Bachelor of Journalism and Professional Writing (Pathway to Master of Communication)
Degree Level Undergraduate
Year 2025
You're viewing degree information for International students
You're considered an International student if you are:
- NOT an Australian or New Zealand citizen
- NOT an Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Program Code
MBJR
Prerequisites
None
Assumed Knowledge
None
Fees
AUD$ 34,400 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]
International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements
CRICOS Code
082449K
-
View full entry requirements Hide 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 educationMeet 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
NoneAssumed Knowledge
NoneEnglish 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 testPlease 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)- IELTS total [6.0]
- IELTS reading [6.0]
- IELTS writing [6.0]
Admission Requirements by Country
UK Board GCE A Levels/HK Board 6 Vietnam 7 Australia 65 IB (best 6) 26 USA SAT (1600) 1050 India (best 4) State Board 70 India (best 4) Central Board 60 HKDSE 15 Nepal NEB 2.41 Bangladesh HSC 3.5 Canada High School (OSSD) 60 Eynesbury FSP 310 German Abitur 3.8 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
Degree overview
- Complete an undergraduate and postgraduate degree in just four years (instead of five) through our fast-track to Masters in Communication program.
- Graduate with highly sought after and diverse skills spanning journalism, professional writing, communication, storytelling, production, and publishing.
- Set yourself apart with qualifications informed by industry that respond to the fast-changing needs of evolving journalism and communication work environments.
- Study SA’s only Journalism and Professional Writing degree combined with a Master of Communication.
- Gain real-world experience when you complete an internship or industry project during your third year.
- Present to industry partners, including the major television networks, in your third year to expand your network and gain future employment.
- Gain practical experience by working on projects with affiliated industry partners.
- Become a published writer, producer or broadcaster with leading student publications and outlets Verse, and On the Record, plus online radio station UniCast.
- Develop expertise in advanced communication theory, practice and trends through the masters program and study courses in campaigns and crises; digital design; communication, media and creative industries.
UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities1, we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.
1UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.
Snapshot
Fast-track your career and gain a bachelor and master qualification in just four years with this Fast-track to Masters in Communication program. You'll study a three-year bachelor’s degree and a one-year master's qualification (which typically takes two years full-time) by swapping four undergraduate courses or electives for selected postgraduate courses.
This unique offering allows you to elevate your career prospects by graduating with a highly sought after and diverse skill set spanning journalism, professional writing, communication, storytelling, production, and publishing.
As part of this fast-tracked program, you will:
- major in Journalism and Professional Writing and then choose a sub-major in Applied Economics, Communication and Media, Digital Media, Film and Television, Global Politics, Languages, Legal Studies, Marketing, Psychology or Sociology
- access on-campus facilities, which include a TV studio, radio studio and editing suites, so you can practise recording news broadcasts, producing, and filming with industry-standard technology
- complete an internship or industry project during your third year
- study courses in areas such as campaigns and crises; digital design; communication, media and creative industries; and professional communication
- study industry-informed degrees, which are adaptable and agile changing to the needs and demands of industry.
During your studies you will develop an advanced understanding of communication strategies and theories, and graduate with the capabilities to be a successful leader and decision-maker in any communication setting, across a diverse range of industries.
Want to look at other options available to you? UniSA offer a wide range of other Fast-track to Masters programs.
What you'll learn
Your undergraduate degree will start with core courses in journalism and professional writing where you’ll cover topics such as journalism principles and practices, news writing, production and reporting, and intercultural communication.
You will:
- learn how to author and edit written and visual texts within journalism and non-journalism environments
- gain greater knowledge and understanding of journalism's role in society
- develop the production skills required by news and online media, including filming and editing, problem solving and decision-making
- learn how to use industry-standard equipment and software
- develop analytical and research skills
- complete an industry internship or project that will further extend your knowledge and training.
Through your postgraduate studies, you’ll build your professional skills in social and digital media management, public relations and strategic communication. You’ll also:
- develop your knowledge of the social and political aspects of communication underpinned by advanced research methods and planning skills
- explore topics including digital design and strategic communication in campaigns and crises.
Graduate with advanced management and writing and other journalism skills, along with knowledge of contemporary practice, social and digital media management, ethical communication, strategic communication plans and practices.
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 both practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
- portfolios
- reports
- essays
- projects
- online activities
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.
You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.
Take a look at the global opportunities available.
Why Bachelor of Journalism and Professional Writing (Pathway to Master of Communication)
Fast-track your career and gain a bachelor and master qualification in just four years with this Fast-track to Masters in Communication program. You'll study a three-year bachelor’s degree and a one-year master's qualification (which typically takes two years full-time) by swapping four undergraduate courses or electives for selected postgraduate courses.
This specialised offering allows you to elevate your career prospects by graduating with highly sought after and diverse skills spanning journalism, professional writing, communication, storytelling, production, and publishing.
This packaged option will see you develop an advanced understanding of communication strategies and theories, and you will graduate with the capabilities to be a successful leader and decision-maker in any communication setting, across a diverse range of industries.
Your career
As the No.1 university in South Australia for graduate careers1, our quality teaching and experiences beyond the classroom will ensure you graduate career-ready.
Communication is at the core of everything we do – and skilled communicators are essential in every organisation. Social media is enabling more people to say what they think and share what they see every day, so the role of informed, knowledgeable, well-trained journalists and writers in presenting truthful and accurate information in the public interest is more important than ever.
Some of the roles our unstoppable graduates have landed include:
- Journalist
- Reporter
- TV / radio presenter and/or interviewer
- Researcher/producer
- Scriptwriter
- Copywriter
- Editor
- Strategic communications manager
- Social media manager
- Marketing manager
- Public relations manager
- Media adviser
- Content creator
1ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019-21 –Full-time Employment Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.
How to apply 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:
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.
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.
International Merit Scholarship
Recipients can get a 15% reduction on tuition fees for the duration of their chosen degree.
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.
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.
