Bachelor of Communications & Media

School of Arts & Sciences

Are you excited by communications and media and wish to pursue a career in journalism or communications? The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Bachelor of Communications & Media is your degree. The degree covers the specialist professional Bachelor of Communications & Media program and provides a broad range of skills and knowledge applicable to many workplaces. You can complete this degree in 3 years of full-time study or the equivalent part-time. Get in touch today to embark on this exciting course.

  • Why study this degree?

    Media and communications are an exciting and inescapable part of modern life. With the advent of social media, the 24-hour news cycle and the development of citizen journalism, the traditional media landscape has changed beyond recognition. This has presented new opportunities and avenues of communication for journalists, filmmakers, advertising agencies and other media practitioners.

    A Bachelor of Communications & Media from Notre Dame effectively prepares you for many jobs. Our degree gives you a unique opportunity to learn everything from journalism to scriptwriting and digital communication.

    Enrolling in this program, you can expect to gain a thorough grounding in writing, media law and digital communications before moving on to your specialist area – advertising, film and screen production or journalism.

    As part of our commitment to creating job-ready graduates, the Bachelor of Communications & Media also offers a robust internship program, offering you placement opportunities in several media organisations, such as ABC, SBS and the commercial television networks, plus a range of cultural and arts-related bodies across Australia.

  • Program summary

    To complete a Bachelor of Communications and Media you will study 24 courses. These include the core curriculum and a compulsory academic writing course, twelve Communications and Media courses, and elective courses:

    • 1 course in academic writing
    • 4 Communications and Media courses
    • 8 courses for your Journalism or Screen Arts Major
    • 8 elective courses from the School of Arts and Sciences, which can be used to form a second Major (8 courses), Minor (6 courses) or Photomedia Specialisation.

    Core Curriculum

    • CORE I: Foundations of Wisdom
    • CORE II: Elective
      • Electives in philosophy and\or theology
      • Professional embedded electives that integrate studies in a profession with philosophy and\or theology
      • An option to undertake a pilgrimage embedded in the study of the philosophy and theology of pilgrimage, e.g., World Youth Day
      • An option to undertake a course that integrates philosophy & theology with community service and charity work
      • An option to undertake an elective in philosophy, theology, and the liberal arts contained within an international experience


    Full details of the Bachelor of Communications and Media program requirements are contained in the Program Requirements.

    More information regarding courses can be found at the course descriptions pages Fremantle Sydney.

    Please note: The availability of these courses and teaching staff is indicative only and may be subject to change.

  • Majors & Minors

    Majors (8 courses)

    Students must complete at least one of the following Majors. Each Major is comprised of eight courses – some required and some electives.

    Second Majors (8 courses)

    Students may use elective courses to form any of the following second Majors:

    Minors (6 courses)

    Students may use elective courses to form any of the following second Minors:

    Specialisations (4 courses)

    Students may use elective courses to form any of the following Specialisations:

  • Entry requirements

    Entry requirements WA

    Academic requirements for this program are outlined below.  In addition, to be eligible for admission, all applicants need to satisfy the Minimum University Admission Requirements outlined. These include those relating to minimum age and English Language Proficiency.  We also consider your application more broadly – your non-academic achievements (such as any previous leadership roles, volunteering, work, church and/or community involvement) as well as personal qualities - your aspirations and interests and your capacity to complete your chosen program.  See Individual Factors for further details regarding this.

    Applicants with recent Secondary Education

    • Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank* of 70

    OR

    • International Baccalaureate (IB) score of 25

    *Selection Ranks include ATAR plus Adjustment Factors.

    Applicants with Higher Education Study

    • Successful completion of 2 subjects at an undergraduate level or higher*

    OR

    • Successful completion of the Notre Dame Tertiary Pathway Program (TPP), or a tertiary preparation program from another institution that is deemed to be of a similar academic rigour to the Notre Dame TPP

    *Applicants who have successfully completed subjects at another University, which are relevant to the selected program of study, may be eligible for credit (Advanced Standing).

    Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study

    • Successful completion of AQF Certificate IV or higher from an accredited provider such as TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)

    Applicants with Work and Life Experience

    Applicants who left secondary education more than two years previously and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since may be considered for direct entry. This includes applicants who have completed Steiner, Montessori or home school curriculums. To qualify, applicants must be 20 years of age as at 1 March in the year of intake and meet one or more of the following:

    • Applicants who have completed at least two years of relevant work experience may be considered for direct entry. Applicants must provide evidence of their work experience, including duties undertaken and years of experience, and they must demonstrate that they have the academic capability to undertake undergraduate studies. The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) may be required.

    OR

    • Completion of STAT with scores of at least 135 in the Multiple Choice section and 140 in the Written English section^.

    OR

    • Completion of two Year 12 WACE, HSC or equivalent exams, with a result equivalent to the Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank listed under Secondary Education section above.

    *STAT results must have been obtained within the last three calendar years in order to be considered (e.g. for 2024 admission, STAT results obtained in 2023, 2022 or 2021 can be considered).

    Please note: all applicants must be of school leaving age or older to apply.

    Entry requirements NSW

    Academic requirements for this program are outlined below.  In addition, to be eligible for admission, all applicants need to satisfy the Minimum University Admission Requirements outlined. These include those relating to minimum age and English Language Proficiency.  We also consider your application more broadly – your non-academic achievements (such as any previous leadership roles, volunteering, work, church and/or community involvement) as well as personal qualities - your aspirations and interests and your capacity to complete your chosen program.  See Individual Factors for further details regarding this.

    Applicants with recent Secondary Education

    • Prescribed ATAR/Selection Rank*

    OR

    • International Baccalaureate (IB) score

    *Selection Ranks include ATAR plus Adjustment Factors.

    Applicants with Higher Education Study

    • Successful completion of 2 subjects at an undergraduate level or higher*

    OR

    • Successful completion of the Notre Dame Tertiary Pathway Program (TPP), or a tertiary preparation program from another institution that is deemed to be of a similar academic rigour to the Notre Dame TPP

    *Applicants who have successfully completed subjects at another University, which are relevant to the selected program of study, may be eligible for credit (Advanced Standing).

    Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study

    • Successful completion of AQF Certificate IV or higher from an accredited provider such as TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)

    Applicants with Work and Life Experience

    Applicants who left secondary education more than two years previously and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since may be considered for direct entry. This includes applicants who have completed Steiner, Montessori or home school curriculums. To qualify, applicants must be 20 years of age as at 1 March in the year of intake and meet one or more of the following:

    • Applicants who have completed at least two years of relevant work experience may be considered for direct entry. Applicants must provide evidence of their work experience, including duties undertaken and years of experience, and they must demonstrate that they have the academic capability to undertake undergraduate studies. The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) may be required.

    OR

    • Completion of STAT with scores of at least 150 in the Multiple Choice section and 150 in the Written English section^.

    OR

    • Completion of two Year 12 WACE, HSC or equivalent exams, with a result equivalent to the Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank listed under Secondary Education section above.

    *STAT results must have been obtained within the last three calendar years in order to be considered (e.g. for 2024 admission, STAT results obtained in 2023, 2022 or 2021 can be considered).

    Please note: all applicants must be of school leaving age or older to apply.

  • Learning outcomes

    Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Communications and Media graduates will be able to:

    1. Analyse the cultural, political, ethical, and aesthetic contexts of media production including relevant
      international and intercultural perspectives.
    2. Evaluate practical and theoretical knowledge with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in
      one or more communications and media discipline areas.
    3. Apply analytical, creative, and practical skills in one or more media and communications industry
      contexts.
    4. Integrate theory and practice in media and communication projects.
    5. Communicate arguments and/or ideas in a range of forms.
    6. Create innovative and practical solutions to communications problems, independently and, where
      appropriate, in collaboration with others.
    7. Exemplify the creative and practical skills, and the ethical, legal, and professional standards relevant
      to their chosen discipline area in the creation of media.
  • Practical component

    While not a requirement, internship courses and work-integrated learning opportunities are available to enable you to gain on-the-job experience with professionals in your chosen field.

  • Career opportunities

    Graduates of this program can follow diverse career paths in the private and public sectors; the following careers are open to graduates: If you major in journalism - journalist, digital marketer, communication consultant, sports reporter, social media marketing specialist, media and communications advisor, PR advisor, events coordinator, campaign officer, research officer, photographer, editor, travel writer, and videographer. A Screen Arts major will give you further options - director, writer, filmmaker, producer, social media content creator, editor, sound recordist, special effects supervisor, production manager and videographer.

  • Real-world experience

    You will learn from academics who are industry leaders and, through our practicum placements and internship programs, you will gain real professional experience and make valuable contacts with potential employers.

  • Honours

    An Honours award is available for this program. Further information can be found in the Bachelor of Communications and Media (Honours) regulations, or by contacting the School of Arts & Sciences.

  • Study abroad

    A global perspective adds a valuable dimension to your university education. At Notre Dame University you can study while experiencing the world. We encourage students to become active global citizens through a range of exchange programs, professional placements, study tours, and volunteer opportunities. Visit International Opportunities to find out more.

  • Fees and costs

    This Program has the following loan scheme(s) available for eligible students:


    CSP
    A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a place at university where the government pays part of your fees. This part is a subsidy, not a loan, and you don’t have to pay it back. However, this subsidy does not cover the entire cost of your study. Students must pay the rest, called the ‘student contribution amount’.

    In a Commonwealth Supported Place, your fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your fees will be split into two portions:

    • The Commonwealth contribution, which is the portion paid by the Australian Government.
    • The student contribution, which is the portion you pay. You may choose to pay upfront or defer your student contribution with a HECS-HELP Loan.

    Eligible students will be offered a CSP – you do not need to apply.


    HECS-HELP
    The HECS-HELP loan scheme assists eligible students with the payment of all, or part, of their tuition fees, not including additional study costs such as accommodation or textbooks. Your HECS-HELP debt will be indexed each year in line with the Consumer Price Index.


    For indicative fees and information on how to pay, including Government loan schemes and our online calculator, visit our Fees Page.

  • Student profile data

    The tables below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this Program. It provides data on all students who commenced in this Program in the most relevant recent intake period, including those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia.

    Fremantle Student Profile Data

    TABLE 1a – Bachelor of Communications and Media BASIS OF ADMISSION IN SEMESTER 1, 2021 INTAKE

    Applicant background

    Semester 1 2021

    Number of students

    Percentage of all students

    (A) Higher education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)
    770%
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study <5N/P
    (C) Work and life experience
    (Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
    N/AN/A
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR  (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points)
    <5N/P
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, interview, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    <5 N/P
    • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, interview, school marks &   recommendation with no minimum ATAR requirement)
    <5N/P
    International studentsN/A N/A
    All students10100.0%

    TABLE 1b – Bachelor of Communications and Media ATAR PROFILE DATA FOR APPLICANTS ENTERING ON THE BASIS OF RECENT SECONDARY EDUCATION IN SEMESTER 1, 2022 INTAKE

    RECENT SECONDARY EDUCATION - ATAR-based offersATAR
    (Excluding adjustment factors) *
    Selection Rank
    (ATAR plus any adjustment factors) *
    [only if relevant]
    Highest rank to receive an offer N/A N/A
    Median rank to receive an offer N/A N/A

    Lowest rank to receive an offer

    N/A N/A

    Sydney Student Profile Data

    TABLE 1a – Bachelor of Communications and Media BASIS OF ADMISSION IN SEMESTER 1, 2022 INTAKE

    Applicant background

    Semester 1 2022

    Number of students

    Percentage of all students

    (A) Higher education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)
    <5N/P
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study<5N/P
    (C) Work and life experience
    (Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
    <5N/P
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points)
    N/AN/A
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, interview, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    630%
    • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, interview, school marks &   recommendation with no minimum ATAR requirement)
    1365%
    International studentsN/AN/A
    All students20100.0%

    TABLE 1b – Bachelor of Communications and Media ATAR PROFILE DATA FOR APPLICANTS ENTERING ON THE BASIS OF RECENT SECONDARY EDUCATION IN SEMESTER 1, 2022 INTAKE

    RECENT SECONDARY EDUCATION - ATAR-based offersATAR
    (Excluding adjustment factors) *
    Selection Rank
    (ATAR plus any adjustment factors) *
    [only if relevant]
    Highest rank to receive an offer75.5585.55
    Median rank to receive an offer69.9876.48

    Lowest rank to receive an offer

    67.2572.25

    Notes:  

    “<5” – the number of students is less than 5
    N/A – Students not accepted in this category
    N/P – Not published: the number is hidden to prevent the calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students

    In 2022, due to COVID, additional adjustment factor points were granted to applicants from NSW, ACT and VIC.

  • More information

    Considering your uni options?

    Talk to one of our career advisors for a personalised advice session. Our advisors provide support while choosing a program of study and completing our application process. Book my session.


    For more information, please contact our Prospective Students Office.

    Fremantle and Broome
    Phone: +61 8 9433 0533
    Email: future@nd.edu.au
    Sydney and Melbourne
    Phone: +61 2 8204 4404
    Email: sydney@nd.edu.au

    All international enquiries should contact the International Students Office on international@nd.edu.au.

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