Study Bachelor of Creative Industries 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
City West

Duration
3 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus/Online

Program Code
DBCI

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Fees
AUD$ 32,800 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025

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
0100163

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

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

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)

Admission Requirements by Country

Vietnam	7
Australia	65
IB (best 6)	26
USA SAT (1600)	1050
India (best 4) State Board	70
Canada High School (OSSD)	60
Eynesbury FSP	310
India (best 4) Central Board	60
German Abitur	3.8
HKDSE	15
Kenya KCSE (average)	B
Nepal NEB	2.41
Bangladesh HSC	3.5
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

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

Prepare for a career in the growing Creative Industries.
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 for consumers.
Creative and cultural activity contributed over $100 billion to Australia's economy in just two years¹.
Study a degree developed and delivered in collaboration with leading creative industry organisations.
Choose from 12 Industry Majors and explore your creativity in an area that interests you most.
Select a second major of your choice.
Engage with industry from day one as you develop your creative practice while gaining professional knowledge and skills.
Work on real-world projects and build your own portfolio of work.
You will also study core courses in business, creativity and entrepreneurship, as well as industry-led projects through Match Studio, providing you with a highly practical and transferable skill set to give your career a competitive head-start.
Go on an international exchange with one of our partners across 24 countries
Study either a project/placement or start-up/creative venture stream in your final year.
Depending on your choice of courses, study at City West, Magill or online
Study a curriculum informed by world-class research in in Cultural Studies and Linguistics, Sociology, Creative Arts and Writing, Language, Communication and Culture².
UniSA is No. 1 in SA for learning resources in Creative Arts³.
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.

¹Bureau of Communications and Arts Research: Cultural and creative activity in Australia 2008-09 to 2016-17 (2016-17 period).
²2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
³ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Learning Resources Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.⁴UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.

Snapshot

The Bachelor of Creative Industries is one of Australia’s most industry-connected degrees. This innovative, hands-on degree allows you to tailor your studies to your interests and career objectives. You'll be engaged with industry from day one, which will culminate in a final year industry placement/project or mentoring to help you launch your own creative venture.

This degree will prepare you to work in the Creative Industries, you will use your business skills and specialised knowledge to support, influence and grow the creative industry of your choice.

Industry Majors include:

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
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

You can tailor your degree by pairing your Industry Major with a second Major, allowing you to study areas directly focused towards your career pathway, as you develop crucial professional, business and enterprise skills.

Some courses will be delivered at Magill Campus depending on your chosen industry majors.

By studying the Bachelor of Creative Industries, you’ll become professional, adaptable and creatively focused with multidisciplinary skills, allowing you to work in commercial contexts and settings, freelance as an independent artist or launch creative start-ups in your chosen field.

What you'll learn

The Bachelor of Creative Industries provides you with the flexibility to pursue two areas of interest that will help you meet your career goals.

You will study six core courses in the Creative Industries, including courses in business practice and entrepreneurship relevant to the Creative Industries sector. You will select your primary Industry Major and a second Major.

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, 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 communikate 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
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 Major.

You can select a second industry major from the list above, or one of the following options, which will make up eight courses of your degree:

Aboriginal Studies
Cultural Studies
Design Studies
Event Management
Games
HR 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.

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Introduction to Creative Industries	COMM 1081	4.5
Industry Major		4.5	Note(s): 1
Major		4.5	Note(s): 2
Elective 1		4.5	Note(s): 4
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Match Studio Projects	ARCH 2027	4.5
Industry Major		4.5	Note(s): 1
Major		4.5	Note(s): 2
Elective 2		4.5	Note(s): 4
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Freelance and Enterprise for the Creative Industries	COMM 2103	4.5
Industry Major		4.5	Note(s): 1
Major		4.5	Note(s): 2
Major		4.5	Note(s): 2
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)		4.5
Creative Spaces and Places	COMM 2101	4.5
Industry Major		4.5	Note(s): 1
Major		4.5	Note(s): 2
Major		4.5	Note(s): 2
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Creative Ventures	COMM 3086	4.5
OR
Enterprise Design and Value Creation	BUSS 3102	4.5
Industry Major		4.5	Note(s): 1	Rule(s): 1
Industry Major		4.5	Note(s): 1	Rule(s): 1
Major		4.5	Note(s): 2	Rule(s): 1
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Internship or Project	COMM 3063	4.5
Industry Major		4.5	Note(s): 1	Rule(s): 1
Industry Major		4.5	Note(s): 1	Rule(s): 1
Major		4.5	Note(s): 2	Rule(s): 1

Majors, Sub-majors & Minors

Event Management

Human Resource Management

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Management

Marketing

Tourism Management

Digital Media

Film and Television

Journalism

Communication and Media

Creative Writing and Literature

Performing Arts

Games

Social Media

Screen Studies

Cultural Studies

Design Studies

Contemporary Art Studies

Comicbook Creation

Animation and Visual Effects

Games Design and Production

Festivals

Aboriginal Studies
Rules & notes

Rules

1. Four courses of the Industry Major or Major in the final year must be at Level 3 (Advanced).

Notes

1. Students undertake one Industry Major from the selection: Animation and Visual Effects, Comicbook Creation, Communication and Media, Creative Writing and Literature, Contemporary Art Studies, Digital Media, Festivals, Film and Television, Games Design and Production, Performing Arts, Social Media or Screen Studies.

2. Students undertake a second learning area from the Industry Major list above or the following recommended major list: Aboriginal Studies, Cultural Studies, Design Studies, Event Management, Games, Human Resource Management, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Journalism, Management, Marketing, or Tourism Management. Information regarding these majors can be found at the Majors, Sub Majors, Minors page - http://study.unisa.edu.au/msm/

3. The Hawke Ambassador International Volunteer Experience (18-units) or Hawke Professional Experience (9-units) can be incorporated into the Bachelor of Creative Industries with approval from the Program Director.

4. All students complete two 4.5 unit electives - See undergraduate elective courses.

5. The following options cannot be selected as major combinations: Creative Writing and Literature with Comicbook Creation; or a combination of any two of Screen Studies, Film and Television or Animation and Visual Effects

6. Students wishing to select two of the following majors: Film and Television, Screen Studies and/or Animation and Visual Effects should consider the Bachelor of Film and Television (MBME) program

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.

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

If you are searching for a degree that will launch your career as a leader in the creative industries, then the Bachelor of Creative Industries is for you. Tailor your degree to your areas of interest, and learn directly from our industry collaborators from day one.

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.

We are leveraging this boom offering students the opportunity to study in a highly connected environment at the cutting-edge of creative work. This distinctive degree combines creativity, the arts, technology, innovation, enterprise and business.

With world-renowned industry collaborators and influential connections, the University of South Australia will support and challenge you as you strive towards your career in the creative industries and beyond.

Real-world connections

You will be connected with industry from day one, and be learning from and networking with your potential future employer! This unprecedented access and exposure will put you ahead of the rest and set you up for your career in your field of choice.

You will have opportunities for industry experience through internships, placements and overseas exchanges, and you will learn how to apply your knowledge to real-world situations.

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

Career destinations for graduates will depend on the industry-majors and discipline areas selected.

Careers include:

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

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:

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:

SAIBT Diploma of Arts

see the full list of entry pathways that may apply

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 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:

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 modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Your study spaces

Depending on your choice of courses, you will have access to the different study spaces across City West and Magill:

Editing suites
Television Studio
Radio Studio
Sound Studio
Hartley Playhouse Theatre
Design Workshops
Labs and creative incubator spaces
Match Studio
Animation Studios

Your program director

Dr Jess Pacella

Program Director

Enquire

Dr Jess Pacella

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.

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.

More FAQs

Hear from our industry partners

Hear General Manager of Channel 44 Adelaide, Lauren Hillman, discuss our key partnership and how providing students with real industry experience can prepare them for a career in the television industry.

Hear Chief Executive and Creative Director of the Adelaide Film Festival, Mat Kesting, discuss our key partnership and how the connection to industry opens up multiple career outcomes and opportunities for our students.