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

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Entry requirements Degree overview Career outcomes How to apply Study experience

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International students

Start date
February
July

Campus
Magill
City West

Duration
3 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
MBCD

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Fees
2022: AUD$ 28,000 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL)

Admissions
Student Profile

English Language Requirements

IELTS total [6.0]
IELTS reading [6.0]
IELTS writing [6.0]

Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
081881B

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.

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 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

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at the University of South Australia. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

English language test

IELTS total [6.0]
IELTS reading [6.0]
IELTS writing [6.0]

See equivalence table for other qualifications and English Language tests accepted by UniSA (PDF)

Admission Requirements by Country

Bangladesh HSC	3.5
Canada High School (OSSD)	60
Eynesbury FSP	310
German Abitur	3.8
India (best 4)	60
Kenya KCSE (average)	B
Malaysia STPM (best 3)	6
Malaysia UEC	32
Norway GPA	2.8
Pakistan HSSC	75
Sri Lanka A Levels (best 3)	6
Sweden GPA	12.5
UK Board GCE A Levels/HK Board	6
Vietnam	7
Australia	65
IB (best 6)	26
USA SAT (1600)	1050
HKDSE	15
Nepal NEB	2.41

View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

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Degree overview

Study a degree that has been designed and developed in consultation with industry.
Study courses in content creation, social media strategy and engagement, professional writing and public relations.
Customise your degree by choosing a sub-major such as Social Media, Journalism, Digital Media, Marketing or Film and Television.
Learn from industry experts.
Gain valuable real-world experience when you complete a final-year industry placement or project.
Gain hands-on experience by working with industry partners across a range of courses.
Study a curriculum informed by world-class research in Language, Communication and Culture¹.

¹2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).

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 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, City West or Online.

What you'll learn

You will learn how to 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
critical and analytical thinking required for the 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, communication management or media role.

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
Digital Design Essentials	COMM 1066	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): 5
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

Rules

1. Students who have received more than 54 units of credit will not be eligible to undertake the Pathway to Master of Communication.

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. Students intending to undertake the Pathway to Master of Communication program should refer to the Bachelor of Communication and Media (Pathway to Master of Communication) web page for details.

5. 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
journals
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 graduate career-ready.

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

Nine in ten large businesses, and more than four in ten small-to-medium businesses now have a strategy behind their social media and communications investment¹, so there is no better time to be beginning a career in communication and media.

As a professional communicator you will be interested in 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 write content for publications and promotional material
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
media liaison officer: liaise between two organisations to communicate and 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.

^{1 Sensis Social Media report 2017}

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

How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.

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:

SAIBT Diploma of Arts

Credit transfer

You could be eligible for credit for previous studies you have undertaken. Find out online.

Go to credit assessor

Life in Adelaide

Current international students talk about living in Adelaide and studying at UniSA.

Hear from our students

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

Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship

Recipients can get a 50% reduction on tuition fees for up to four years of full-time study for selected degrees.

Learn more

International Merit Scholarship

Recipients can get a 15% reduction on tuition fees for the duration of their chosen degree.

Learn more

Your study experience and support

As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.

Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gainaccess to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. 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 lots more.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets should you need, from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages or explore our student accommodation by urbanest on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal perfect 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 international 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:

career advice and mentoring
help with student visas and health cover
personal counselling
academic counselling
fees and finance help
common rooms
prayer rooms
security officers
accommodation services
as well as services offered through our student association, USASA

We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. 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 advanced facilities including modern 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 to apply?

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

You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.

Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.

If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.

If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.

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

There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.

If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.
What credit can I receive for previous studies?

You may be eligible to receive credit 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 credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.

The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.
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.

We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.

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