Study Bachelor of Communication and Media at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for Australian students.

Entry Scores
2024 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 65.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): B,B,C
TAFE/RTO: DIP
View Guaranteed Entry Info
2023 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 65.00
TAFE/RTO: Cert IV
View full entry requirements

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
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND
- 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 who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.

Recent secondary education ATAR profile

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 equivalent, or
- Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past
Essential requirements for admission
Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None
View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

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This degree can be packaged with a masters degree. For more information and SATAC codes visit Fast-track to Masters

Degree overview

Study a degree that has been designed and developed in consultation with industry.
Develop communication skills that are in demand in all industries, from fashion to finance.
Develop your written, verbal and visual communication skills so you can create impact in professional contexts.
Gain valuable real-world experience when you complete a final-year industry placement or project.
Study courses in content creation, social media strategy and engagement, media management, professional writing and public relations.
Gain hands-on experience by working with industry partners across a range of courses, including in our Communication and Media Clinic.
Customise your degree by choosing a sub-major such as Social Media, Journalism, Digital Media, Marketing or Film and Television.
Learn from industry experts.
Benefit from flexible study options – you can choose to study on-campus at Magill campus, City West campus or online.
UniSA is ranked No. 1 in SA for graduate skills in Media and Communications¹ and learning resources in Media and Communications².
Study a curriculum informed by world-class research in Language, Communication and Culture³.
UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities⁴, 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, 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).
⁴UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #52, 2023 THE Young University Rankings.

Snapshot

Skilled communicators are essential in every organisation and industry sector, and this adaptable degree will equip you with the knowledge and skills to plan, develop and deliver communication activities across a range of platforms.

You will develop skills in:

writing and creating content for traditional and online media
analysing social media and its role in society
managing media and public relations
critical and analytical thinking required for the strategic planning and management of communication and media.

Practical, real-world experience is a key component of this degree and in your final year you will complete an industry internship. Industry and community engagement opportunities are also featured in several courses, enabling you to put your skills to practice on real communication projects.

Eligible students can gain a further competitive advantage by completing an undergraduate degree in Communication and Media with a Master of Communication in just four years. This is a great way of elevating your career prospects.

Based on academic merit and quota, you may have the option to do the one-year Bachelor of Arts (Honours) at the end of this degree. Honours is an intensive year of advanced study that develops your abilities in academic research. It allows you to research a topic that interests you. Other selection criteria may apply.

If you’re interested in studying a combined degree with the Bachelor of Communication and Media, please submit an enquiry and we’ll get in touch to discuss your options.

Current combined degree options include the Bachelor of Communication and Media and:

This degree offers flexible study options with all courses being available at Magill campus, City West campus or Online.

What you'll learn

You will learn how to write, plan, deliver and evaluate communication strategies that engage and inform target audiences using a range of media platforms. With a focus on communication for both traditional and online media, you'll study:

writing and content creation for traditional and online
social media strategy, engagement and content creation
strategic planning and management of communication and media
communication and media research
media law and ethics
emerging trends

Studying communication and media at UniSA gives you the flexibility to select a sub-major, so you can specialise in fields such as journalism, film and television, social media, marketing, or digital media. A social media sub-major would be highly desirable in a social media management role, while a journalism sub-major would prepare you for media advisor roles. If you're interested in digital content, then a digital media sub-major may be for you. Other popular sub-majors include marketing, film and television, tourism, and event management.

You will also select two electives, enabling you to further build on your skills and knowledge. There is a focus on professional practice, and during your final year, you will get the opportunity to complete an industry placement working in a public relations, social media, communication management or media role.

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)
Social Media and Society	COMM 1083	4.5
Communication and Media	COMM 1006	4.5
Professional and Technical Communication	COMM 1065	4.5
Sub-major		4.5	Note(s): 1
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Intercultural Communication	LANG 1054	4.5
Public Relations Theory and Practice	COMM 1057	4.5
Computer Graphics and Imaging for Design	GRAP 1018	4.5
OR
UO Digital Graphics and Imaging	GRAP 1027	4.5
Sub-major		4.5	Note(s): 1
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Content Creation for Media	COMM 2079	4.5
Professional Writing	COMM 3037	4.5
Sub-major		4.5	Note(s): 1
Elective		4.5	Note(s): 2,3
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Communication Research Methods	COMM 2078	4.5
Media Law and Ethics	COMM 2076	4.5
Sub-major		4.5	Note(s): 1
Elective		4.5	Note(s): 2,3
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Promotional Communication: Advertising, Publicity and Marketing	COMM 3064	4.5
Internship or Project	COMM 3063	4.5
Advanced Professional Writing	COMM 3057	4.5
Sub-major		4.5	Note(s): 1
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Integrated Communication Planning	COMM 3062	4.5
Communication Management in Practice	COMM 3061	4.5
UO Social Media Engagement	COMM 3084	4.5	Note(s): 4
Sub-major		4.5	Note(s): 1

Majors, Sub-majors & Minors

Marketing

Digital Media

Film and Television

Journalism

Applied Linguistics

Social Media

Electives

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units
Suggested electives
UO Introduction to Social Media	COMM 1073	4.5
Applications for Social Media Data	INFS 3082	4.5

Rules & notes

Notes

1. Students from the program should select a Sub-major from the recommended list or as approved by the Program Director. Sub-majors can be taken in a wide range of disciplines, however not all Sub-majors are available on each campus.

2. All students complete two 4.5 unit Electives, unless directed to do English as an Additional Language as their elective area. See undergraduate elective courses (https://study.unisa.edu.au/electives).

3. Students not undertaking the Social Media sub-major should undertake the suggested electives.

4. This course will be offered in Study Period 6

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 practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

projects
portfolios
reports
presentations
essays

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 Communication and Media

This degree has been developed and designed with industry, which means it is relevant, up-to-date and guaranteed to provide you with the best start in this fast-paced industry.

In fact, the curriculum continues to be informed by industry partners, meaning you’re accessing content and knowledge which is always relevant and up to date. This style of learning, combined with final-year real-world experience, ensures you'll graduate career-ready. You will also have the choice of studying on-campus at Magill and City West or online, which is great news for students who are trying to fit study in among work and other life commitments.

Real-world connections

Practical experience will be an important part of your learning and during your third year you will complete an industry internship in a communication, media, public relations, social media or advertising role in a variety of organisations. This industry experience will ensure you graduate ready for the workforce – some graduates even gain employment as a result of these internships. UniSA offers an extensive range of career-related events and workshops online, on campus and around Adelaide to develop your skills and increase your knowledge.

Career outcomes

Your career

Skilled communicators are essential in every organisation and industry to plan, develop and deliver communication across a range of platforms and situations. From social media to crisis communication, get ready to share and shape the stories of your organisation and industry. There is no better time to begin a career in communication and media.

As a professional communicator you will be interested in the world around you, current affairs, public communication in all its forms, and the communication aspects of political, economic and social issues. You will also have a passion for writing and language, a curiosity about why and how people communicate, and a desire to use communication skills to promote understanding of significant political, social, cultural and scientific issues and events. Careers to consider:

communication officer: plan, create and develop content for publications, manage an organisation’s online presence and communicate with target publics and stakeholders
content creator and writer: write for a range of channels and mediums including web, blogs, news, social media, search engine optimisation, publications and advertising
digital and social media manager: responsible for developing and implementing marketing strategies for an organisation’s social media sites and website
media liaison officer: manage an organisation’s media profile, create media releases and editorial content, and liaise with media outlets to coordinate activities
PR coordinator: understand and support client needs – and use all forms of media and communication to build, maintain and manage their reputation
marketing and communication officer: coordinate advertising and public relations activities for businesses
online editor: plan, create, edit and publish content online
strategic communication manager: develop integrated communication and marketing campaigns, set clear communication goals and objectives, develop strategies, tactics, budgets and schedules for a campaign – and learn to measure the effectiveness of each medium to monitor success.

Industry facts

Employment for sales, marketing and public relations professionals in Australia is projected to increase by 14,000 (12.1 per cent) by November 2020¹.

¹Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2015

Employment for advertising, public relations and sales managers in Australia is projected to increase by 6,500 (5.2 per cent) by November 2020¹.

¹Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2015

Between now and 2020, the total Australian media and entertainment market will reach $47.4 billion¹.

¹PwC Media and Entertainment Outlook report 2016

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:

UniSA College Diploma in Creative Studies (Communication)
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:

SAIBT Diploma of Arts
see the full list of entry pathways that may apply

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.

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you're eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a Pathway

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

UniSA Excellence Scholarships

$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.

Learn more

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.

Learn more

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 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.

Your program director

Communication is at the core of how we live today in our connected and globalised world.

Effective communication and media management allows us to influence behaviour and decisions, to increase awareness and profile, to build reputation, and to facilitate the exchange of mass information. Communication and media roles exist within all industry sectors and many types of organisations, creating a wealth of opportunities for our graduates. There is no other field that has that reach.

Ms Rebecca Somerfield

Program Director

Enquire

Ms Rebecca Somerfield

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

How do I apply?

There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.

Applications for admission into the University of South Australia’s undergraduate and most postgraduate degrees are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Visit satac.edu.au and follow the links.

For the MBA degrees please apply through the UniSA MBA Application Portal. Applications for a small number of degrees are submitted direct to UniSA through our Apply Online portal. It will be noted on the degree page if you need to apply via Apply Online.

Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Master of Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.
Is there a closing date for applications?

Undergraduate
Yes. The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be given equal consideration is in 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 (mid January). Some degrees will not make any offers after the main offer round. Please click here find all of the key dates for applications here.

Postgraduate
Most postgraduate degrees do not have a closing date for applications. However, there are exceptions, so it is best to check – either on the SATAC website, Apply Online or the degree homepage. Postgraduate offers are normally ‘rolling’, meaning they may be sent out at any time up until the program starts. This also means that applications may close at any time without warning, if the quota is filled earlier. For this reason, postgraduate applications should be submitted without delay. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquiries team on (08) 8302 2376 or via the online enquiry form.
What credit can I receive for previous studies?

Credit transfer or advanced standing

You may be eligible to receive a credit transfer or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving a credit transfer will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

Recognised prior learning

If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning for this experience. Receiving recognised prior learning will normally reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and can reduce the duration of the degree.

How do I get credit?

Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director who will discuss your prior learning and experience with you to ascertain what credit you may be eligible for.

Many of our credit transfer arrangements are listed on our online Credit Assessor.
Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?

UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.

Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.

If you are interested in studying an MBA please contact admissions@unisa.edu.au and our Future Student Enquiries team will contact you regarding your enquiry.

Alternatively, you can complete a MyCareerMatch career profile. MyCareerMatch is an online career profiling tool that you can use free-of-charge through UniSA. MyCareerMatch specialises in career profiles and provides you with a personalised career report outlining information about your personality style and a list of career options, which are complementary to your natural strengths and talents.

We have many events throughout the year where you can speak with a lecturer or tutor about your degrees of interest. You can find out what is happening at UniSA by visiting our events page or by signing up to our mailing list, so you're the first to know about careers events, information sessions, degree requirements, scholarships and more!

There are also many career counsellors external to the University that you can discuss your career options with. If you are unsure where to start your search, you can contact the Government's Work Ready team (formally Skills for All). Visit skills.sa.gov.au or call 1800 506 266.

You may also find Job Outlook a helpful resource in your decision-making.
Where can I get further information?

It can be difficult to decide what degree you would like to do and where. You might find information from government organisations will help to weigh up your degree and provider options.

Find a course or a provider

TEQSA is a regulatory body for higher education providers. Use the TEQSA national register of higher education providers to search for a course or a provider. Compare courses and providers for undergraduates and postgraduates using the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) online comparison tool.

More information on university admission

Visit the SATAC website to find out important news, events and information on applying to university in South Australia. Visit Study with Us to find out everything you need to know about studying at UniSA, admissions and the application process.

Questions about your application

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application you should contact the Future Students Enquiries team in the first instance.

More FAQs