Start Date
February
July

Campus
Magill

Duration
3 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus/Online

Program Code
MBJR

SATAC Code
444604 (Packaged)

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Entry Scores
2025 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 65.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): B,B,C
TAFE/RTO: DIP
View Guaranteed Entry Info
2024 Cut-Offs
TAFE/RTO: Cert IV
View full entry requirements

Degree overview

  • Complete an undergraduate and postgraduate degree in just four years (instead of five) through our fast-track to Masters in Communication program.
  • Graduate with highly sought after and diverse skills spanning journalism, professional writing, communication, storytelling, production, and publishing.
  • Set yourself apart with qualifications informed by industry that respond to the fast-changing needs of evolving journalism and communication work environments.
  • Study SA’s only Journalism and Professional Writing degree combined with a Master of Communication.
  • Gain real-world experience when you complete an internship or industry project during your third year.
  • Present to industry partners, including the major television networks, in your third year to expand your network and gain future employment.
  • Gain practical experience by working on projects with affiliated industry partners.
  • Become a published writer, producer or broadcaster with leading student publications and outlets Verse, and On the Record, plus online radio station UniCast.
  • Develop expertise in advanced communication theory, practice and trends through the masters program and study courses in campaigns and crises; digital design; communication, media and creative industries.


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.

1UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.

Snapshot

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’s degree and a one-year master's qualification (which typically takes two years full-time) by swapping four undergraduate courses or electives for selected postgraduate courses.

This unique offering allows you to elevate your career prospects by graduating with a highly sought after and diverse skill set spanning journalism, professional writing, communication, storytelling, production, and publishing.

As part of this fast-tracked program, you will:

  • major in Journalism and Professional Writing and then choose a sub-major in Applied Economics, Communication and Media, Digital Media, Film and Television, Global Politics, Languages, Legal Studies, Marketing, Psychology or Sociology
  • access on-campus facilities, which include a TV studio, radio studio and editing suites, so you can practise recording news broadcasts, producing, and filming with industry-standard technology
  • complete an internship or industry project during your third year
  • study courses in areas such as campaigns and crises; digital design; communication, media and creative industries; and professional communication
  • study industry-informed degrees, which are adaptable and agile changing to the needs and demands of industry.

During your studies you will develop an advanced understanding of communication strategies and theories, and graduate with 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

What you Learn

Your undergraduate degree will start with core courses in journalism and professional writing where you’ll cover topics such as journalism principles and practices, news writing, production and reporting, and intercultural communication.

You will:

  • learn how to author and edit written and visual texts within journalism and non-journalism environments
  • gain greater knowledge and understanding of journalism's role in society
  • develop the production skills required by news and online media, including filming and editing, problem solving and decision-making
  • learn how to use industry-standard equipment and software
  • develop analytical and research skills
  • complete an industry internship or project that will further extend your knowledge and training.

Through your postgraduate studies, you’ll build your professional skills in social and digital media management, public relations and strategic communication. You’ll also:

  • develop your knowledge of the social and political aspects of communication underpinned by advanced research methods and planning skills
  • explore topics including digital design and strategic communication in campaigns and crises.

Graduate with advanced management and writing and other journalism skills, along with knowledge of contemporary practice, 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.

Degree structure

Course name Area and cat no. Units Reference  
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2, or 3)
Ideas, Innovation and Communication COMM 1060 4.5 Note(s): 1
Journalism: Principles and Practices COMM 1062 4.5 Note(s): 2
News Reporting COMM 1064 4.5 Note(s): 2
Sub-Major 1 4.5 Note(s): 3
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Intercultural Communication LANG 1054 4.5 Note(s): 1
Production for News and Social Media COMM 1063 4.5 Note(s): 2
Media Contexts COMM 1059 4.5 Note(s): 2
Sub-Major 2 4.5 Note(s): 3
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2, or 3)
Radio Journalism and Podcasts COMM 2077 4.5 Note(s): 2
Writing and Editing for Publication COMM 2009 4.5
Sub-Major 3 4.5 Note(s): 3
Sub-Major 4 4.5 Note(s): 3
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Media Law and Ethics COMM 2076 4.5 Note(s): 2
Professional Writing COMM 3037 4.5
Sub-Major 5 4.5 Note(s): 3
Sub-Major 6 4.5 Note(s): 3
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2, or 3)
Journalism Research Capstone COMM 3059 4.5 Note(s): 2
Feature Writing COMM 3021 4.5 Note(s): 2
Communication and Media: Advanced COMM 4005 4.5
Professional Communication COMM 5081 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Television and Video Journalism COMM 3060 4.5 Note(s): 2
Internship or Project COMM 3063 4.5 Note(s): 2
Managing Digital Design COMM 5068 4.5
Campaigns and Crises COMM 5005 4.5

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

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.

Global opportunities

Why Bachelor of Journalism and Professional Writing (Pathway to Master of Communication)

Why this Degree

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’s degree and a one-year master's qualification (which typically takes two years full-time) by swapping four undergraduate courses or electives for selected postgraduate courses.

This specialised offering allows you to elevate your career prospects by graduating with highly sought after and diverse skills spanning journalism, professional writing, communication, storytelling, production, and publishing.

This packaged option will see you develop an advanced understanding of communication strategies and theories, and you will graduate with the capabilities to be a successful leader and decision-maker in any communication setting, across a diverse range of industries. 

Real-world connections

Benefit from UniSA’s excellent industry connections – these connections will assist you as you begin to create and build a professional network. Practical experience will be an important part of your learning, and during your third year, you’ll have the opportunity to complete an internship at a media organisation..

Our degrees are informed by industry, and we work closely with our partners and collaborators to ensure our content is agile, up to date and industry-relevant, which ensures that you’re learning the skills and tools to walk into your career with confidence.

Online study

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.

Career outcomes

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.

Communication is at the core of everything we do – and skilled communicators are essential in every organisation. Social media is enabling more people to say what they think and share what they see every day, so the role of informed, knowledgeable, well-trained journalists and writers in presenting truthful and accurate information in the public interest is more important than ever.

Some of the roles our unstoppable graduates have landed include:

  • Journalist
  • Reporter
  • TV / radio presenter and/or interviewer
  • Researcher/producer
  • Scriptwriter
  • Copywriter
  • Editor
  • Strategic communications manager
  • Social media manager
  • Marketing manager
  • Public relations manager
  • Media adviser
  • Content creator
     

1ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019-21 –Full-time Employment Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.

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

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.

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.

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.

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