Bachelor of Creative Industries (Pathway to Master of Communication)
Degree Level Undergraduate
Year 2025
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Entry Scores
2025 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 65.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): B,B,C
TAFE/RTO: DIP
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2024 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 65.00
TAFE/RTO: Cert IV
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Entry requirements
Admission criteria
The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.
Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.
Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they
fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:Recent secondary education
- Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
- Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
- Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points
Applicants must meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C-.
For some programs, applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on grades for their year 12 subjects.OR
Higher education study
- Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
- Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above
OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
- Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV or above
OR
Work and life experience
- Qualify for Special Entry, or
- Complete a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program, or
- Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past
Essential requirements for admission
Achieve a GPA of 4.0 or above on completion of their second year of study (72 units) to progress onto the postgraduate courses in the third year of the program.Prerequisites
NoneAssumed Knowledge
None
Degree overview
- Elevate your career prospects when you graduate with an enterprising skill set that combines business, creativity, technology, innovation, and communication.
- Prepare for a career in the growing Creative Industries, media, and communication sectors.
- The Creative Industries is a collective of cultural sectors encompassing the visual and performing arts; film and television; digital media; social media; animation, web and games design; festival; and writing and publishing. Creative industries are distinguished from other fields in that creativity is used to create value and impactful experiences for consumers.
- In your bachelor’s degree, choose Communications and Media as one of your majors and then select a second learning area from a range of creative and business areas that interest you the most.
- UniSA is No.1 in SA for learning resources in Creative Arts1.
- Complete an undergraduate and postgraduate degree in just four years (instead of five) through this fast-track to Masters in Communication program.
- You’ll also develop industry-led projects through Match Studio, providing you with a highly practical and transferable skill set to give your career a competitive head-start.
- Develop expertise in advanced communication theory, practice and trends through the master’s program and study courses in campaigns and crises; digital design; communication, media and creative industries.
- Engage with guest lecturers and industry experts to hear from leaders in the field and develop your professional network.
- UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities2, 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.
1ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Learning Resources Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.
2UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.
Snapshot
Fast-track your career and gain a bachelor and master qualification in just four years with this Fast-track to Masters in Communication program. You'll study a three-year Bachelor of Creative Industries degree and a one-year Master of Communication qualification (which typically takes two years full-time) by swapping four undergraduate courses or electives for selected postgraduate courses.
You’ll stand out from the rest when you graduate with an enterprising skill set that spans business, creativity, technology, innovation, and communication, combined with professional experience gained during your studies.
As part of this fast-track program, you’ll study one of 12 industry majors:
- Animation and Visual Effects (with Rising Sun Pictures)
- Comicbook Creation (with Writers SA)
- Communication and Media (with communikate et al)
- Contemporary Art Studies (with Guildhouse)
- Creative Writing and Literature (with Writers SA)
- Digital Media (with Solstice Media)
- Festivals (with Festivals Adelaide)
- Film and Television (with Channel 44)
- Games Design and Production (with Unreal Engine (by Epic Games))
- Performing Arts
- Screen Studies (with Adelaide Film Festival)
- Social Media
And:
- Pair your industry major with a second learning area, allowing you to tailor your studies towards your chosen career pathway, as you develop crucial professional, business, and enterprise skills
- Build your professional skills in social and digital media management, public relations, and strategic communication
- Develop your knowledge of the social and political aspects of communication underpinned by advanced research methods and planning skills.
You’ll graduate with multidisciplinary skills and professional experience that will allow you to work in commercial contexts and settings, freelance as an independent artist or launch creative start-ups in your chosen field. Through postgraduate study, you’ll develop the capabilities to be a successful leader and decision-maker in any communication setting, across a diverse range of industries.
Want to look at other options available to you? UniSA offer a wide range of other Fast-track to Masters programs.
What you'll learn
In your undergraduate degree you’ll study core courses in the Creative Industries, including courses in business practice and entrepreneurship relevant to the Creative Industries sector. You’ll select your primary Industry Major and a second learning area. Note that Communications and Media must be selected as one of your two learning areas.
Industry Majors:
Animation and Visual Effects (with Rising Sun Pictures)
Explore a range of animation forms and techniques, including pixilation, 3D modelling and animation, character design and performance, and experimental storytelling. Gain an in-depth understanding of the core disciplines within visual effects, including compositing, tracking, dynamic effects and lighting. You will also have the opportunity to learn first-hand from VFX professionals at world-renowned Rising Sun Pictures, who have creative visual effects for blockbusters including Game of Thrones, Gravity, X-Men, Days of Future Past, The Great Gatsby, Elvis, Thor:Love and Thunder, and the Harry Potter series.
Comicbook Creation (with Writers SA)
Learn how to create and analyse storytelling techniques in oral, textual and visual forms as you develop an in-depth understanding of the historical, theoretical and cultural nature of comics, graphic narratives and cartoons. Tell your own stories as you participate in illustration animation studio courses, and develop your skills in idea generation, design methodology, sequential storytelling skills and image-making to create your own graphic novel.
Communication and Media (with communicate et al)
Build your knowledge and skills in media relations, social media management, communication, media technologies, public relations and professional writing. Learn how to apply these principles to develop strategic and integrated communication plans.
Contemporary Art Studies (with Guildhouse)
Explore the foundational concepts of art theory and practice. Expand your knowledge and skills in contemporary art disciplines such as ceramics, drawing, glass, jewellery and metal, new media arts, painting, printmaking, sculpture, textiles, and contemporary art history and theory. Learn in custom-built studios and workshops on-campus and be taught by practicing artists, highly skilled teachers and academics.
Creative Writing and Literature (with Writers SA)
Examine creative writing techniques across fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction, autobiographies, essays, and plays. Discover the interplay between writers, readers and texts, and how literature both informs and challenges social constructs through the notions of narrative, genre and canon. Produce your own creative and analytical literature under the guidance of professional writers and poets.
Digital Media (with Solstice Media)
Develop your knowledge of design principles, using industry-standard software to analyse, design and create a variety of digital media across print, video, web and mobile platforms. Develop essential skills in graphic and web design, video and audio production, and digital storytelling.
Festivals (with Festivals Adelaide)
Gain industry-specific skills for festivals management including devising budgets, effective programming, management systems and software, artist and volunteer management, and audience development. Develop an understanding of festival genres and their history, along with the importance of curation and sustainability for seasonal growth. Learn about the cultural and economic impacts of festivals locally and globally, and participate in an immersive placement experience during your studies.
Film and Television (with Channel 44)
Immerse yourself in the theory and practice of film and television and explore its communicative and creative possibilities. Ranging from documentary and narrative film through to experimental work, develop storytelling skills, production values and the creative use of formal elements and techniques to engage and entertain an audience. From conceptualisation to post-production, gain hands-on experience and insight into the production cycle and learn what it takes to develop content for the screen.
Games Design and Production (with Unreal Engine (by Epic Games))
Build your expertise in games and interactive media design, along with skills in project management for game development, storytelling, and user experience and user interface design. Be supported and guided by games industry professionals as you develop and refine your games design and production skills. Benefit from our partnerships with industry heavyweights like Epic Games - makers of the world’s most popular and widely used game engine, Unreal.
Performing Arts
Create live music and drama performance and produce aural and visual media using the latest digital technologies and production facilities. Develop your own creative practice within a global context and in a collaborative environment guided by industry practitioners.
Screen Studies (with the Adelaide Film Festival)
Explore the different creative contexts that shape film-making and contemporary screen cultures. Engage directly with the world of screen curatorship and film festival programming. Learn about Hollywood and the global diversity of film and media. Study contemporary world cinemas, screen media authorships, popular genres, experimental media and the age of digital convergence.
Social Media
Study one of the few social media majors offered in Australia. Learn how to develop social media campaigns and online content, and understand how to manage and interpret social media data, optimisations and metrics. Develop your digital writing skills, ability to align social media platforms to target audiences, and knowledge of how to grow and manage online communities.
In addition to your Industry Major, you will select a second learning area.
You can select a second learning area from the list above, or one of the following options:
- Aboriginal Studies
- Cultural Studies
- Design Studies
- Event Management
- Games
- Human Resources Management
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Journalism
- Management
- Marketing
- Tourism Management.
Note: Students wishing to select two of the following Majors: ‘Film and Television’, ‘Screen Studies’ and/or ‘Animation and Effects’ should also consider the Bachelor of Film and Television.
Through your postgraduate studies, you’ll advance your knowledge and skills in communication practices and explore topics including
- digital entrepreneurship,
- digital design, and
- strategic communication in campaigns and crises.
You’ll develop advanced management and writing skills, and advanced knowledge of
- social and digital media management
- ethical communication
- strategic communication plans and practices.
You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.
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
Your studies at UniSA will incorporate both practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
- portfolios
- reports
- essays
- projects
- online activities
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.
Why Bachelor of Creative Industries (Pathway to Master of Communication)
If you’re searching for a degree that will launch your career as a leader in the creative industries, then this fast-track to Masters in Communication program is for you. By studying these two industry-informed degrees you will graduate with multidisciplinary skills that are industry relevant and highly sought after. You’ll also elevate your career options when you graduate with the capabilities needed to work in strategic communication roles.
In an era when many traditional jobs are heading towards automation, the Creative Industries are thriving. The Creative Industries includes sectors such as Film and Television, Contemporary Art, Games Design and Programming, Festivals Management, Creative Writing and many more.
In fact, all sectors including health, manufacturing, finance and engineering also rely on employing people who can think differently, communicate effectively and lead innovation.
In this fast-track program you’ll have the opportunity to study in a highly connected environment and the University of South Australia will support and challenge you as you strive towards your unstoppable career in the creative industries and beyond.
Online study
Part, or all, of this degree can be studied online. 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 an interactive online learning environment
- submit your assignments and get feedback online
- use discussion forums for team work and communication
Please note that for some degrees, 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.
Your career
As the No.1 university in South Australia for graduate careers1, our quality teaching and experiences beyond the classroom will ensure you graduate career-ready.
Career destinations for graduates will depend on the industry-majors and discipline areas selected.
Animation and Visual Effects
Visual effects generalist, animator or visual storyteller
Comicbook Creation
Storyboard developer, comic artist, comic designer, film storyboard artist or illustrator
Communication and Media
Communication officer, content creator and writer, media advisor, public relations coordinator, marketing and communication officer or strategic communication manager
Contemporary Art Studies
Artist, art administrator, art critic, curator or exhibitions manager
Creative Writing and Literature
Creative writer, author, editor, publisher, literary critic or commentator, content creator or teacher (with further study)
Digital Media
Digital/web designer, graphic designer, online editor, digital marketing officer, videographer, or digital project manager and producer
Festivals
Festival manager, festival director, event programmer, curator, cultural liaison officer, event coordinator or creative lead
Games Design and Production
Game designer, game programmer, app designer, digital project manager, production manager or multimedia specialist
Performing Arts
Actor, performance artist, musician, playwright, director, producer, arts administrator, arts coordinator, stage technician, stage designer or teacher (with further study)
Screen Studies
Festival programmer, publicist, funding assistant, arts administrator, film researcher, film distributor, events manager, curator, museums programmer, journalist or teacher (with further study)
Social Media
Content creator and writer, digital and social media manager, marketing and communication officer, online editor, social media liaison officer or strategic communication manager
Corporate communication adviser
Prepare communication strategies and materials including media releases, briefing notes, thought leadership pieces, and speeches; build and develop strong relationships with key media and other external stakeholders; provide crisis and issues support when needed
Communication officer
Convey an organisation’s internal and external messages; plan and write content for promotional publications, websites, blogs and social media profiles; prepare media releases and liaise with journalists; develop advertising material for print, radio and television; and coordinate events
Content creator and writer
Develop compelling content, creative concepts and copy for a range of marketing and communication materials including email campaigns, long-form articles, style guides, social media, written scripts, and landing pages; work closely with designers, web developers, photographers, and videographers; and use insights and analytics to continually optimise content.
1ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019-21 –Full-time Employment Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.
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:
- UniSA College Diploma in Creative Studies
- UniSA College Undergraduate Certificate in University Studies (Creative Studies)
- SAIBT Diploma of Arts
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.
UniSA Excellence Scholarships
$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.
UniSA Outstanding Achievement Scholarship
Up to $10,000 per annum (full time) for South Australian students who obtain an ATAR of 99.95 or IB equivalent and enrol to study at UniSA.
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
Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:
- academic counselling
- personal counselling
- social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
- common rooms
- prayer rooms
- security officers
- career services and mentoring
- Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
- as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.
When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.
24/7 digital environment
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.
Your program director
Ask UniSA
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How do I apply?
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?
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.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
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.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
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.
