You’re curious, enjoy telling stories, and you want to use media to share ideas about the things that get people talking. This program will give you the professional skills and knowledge to build the ‘go anywhere, do anything’ career you want. Major in Journalism, Advertising, Public Relations, or Screen Media and develop job-ready skills in communication, digital media, media production, research, and innovation.
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Research
Research at Western Sydney University | Globally recognised for our research strengths and innovations in teaching, our impact-driven research transforms lives and shapes the future.
About Western
School of Business
School of Computer, Data and Mathematical Sciences
School of Education
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School of Health Sciences
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School of Law
School of Medicine
School of Nursing and Midwifery
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School of Science
School of Social Sciences
School of Computer, Data and Mathematical Sciences
School of Education
School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment
School of Health Sciences
School of Humanities and Communication Arts
School of Law
School of Medicine
School of Nursing and Midwifery
School of Psychology
School of Science
School of Social Sciences
Duration
Full Time: 3 Years (Available Part Time)*
Next Start Date
04 March 2024
22 July 2024
Closing Date
Campuses
LSR
Sydney City
UAC 720708
Parramatta South
UAC 720700
Penrith
UAC 720705
Online
UAC 729210
60
NC
60
60
Domestic Student Fees
Indicative annual fee from $11,885
Additional Information
Program Code: 1696
CRICOS Code: 074452D
Communication at Western
Your first year of study covers general communications theory and practice, giving you a solid understanding of how the different disciplines overlap and connect. Second and third year allows you to focus on your chosen Communication major. Working in the classroom and in the field with expert industry partners, you’ll get the kind of hands-on practical experience that employers love to see.
The course is accredited by the Public Institute of Australia and the Media Federation of Australia, so we know that practical experience is key. That's why Western has multiple opportunities for internships and study abroad so you can set yourself apart from others. We’ve taken students to Nepal, Sri Lanka, India, Vanuatu, Fiji, Taiwan, China and to the United Nations Leadership Symposium to work on films, communication campaigns, news reports, sustainability and leadership initiatives.
We'll help you build a portfolio, develop your professional brand, understand project workflows and client needs, and establish the contacts you’ll need to kick-start your career.
Note: Sydney City Campus semesters commence in March, July and October.
REGISTER NOW FOR OPEN DAY 2024
Open Day is a great opportunity to discover all that Western has to offer.
Explore course options, meet academics and find out about our pathway options on Sunday, 30 June 2024.
Register now to join us. We can't wait to see you at Open Day 2024!
As an Adobe Creative Campus, Western Sydney University gives all students complimentary access to the Adobe Creative Cloud, so you can level up your digital skills with FREE access to the Adobe Creative Cloud apps. It's like your very own innovation toolkit, where technology meets creativity!
Adobe Creative Cloud is a comprehensive suite of software tools and services which provide a one-stop platform for professionals and enthusiasts in various creative fields, offering a wide range of applications for graphic design, video editing, web development, photography, and more!
The Media Federation of Australia (MFA), established in 1997, is the peak body representing media communication agencies to government, industry, media owners and the general public. The MFA membership represents over 90% of all media agency placed media billings in Australia.
The Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA) is the national industry body for public relations and communication professionals in Australia. PRIA represents and provides professional support and recognition to practitioners and consultants nationwide.
Access Western’s new, start-of- the-art design, photography and journalism studios and facilities.
Get real-world placements at companies like the ABC, News Corp Australia, SKY News, Fairfax Community News, OMD, Ikon Communications, Carat Media, The Public Relations Institute of Australia, Channel Ten, Salmat, OHD, Zenith Optimedia, Nine Network and 360 PR.
What you can expect to study
The program structure is outlined in our handbook. Here you can view all of the subjects you will be studying.
You can choose from the following majors:
The Advertising major gives students a thorough grounding in general principles of communication as well as practical skills in advertising. The major offers a balance of advertising theory and practice and focuses on real, project-based outcomes.
Areas of study include advertising strategy, advertising creative and art direction, client and account management, digital and social media contexts, advertising campaigns.
The Journalism major combines an understanding of how the news media work with practical experience in broadcast, print and online journalism.
Students develop journalism skills suitable for newspapers, magazines, internet, radio and TV, corporate and community media.
The major in Screen Media is designed to provide students with production skills, complete with practical hands-on experience together with a theoretical foundation in the moving, visual media.
Please note: This Screen Media major is only offered at Parramatta South.
The Public Relations major covers the skills and knowledge required in the profession of public relations, including event management, issues and crisis management and campaign development.
The major focuses on the role of the public relations practitioner or adviser and provides a theoretical framework of the industry. Students engage with both theory and practical projects and complete an internship placement.
Our Graduates
Wherever you travel, you can expect to find one of our Bachelor of Communication graduates.
Our students are working at Google, Universal Music Group, McCann Worldwide, the Australian Ballet, SBS, ABC, The Australian, The Daily Telegraph, The Sydney Morning Herald, Sky News, Discovery Channel, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Beyond, and Hill and Knowlton, just to name a few.
Alumni
"Pick a program which generally interests and excites you. My program allows me to engage with both theory and creativity."
— Chloe Sheridan, Bachelor of Communication
Entry requirements for domestic students
Applicants who have undertaken studies overseas may have to provide proof of proficiency in English. Local applicants who are applying through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) will find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on the UAC website. Local applicants applying directly to the University should also use the information provided on the UAC website. Find out more here.
Please consult the handbook for more information.
Entry requirements for international students
**Please note, if this course lists a part-time option, this is not available to International Students on a Student Visa.
Please consult the handbook for more information regarding entry requirements for this course.
You can read more about international academic entry requirements here.
Indicative annual fee
A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is one that is subsidised by the Commonwealth and applicable only to Domestic students. This means that the Australian Government pays part of your fees towards your program, therefore reducing your program fees, and the remaining amount is paid by you, this is considered your Student Contribution.
To work out how much your Student Contribution will be before you study, you will first need to find out the Student Contribution band your subjects fit into based on their general discipline area.
You can then calculate your student contributions to work out the total amount of your contribution.
The Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) is a range of loans introduced by the Australian Government from 2005 to provide fee payment assistance to eligible students. Loans are for Australian citizens studying in Australia or overseas. Permanent residents who hold a humanitarian visa are also eligible if studying in Australia.
If eligible you may be able to defer all or part of your Student Contribution through the HECS-HELP loan program. You may also be eligible for OS-HELP if undertaking studies overseas.
New Zealand citizens and holders of an Australian permanent resident visa (other than an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) are generally not entitled to HECS-HELP assistance. If you are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident your Student Contribution amount must be paid in full by the census date.
However, the Australian Government has passed new legislation that changes the way some New Zealand citizens, who hold a Special Category Visa (SCV), studying in Australia will pay their fees. More information is available on the Changes to fees for New Zealand Citizens webpage.
Apply as a Domestic Student
If you are a domestic student, you can apply through our Western Application system which is free of charge.
Domestic students are:
- Australian Citizens
- New Zealand Citizens
- Australian permanent residents
- Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders
Scholarships
Western Sydney University recognises and rewards students who demonstrate community engagement, outstanding academic ability and superior leadership skills. Donor-funded scholarships are also available, providing support for students based on both academic achievements and equity considerations. There are also scholarships available for specific degrees.
Apply as an International Student
If you are an international student, you can apply for free through our international student application system or through an agent representative.
International students are:
- Not an Australian citizen;
- Not a New Zealand citizen; and
- Not a permanent resident of Australia.
If you are an international student completing the Australian HSC, IB or NCEA, apply direct via UAC International.
Admission to Western Sydney University is on the basis of meeting minimum academic and English language requirements. For more information about tuition fees and other costs, visit the Fees and Costs page.
Scholarships
When you apply to Western, you’re automatically assessed for a Scholarship, no additional application required! We’re offering multi-year scholarships (for up to 3 years) valued at $6,000 or $3,000 and even 50% off tuition fees. Scholarships are awarded on academic merit.
FAQs
We've gathered common questions to provide you with quick, clear answers about this program. Whether you're exploring admission requirements, details about the degree or career prospects, you'll find valuable insights here. If you need more information, our support team is ready to assist you on your journey to Western. You can find their details below.
Yes, you can do the entire program online. You will receive the same qualification by doing online study as you would if you were to study this program on campus.
You can choose to major in Journalism for this program, which provides practical experience in preparing and presenting news and digital content for online, print and broadcast platforms. Students develop journalism skills suitable for newspapers, magazines, internet, radio and TV, corporate and community media.
The nature of this program is quite broad and you can choose from several majors and a variety of minors, allowing you to develop professional skills in different areas as you decide on the career pathway you may be interested in. There are also opportunities for students to enhance their skills with internships, industry meet-and-greets and international study and travel.
The Bachelor of Communication is accredited by professional organisations including the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA) and the Media Federation of Australia (MFA).
Want to know more?
We're here to provide clarity.
If you're uncertain about your study journey, enquire about our program today and gain the confidence to move forward.
Australian students
1300 668 370
International students
+61 2 9852 5499
The tuition fees quoted above are the fees for the normal full-time study load of the program (80 credit points) per annum. International students will be subject to a variable fee regime; i.e. enrolled students will be required to pay fees during their program based on the approved fee for each calendar year. Fee changes (if any) will occur at 1 January each calendar year. Students who extend their program past the normal finish date of the program will be required to pay additional fees based on the prevailing fee level. Western Sydney University is a multi-campus institution. The University reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary. Students should be aware of the possibility of change of location for the whole or part of programs for which they enrol and should plan for the need to travel between Western Sydney campuses.