UniSA uses cookies to remember your preferences, analyse traffic, track usage patterns, and personalise content. In some instances, UniSA shares personal information collected by cookies with UniSA's third party service providers and Adelaide University (as UniSA's future successor). See our privacy notification for further details. To adjust your cookie settings, click 'More information'. By clicking 'Accept and continue', you consent to our use of cookies.
UniSA recommends the use of all cookies to provide you with the optimal experience while visiting our website. Choose below to accept the recommended settings or continue to adjust your individual preferences.
Adjust your settings
Essential cookies
Preserves the visitor’s session state across multiple page requests. These cookies are required for basic site functionality and are therefore always enabled.
Analytical cookies
Used to send data through services such as Google Analytics and our advertising platform about a user's device and behaviour. Tracks the user across devices and marketing channels.
Marketing cookies and Advertising based pixels
Track digital activity from ads, optimise ads and remarket to users to customise the website's user experience.
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.
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 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
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
None
Assumed Knowledge
None
English language entry requirements
In addition to meeting academic entry requirements, international students who speak English as a second or additional language must also meet the University's English language entry requirements. The minimum language requirements for this program are:
English language test
IELTS total [6.0]
IELTS reading [6.0]
IELTS writing [6.0]
Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by UniSA and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:
English Language Equivalence Table (PDF)
Complete an undergraduate and postgraduate degree in just four years through our fast-tracked 3+1 Pathway to Masters program.
Elevate your career prospects by completing two industry-informed qualifications that have been developed to meet the fast-changing needs of the communication and media industries.
UniSA is No. 1 in SA for graduate skills in Media and Communications1 and learning resources in Media and Communications2.
Gain specialised knowledge and capabilities in organisational communication and media management during your bachelor, then develop expertise in advanced communication theory and trends through the masters program.
Study courses in campaigns and crises; digital design; advanced communication and media; and social media management.
Undertake a year-long industry-supervised project in your final year.
Benefit from flexible study options – you can choose to study your bachelor degree on-campus at City West, Magill or online, and some of your masters courses at City West or online.
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.
Snapshot
Fast-track your communication career and gain a bachelor and master qualification in just four years with our 3 + 1 Pathway to Master of Communication package. This unique offering allows you to elevate your career prospects by completing two industry-informed qualifications that have been developed to meet the fast-changing needs of the communication and media industries.
This package provides you with an opportunity to study a three-year bachelor degree and a one-year master degree (typically two years) in four years by substituting four undergraduate courses for selected postgraduate courses in the third year of your bachelor degree.
As part of this packaged program, you will:
major in Communication and Media covering strategic communication, media management, public relations, social media, advertising, and professional communication
select a sub-major in areas including digital media, film and television, journalism, marketing, and social media
study courses in areas such as campaigns and crises; digital design; applied communication and media concepts; research for business decision-making; and content creation.
undertake an industry-supervised project in your final year
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.
You will be immersed in real-world challenges and have access to practical-based courses including an industry-led professional project.
What you'll learn
Your undergraduate degree will start with core courses in communication, where you will create, develop and deliver communication strategies for traditional and online media. You will also develop writing skills for a range of platforms, including traditional media, social media and digital platforms.
You will:
learn how to manage media and public relations in contemporary society, including the analytical thinking required for strategic planning and communication management
study emerging trends within the communications industry, along with media law and ethics
major in Communication and Media covering strategic communication, media management, public relations, social media, advertising, and professional communication
select a sub-major in areas including digital media, film and television, journalism, linguistics, marketing or social media
undertake an industry internship in your third year
study courses in?areas such as?campaigns and crises; digital design; applied communication and media concepts; research for business decision-making; and content creation
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
undertake an industry-supervised project in the final year of your master’s degree.
study in a collaborative, team-based environment with connections to industry partners, real-world projects, and placement and networking opportunities
You will graduate with two industry-informed qualifications that respond to the fast-changing needs of employment and society, particularly within the communication, media and creative industries.
1. In order to retain enrolment in the Pathway to Master of Communication, students
are required to attain a minimum GPA of 4.0 at the end of second year.
2. 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 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.
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:
reports, project documentation, case studies and presentations
essays and assignments
industry-relevant, research-based projects
practicals and team-based projects
participation in the workplace and in class.
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.
Why Bachelor of Communication and Media (Pathway to Master of Communication)
Fast-track your communication career and gain a bachelor and master qualification in just four years with our 3 + 1 Pathway to Master of Communication package. This unique offering allows you to elevate your career prospects by completing two industry-informed qualifications that have been developed to meet the fast-changing needs of the communication and media industries.
This package provides you with an opportunity to study a three-year bachelor degree and a one-year master degree (typically two years) in four years by substituting four undergraduate courses for selected postgraduate courses in the third year of your bachelor degree.
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
Practical experience will be an important part of your learning and during your third year, you will complete an industry internship in communication, media, public relations, social media or advertising role in a variety of organisations. In your Masters you will also undertake an industry-supervised project.
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.
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.
You could consider careers such as:
communications officer: plan, create and write content for publications and promotional material
media liaison officer: liaise between two organisations to communicate and coordinate activities
public relations account manager: understand and support client needs – and use all forms of media and communication to build, maintain and manage their reputation
marketing and communications officer: coordinate advertising and public relations activities for businesses
content creator and writer: write for a range of channels and mediums including web, blogs, news, social media, search engine optimisation, publications and advertising
corporate communications manager
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.
internal communications manager: plan, implement and manage internal communication messaging and strategies to keep employees informed and motivated
digital and social media manager: responsible for developing and implementing marketing strategies for an organisation’s social media
1ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019-21 –Full-time Employment Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.
Industry facts
Employment for advertising, public relations and sales managers in Australia is projected to increase by 23,000 (14.3 per cent) by May 2024.
Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2019
Employment for sales, marketing and public relations professionals in Australia is projected to increase by 24,000 (15.8 per cent) by May 2024.
Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2019
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:
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.
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 gain access 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. 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 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:
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 modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fees This is based on the total number of units for this program where one EFTSL is expressed as 36 units.
*UniSA accepts applications for programs commencing beyond the year advertised and tuition fees for these years will be higher. Please note that your tuition fees will be subject to an annual increase.
