is a dedicated and convenient support service for business students, from first year right through to graduation. The team provides expert advice on study options, elective choices and any academic difficulties, and can help with referrals to support services across the University. The Business Student Hub is there to facilitate your life at university, so you get the most out of your UniSA experience.

You can also access a range of other student services including:

  • academic counselling
  • personal counselling
  • social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
  • common rooms
  • prayer rooms
  • security officers
  • Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
  • UniSA's Student Association, USASA, also provides a range of other services. For example, you can also join the UniSA Marketing Club – an independent body that provides educational and vocational support, as well as a variety of social and network events.

We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers which you can work with face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies.

When you become a UniSA student you can contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your ID cards, fees and any other questions you might have.

24/7 digital environment

With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle. You can:

  • study online, including accessing videos and course resources
  • participate in virtual classrooms
  • submit your assignments and get feedback online
  • use forums and discussion boards for team work and communication

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Please note some on-campus attendance (such as to attend seminars, workshops or examinations) and/or placements may apply. Any requirements like this are detailed on individual course pages.

Student services

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Location This degree is delivered at the following campus.

Your program director

Along with being Teaching Innovation and Quality Leader in the discipline of Marketing at UniSA, I am also a Curriculum Leader for the undergraduate marketing program. I manage the delivery of the program on campus, externally, and at offshore locations. My extensive experience in industry and academia has enabled me to win numerous awards, including a Commonwealth National Citation. I am passionate about both learning and teaching, and currently lecture at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels in the areas of International Marketing and Marketing Principles. I also look after our award-winning on-campus Marketing Clinic, which enables students to work with real-world clients to solve organisational marketing challenges.

Mrs Vivien Chanana

Program Director

Enquire
Portrait image for Mrs Vivien Chanana
Portrait image for Mrs Vivien Chanana

Mrs Vivien Chanana

Program Director

Enquire

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

What others are saying

My marketing degree gave me an insight into a great number of areas related to marketing, from business management to communications, public relations and even law. Developing an understanding of these professions was beneficial in a number of ways and has helped my career working at a large national organisation greatly. Marketing is an amazingly dynamic field, and if you’re considering it – dive in. There’s something for everyone.

Terri Feil

Bachelor of Marketing and Communication
Marketing Manager (Wealth) | Bendigo and Adelaide Bank

PMP testimonial.jpg

Terri Feil

Bachelor of Marketing and Communication
Marketing Manager (Wealth) | Bendigo and Adelaide Bank

Studying the Bachelor of Marketing and Communication degree equipped me with a great set of skills, knowledge and real-life experiences that certainly helped me develop my career path and transition in to full-time employment.

Milan Milli

Bachelor of Marketing and Communication
University of South Australia

UniSA_Business_shots-22 copy.jpg

Milan Milli

Bachelor of Marketing and Communication
University of South Australia

I lead a team that’s responsible for Foodland’s advertising, communications, media, sponsorships, public relations, and consumer insights. No two days are ever alike. One day, I might be planning the next advertising campaign and media schedule, the next I could be talking about opportunities with a new sponsor and planning point of sale material. Having such a diverse skill set in both marketing and communications, while staying abreast of all the digital platforms, is pivotal to my role.

Christopher Villani

Bachelor of Marketing and Communication
General Manager: Merchandise and Marketing | Foodland Supermarkets Australia

Chris Villani.jpg

Christopher Villani

Bachelor of Marketing and Communication
General Manager: Merchandise and Marketing | Foodland Supermarkets Australia