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Bachelor of Media and Communication – Media Studies
Kick-start your career in the fast-paced world of media with a degree that will introduce you to the vast array of content platforms.
Undergraduate
Qualification
3 years full-time
Duration
Mar, Jul, Nov
Start Date
24
Units
100% Online
Learning Mode
$16,992*
Fees
‘The benefit of studying online with Swinburne Online has allowed me to schedule my time efficiently and effectively around [my life]. I have been provided with a world-class education led by industry leaders and professionals.’
Kate, Swinburne Online graduate
21.1% ▴
As a Social Media Manager, you’ll have a strong future ahead of you, with at 21.1% increase expected in the next five years.
Our media and communication courses have been awarded a five-star rating for learner engagement, learning resources and skills development.
Our media and communication courses have been awarded a five-star rating for learner engagement, learning resources and skills development.
Captivate your audience.
Taught by industry professionals, this degree will equip you with the skills to create engaging cross-platform content, manage social media accounts, produce digital media projects and write for print, broadcast and digital media.
You will learn professional communications skills to enable you to reach audiences effectively through digital and traditional media. With this qualification, you will be ready for a range of roles within the media and communications industry, including media content creator, social media manager, communications officer and media analyst.
Final year students in the Media Studies major will undertake an internship in a professional media and communications role or create a major project of their choosing. This will give you a head start in your career upon graduation.
What will you learn?
- Professional Communication: Build your skills and confidence as a professional communicator.
- Intercultural Communication: Learn how to effectively communicate within a multicultural society.
- Campaign Planning: Create engaging PR strategies and implement campaigns across multiple platforms.
- Writing: Develop industry-specific writing skills that will allow you to effectively engage and influence your audience.
- Digital Communities: Explore how social media and online communities impact how we communicate with each other.
- Multi-Media: Fundamentals of media studies, with a focus on texts, contexts, and the history of media and media studies.
- Global Media: Gain an understanding of how globalisation has impacted the media industries.
Learn more about our professional accreditations. Download a Course Guide.
Flexible study
Flexible study
What does flexible study mean for me?
Studying at Swinburne Online gives you the freedom to study how it suits you. Learn when and where it fits in with your life and tailor your study journey to your own needs without giving up what’s important.
Flexible study at Swinburne Online
Personalised study journey
Set a study pace that work with what’s going on in your life. If you’re unsure about how much you can commit to, we can offer part-time options and the option of increasing your unit load as your progress. Interested in fast-tracking your studies? You also have the opportunity to complete up to 12 units per year.
Fit study around your life
You don’t have to put your life on hold to study. Prioritise what matters to you and fit study around family, work and personal commitments through a course that is flexibly designed for online learners.
Multiple intakes
Start when it suits. Swinburne Online offers multiple intake dates and flexible unit availability, so you can choose when you begin your studies or if you need to take a break.
7-day support
Flexible study requires flexible support. As a Swinburne Online student, you’ll have support for extended hours, 7 days a week, with Student Advisors available to help with any queries. You will also have dedicated online tutors in each of your units.
Structure
Structure
Your course structure
This is an example of a full-time study load. Whether you’re looking to fast-track your studies or prefer a part-time study option, Swinburne Online degrees flexibly fit around your study needs.
The Bachelor of Media and Communication – Media Studies consists of 24 units, including five core units, eight Media Studies major units and 11 elective units.
You will complete a project-based unit that combines your theoretical knowledge with practical scenarios. You will plan, design and implement a product of your choice, giving you the opportunity to conceptualise and coordinate an independent project with supervision from your Online Learning Advisor.
Undertaking media studies with Swinburne Online is a unique opportunity. Our courses are at the forefront of industry and provide you with the practical skills to success come graduation. View all units in your bachelor’s degree.
View All UnitsHow you'll learn
How you'll learn
Learning designed for online
Your study journey with Swinburne Online is tailored to the digital space. You’ll study in a dynamic virtual classroom environment and interact with your peers in the custom-built social platform. You will also receive support at the times you need it from advisors who understand studying online.
Online classroom
You’ll complete each of your units in Canvas, your online classroom, and guided through coursework by an online tutor with real-world experience in your field of study. Canvas is where you’ll access classes, assignments and discussion boards with your peers.
Online campus
The Student Hub is your online campus, where you’ll access the support and resources to assist you throughout your study journey. From managing your course to technical support and library resources, you’ll find it all in one easy location.
Tailored support
Swinburne Online will be there for you each step of the way. From enrolment through to graduation, we offer extended, flexible support in each of your units and advisors to assist with any queries.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
Non-Year 12 entry
Completion or partial completion of an approved tertiary qualification (including diplomas, advanced diplomas, associate degrees and degrees) or equivalent. Additional performance criteria and prerequisite requirements may also apply.
Students admitted to the course with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be eligible for academic credit of up to 16 units.
Applicants without a formal qualification but with significant and relevant work experience and appropriate English language skills, or a suitable Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) result, will be considered if they can demonstrate that they can undertake the course with a reasonable prospect of success.
Read our Applying and Enrolling FAQs.
The University may determine selection criteria and restrictions in respect of courses to apply in addition to these entry requirements.
Year 12 entry
Successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification. Minimum ATAR requirements may apply.
VCE Pre-requisites
- Applicants must meet the associated minimum ATAR score
- Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL.
If you are applying as an international student, please view the English Language Requirements.
Fees
Fees
The estimated annual fee for this course is $16,992*. This is based on completing eight 12.5 credit point units in one calendar year.
*Unit fees are subject to change annually.
Commonwealth provided loans are available to assist eligible students to pay their course fees and there are a range of university, government and privately funded scholarships and prizes.
Discover more information about HELP loans.
Course fees will be affected by a student’s unit selection and any credit awarded in recognition of previous academic experience.
This course is offered to domestic and offshore international students. Depending on your citizenship, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place.
Domestic students also contribute to student services and amenities via an annual fee.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available for both commencing and current students. You may be eligible for Swinburne Scholarships.
Career Outcomes
Career Outcomes
Swinburne Online connection to industry
Our media studies graduates work in a range of rewarding roles and industries. The Bachelor of Media and Communication – Media Studies prioritises practical theory and experience within your degree so that you can graduate with your foot already in the door. You will:
- Work on a creative multimedia project
- Receive personalised teaching and feedback to assist with your individual learning
- Learn from industry leaders.
Communications Officer
Develop and implement communication strategies to promote information about an organisation to the public.
Social Media Content Creator
Create and manage written or visual content for different social media platforms.
Publicist
Manage and promote the public image of a company, brand or public figure.
Radio Production Coordinator
Maintain production schedules for radio and liaise with talent.
Media Strategist
Create and guide effective marketing and advertising campaigns that effectively engage with customers.
Social Media Manager
Create exciting social media plans for individuals and organisations. You’ll come up with fresh content, and work with influencers, agencies, product managers and business owners.
Testimonial
‘I enjoy the flexibility and the quality of course content and support.’
Ceara
Swinburne Online graduate
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FAQs
What are other students asking?
Q.
How does online study work?
A.
You can undertake our courses from anywhere with an internet connection, including the comfort of your own home during social isolation.
Swinburne Online takes domestic students for both degrees and TAFE diplomas from anywhere in Australia. International students are also accepted for our degrees, although some differences to their payment processes will apply.
You won’t normally have to be online at a specific time. Your course material is available for you from the beginning of each teaching period and you can work through it in the hours that suit you.
There are some live webinar sessions that run approximately once a month. These are a special opportunity for students to sign in at the same time as their tutors, normally before an assessment deadline. It gives you the chance to ask any questions relating to the assignment in real time and hear other student’s questions and thoughts. We understand that students won’t always be able to make these sessions, so they can be replayed the next day.
Q.
Do I need to be logged on to study at specific times?
A.
You won’t normally have to be online at a specific time. Your course material is available for you from the beginning of each teaching period and you can work through it in the hours that suit you.
There are some live webinar sessions that run approximately once a month. These are a special opportunity for students to sign in at the same time as their tutors, normally before an assessment deadline. It gives you the chance to ask any questions relating to the assignment in real time and hear other student’s questions and thoughts. We understand that students won’t always be able to make these sessions, so they can be replayed the next day.
Q.
Do I have to purchase learning materials?
A.
For students undertaking a degree, most of your learning materials are included with a free license provided to you by Swinburne Online. However, in some cases, you will be notified via your student email that you will need to buy specific software or eTexts. For TAFE Business students, all of your learning materials will be available online and are covered by your course fees. You won’t need to purchase any further materials.