Bachelor of Marketing and Communication
Degree Level Undergraduate
Year 2024
You're viewing degree information for Australian students
You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:
- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Entry Scores
2024 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 68.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): B,B,B
TAFE/RTO: DIP
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2023 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 68.00
TAFE/RTO: Cert IV
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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 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
- Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past
Essential requirements for admission
Prerequisites
NoneAssumed Knowledge
None
Degree overview
- Combine the business of marketing with the social sciences of communication to help organisations meet their corporate objectives and promote their products and services.
- Study at a university recognised as global leaders in Brand Management research1.
- Take specialised courses in business management, strategic marketing, communication and public relations.
- Connect with our in-house Marketing Clinic and provide advice to small and medium-sized businesses under the supervision of marketing experts.
- Study a curriculum informed by above world-class research in Marketing and Communication2.
- Learn from the same experts who advise global brands like Colgate-Palmolive, Mondelez International and Nestlé.
- High achieving students may be eligible for the Ehrenberg Scholarship and the opportunity to apply for a part-time position as a Research Assistant at the world-renowned Ehrenberg-Bass Institute for Marketing Science.
- Apply for a Vacation Research Scholarship with the Ehrenberg-Bass Institute and become involved in world-class research.
- Complete a marketing practicum as an elective to gain valuable industry experience.
- Gain real-world experience as part of your studies through an internship, student exchange or mentorship opportunity.
- Develop career-ready skills employers are looking for once you graduate with enterprise skills embedded in all business courses within this program.
- Study at a university recognised globally in Business. UniSA Business is in the top one per cent worldwide3 and has been awarded an overall five stars for excellence in the QS Stars Ratings 2022.
- UniSA Business is accredited by both AACSB International and EFMD (EQUIS) – the world’s leading accreditation bodies.
- Study at a university tanked Top 15 in Australia for Business and Management4.
- Study a degree accredited by the Australian Marketing Institute (AMI).
1AFR BOSS Magazine, April 2018 – League of Scholars. 22018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 3UniSA Business is one of just 12 institutions in Australia and approximately 200 globally (from over 25,000 universities) to be EQUIS accredited. EFMD, March 2022. 42023 QS Subject Rankings.
Snapshot
Combine the business of marketing with the social sciences of communication to help organisations meet their corporate objectives.
As you develop the practical skills needed to become a marketing and communications expert, you will explore consumer psychology and the scientific laws of brand growth. Your lecturers will be the experts who advise brands like Colgate-Palmolive, Mondelez International and Nestlé.
Your studies will also cover specialised courses such as business management, communication, advertising, and public relations. For high achieving students, there are also vacation research scholarships available providing valuable real-world experience while you study.
What you'll learn
This degree offers an equal mix of marketing and communication subjects, and over the course of your studies you will also gain a solid grounding in general business principles. In your first year you will be introduced to consumer behaviour, marketing principles, communications and public relations.
This degree will teach you to think critically, manage projects and work as part of a team. You will also develop first-rate expertise in professional marketing and communication practice through the integration, planning and management of key communication projects in an organisational context.
Tertiary Transfer
If you have a Pass average or above from another eligible degree, you may be eligible to use this as entry into this program. Learn more.
Recognised Prior Learning (RPL)
If you have undertaken related Higher Education, TAFE, VET, Professional body or work experience, you may be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) and reduce the duration of the degree. Learn more.
You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.
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, professional 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
- examinations
- industry-relevant research-based projects
- practicals and team-based projects
- contributions to the workplace and classroom
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 Marketing and Communication
Contemporary marketing and communications theory combined with opportunities to gain real workplace experience will prepare you for a diversified marketing career.
You could get the opportunity to be selected to participate in our on-campus Marketing Clinic and provide advice to small and medium-sized businesses under the supervision of marketing experts.
UniSA Business is the only business school in South Australia accredited by both AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) and EFMD (EQUIS) – the world’s leading accreditation bodies recognising excellence in business education and research at a global level. These dual accreditations demonstrate the high standards we hold across all areas such as teaching, student learning and research, as well as our commitment to continually improving the quality of our programs.
Ehrenberg-Bass Institute for Marketing Science
The University of South Australia is home to the world-renowned Ehrenberg-Bass Institute for Marketing Science. The Institute is the world’s largest institute for research into marketing and is supported by more than 60 companies worldwide via the Ehrenberg-Bass Sponsorship, including:
- Colgate-Palmolive
- Mondelez International
- Lindt & Sprüngli
- Danone
- PepsiCo.
The Institute has been making important discoveries about marketing for more than a decade, with its leading research embedded into our marketing degrees. You will get up-to-date industry knowledge, insights and access to the same experts who advise some of the world’s biggest brands.
Combined degrees
We offer a wide range of combined degrees so you can specialise in two fields and expand your career prospects. Discover how you can pair this degree with another business degree, or a degree from another discipline, and tailor your qualifications to your interests.
More ways to study
Our flexible delivery and extracurricular opportunities are designed to suit your lifestyle, preferred learning style, and career interests. You can benefit from online and on-campus study, part-time or full-time learning, Summer and Winter School intensive courses, mentoring and networking opportunities with industry, and accelerated learning pathways. Plus, you can make the most of professional development courses endorsed by industry, build leadership skills by participating in the UniSA+ Award, or seek support at our on-campus Business Student Hub.
UniSA ACCELERATE
Kickstart your business degree early through UniSA ACCELERATE. Study university courses while you’re in Year 12 and guarantee your place into UniSA with study credit. You can also choose to count study towards your SACE Stage 2.
This could be you
You'll graduate from UniSA prepared for a range of careers - see where our marketing and communication degree could take you.
Your career
Our quality teaching and experiences beyond the classroom will ensure you graduate career-ready.
Careers to consider:
- Advertising account manager: managing client relationships; preparing creative briefs; managing the production of advertisements; managing internal and external communications.
- Advertising executive: supervising the production of advertising campaigns; developing plans to increase sales for clients; acting as a liaison between their agency and its clients.
- Brand manager: responsible for driving the growth of a brand; ensuring all aspects of a brand’s marketing and manufacturing match; creating a brand strategy and ensuring all aspects of a product or an activity align with the brand.
- Copywriter: using creative writing to captivate readers or motivate them to take action; creating copy for advertising in various forms such as billboards, catalogues and on the web.
- Corporate communications adviser: building and maintaining brand; generating media coverage and message placement; public speaking; partner and relationship building; writing and editing.
- Digital marketer: driving sales and conversions; optimising website usability; implementing digital and email marketing campaigns; analysing and reporting on website performance and other digital channel initiatives.
- Market researcher: coordinating research projects; investigating market activity; analysing published data and statistics; evaluating past performance and assessing future trends; commissioning surveys.
- Marketing and communications officer: working across any (or all) communications channels such as media and publications, social media and digital, internal communications or brand.
- Marketing assistant: supporting marketing managers and teams to drive advertising campaigns, create content and operationalise communications plans; assisting with promotional events and website updates; undertaking marketing administrative tasks.
- Media buyer: understanding audience demographics of various media; purchasing advertising airtime that aligns with the target market objectives of client or company marketing campaigns.
- Media planner/Campaign manager: combining creative thinking with factual analysis to target marketing campaigns at audiences; identifying the best mediums for building brand awareness and sales.
- Public relations officer: planning publicity strategies and campaigns; writing and producing press releases; managing enquiries from the public, press and related organisations; building and sustaining a positive brand image.
- Social media manager: directing the social media presence of a brand, product, individual or organisation; overseeing social media marketing and advertising; developing strategies to increase effectiveness; measuring performance; managing and creating content.
- Sponsorship officer: managing and procuring sponsors for events and brand awareness activity; developing strategies to leverage sponsorships; executing sponsorship marketing including communications, branding and event planning.
Professional accreditation and recognition
This program has been evaluated and accredited by the Australian Marketing Institute (AMI). Gaining AMI accreditation represents one of several processes ensuring this program provides graduates with an appropriate set of knowledge and skills required by employers within the marketing-related field.
Industry facts
Applying to study with us:
- go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
- you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application
Alternative Pathways
Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
- UniSA College Diploma in Business
- UniSA College Undergraduate Certificate in University Studies (Business)
- UniSA College Diploma in Creative Studies (Communication)
- UniSA College Undergraduate Certificate in University Studies (Creative Studies)
- SAIBT Diploma of Business - if you complete this two year Diploma, you can apply to enter the 2nd year of this degree
- See the full list of entry pathways that may apply
International
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
- SAIBT Diploma of Business - if you complete this two year Diploma, you can apply to enter the 2nd year of this degree
- see the full list of entry pathways that may apply
Deferment
This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.
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.
UniSA Excellence Scholarships
$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.
UniSA Outstanding Achievement Scholarship
Up to $10,000 per annum (full time) for South Australian students who obtain an ATAR of 99.95 or IB equivalent and enrol to study at UniSA.
Your study experience and support
Our campuses are home to fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
Student services
The Business Student Hub is a dedicated and convenient support service for business students, from first year right through to graduation. The team provides expert advice on study options, elective choices and any academic difficulties, and can help with referrals to support services across the University. The Business Student Hub is there to facilitate your life at university, so you get the most out of your UniSA experience.
You can also access a range of other student services including:
- academic counselling
- personal counselling
- social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
- common rooms
- prayer rooms
- security officers
- Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
- UniSA's Student Association, USASA, also provides a range of other services. For example, you can also join the UniSA Marketing Club – an independent body that provides educational and vocational support, as well as a variety of social and network events.
We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers which you can work with face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies.
When you become a UniSA student you can contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your ID cards, fees and any other questions you might have.
24/7 digital environment
With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle. You can:
- study online, including accessing videos and course resources
- participate in virtual classrooms
- submit your assignments and get feedback online
- use forums and discussion boards for team work and communication
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.
Please note some on-campus attendance (such as to attend seminars, workshops or examinations) and/or placements may apply. Any requirements like this are detailed on individual course pages.
Your program director
Along with being Teaching Innovation and Quality Leader in the discipline of Marketing at UniSA, I am also a Curriculum Leader for the undergraduate marketing program. I manage the delivery of the program on campus, externally, and at offshore locations. My extensive experience in industry and academia has enabled me to win numerous awards, including a Commonwealth National Citation. I am passionate about both learning and teaching, and currently lecture at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels in the areas of International Marketing and Marketing Principles. I also look after our award-winning on-campus Marketing Clinic, which enables students to work with real-world clients to solve organisational marketing challenges.
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How do I apply?
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
Applications for admission into the University of South Australia’s undergraduate and most postgraduate degrees are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Visit satac.edu.au and follow the links.
For the MBA degrees please apply through the UniSA MBA Application Portal. Applications for a small number of degrees are submitted direct to UniSA through our Apply Online portal. It will be noted on the degree page if you need to apply via Apply Online.
Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Master of Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/resdegrees. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Undergraduate
Yes. The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be given equal consideration is in early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers (mid January). Some degrees will not make any offers after the main offer round. Please click here find all of the key dates for applications here.Postgraduate
Most postgraduate degrees do not have a closing date for applications. However, there are exceptions, so it is best to check – either on the SATAC website, Apply Online or the degree homepage. Postgraduate offers are normally ‘rolling’, meaning they may be sent out at any time up until the program starts. This also means that applications may close at any time without warning, if the quota is filled earlier. For this reason, postgraduate applications should be submitted without delay. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquiries team on (08) 8302 2376 or via the online enquiry form. -
What credit can I receive for previous studies?
Credit transfer or advanced standing
You may be eligible to receive a credit transfer or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving a credit transfer will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
Recognised prior learning
If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning for this experience. Receiving recognised prior learning will normally reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and can reduce the duration of the degree.
How do I get credit?
Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director who will discuss your prior learning and experience with you to ascertain what credit you may be eligible for.
Many of our credit transfer arrangements are listed on our online Credit Assessor.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.
Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.
If you are interested in studying an MBA please contact admissions@unisa.edu.au and our Future Student Enquiries team will contact you regarding your enquiry.
Alternatively, you can complete a MyCareerMatch career profile. MyCareerMatch is an online career profiling tool that you can use free-of-charge through UniSA. MyCareerMatch specialises in career profiles and provides you with a personalised career report outlining information about your personality style and a list of career options, which are complementary to your natural strengths and talents.
We have many events throughout the year where you can speak with a lecturer or tutor about your degrees of interest. You can find out what is happening at UniSA by visiting our events page or by signing up to our mailing list, so you're the first to know about careers events, information sessions, degree requirements, scholarships and more!
There are also many career counsellors external to the University that you can discuss your career options with. If you are unsure where to start your search, you can contact the Government's Work Ready team (formally Skills for All). Visit skills.sa.gov.au or call 1800 506 266.
You may also find Job Outlook a helpful resource in your decision-making.
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Where can I get further information?
It can be difficult to decide what degree you would like to do and where. You might find information from government organisations will help to weigh up your degree and provider options.
Find a course or a provider
TEQSA is a regulatory body for higher education providers. Use the TEQSA national register of higher education providers to search for a course or a provider. Compare courses and providers for undergraduates and postgraduates using the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) online comparison tool.
More information on university admission
Visit the SATAC website to find out important news, events and information on applying to university in South Australia. Visit Study with Us to find out everything you need to know about studying at UniSA, admissions and the application process.
Questions about your application
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application you should contact the Future Students Enquiries team in the first instance.
What others are saying
My marketing degree gave me an insight into a great number of areas related to marketing, from business management to communications, public relations and even law. Developing an understanding of these professions was beneficial in a number of ways and has helped my career working at a large national organisation greatly. Marketing is an amazingly dynamic field, and if you’re considering it – dive in. There’s something for everyone.
Terri Feil
Bachelor of Marketing and Communication
Marketing Manager (Wealth) | Bendigo and Adelaide Bank
Studying the Bachelor of Marketing and Communication degree equipped me with a great set of skills, knowledge and real-life experiences that certainly helped me develop my career path and transition in to full-time employment.
Milan Milli
Bachelor of Marketing and Communication
University of South Australia
I lead a team that’s responsible for Foodland’s advertising, communications, media, sponsorships, public relations, and consumer insights. No two days are ever alike. One day, I might be planning the next advertising campaign and media schedule, the next I could be talking about opportunities with a new sponsor and planning point of sale material. Having such a diverse skill set in both marketing and communications, while staying abreast of all the digital platforms, is pivotal to my role.
Christopher Villani
Bachelor of Marketing and Communication
General Manager: Merchandise and Marketing | Foodland Supermarkets Australia
