Bachelor of Media and Communication
Swinburne Online - Online delivery only
Overview
The Bachelor of Media and Communication is designed to provide you with state-of-the-art teaching, so you’re prepared for roles in dynamic, ever-changing media and communication industries.
The degree takes a strategic approach to media and communication, combining theoretical and practical content that gives you the skills to operate in diverse industry settings.
Drawing on a range of media and communication disciplines, the degree seeks to equip you with the knowledge and skills to achieve institutional/organisational objectives.
Skills you’ll learn
- Entrepreneurship
- Ethical work-mindset
- Adaptability
Your career opportunities
- Web designer
- Digital media producer
- Journalist
- Content creator
International student visa
International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.
Professional accreditations
Why Swinburne?
Top 200 for Communication
#1 in Melbourne for overall experience
The median income for PG graduates one year out is $86.6K (#1 in Victoria)
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Study with Swinburne Online
With Swinburne Online, the learning experience is 100% online and studied at your own pace. Our courses are built for the jobs of the future with a focus on collaboration and our flexible learning environment empowers you to study on your own terms. They are developed by leaders in the field and taught by professionals with industry experience.
Qualifications
Successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification.
VCE prerequisites: Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 25 in English (or equivalent) or 30 in English (EAL).
Non-year 12 entry
Completion or partial completion of an approved tertiary qualification (including Certificates, Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas, Associate Degrees and Degrees). 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.
Applicants without a formal qualification but with significant and relevant work experience will be considered if they can demonstrate that they can undertake the course with a reasonable prospect of success.
The university may determine selection criteria and restrictions, in respect of courses, to apply in addition to these entry requirements.
Assess your eligibility for entry to Swinburne.
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- IELTS overall band of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 65%, all skills 65% or above
- or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.
Credit transfer
Credit is granted in recognition of previous study and/or experience and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Finding your fit
At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.
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Bachelor of Media and Communication
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Bachelor of Business (Swinburne Online Delivered)
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Bachelor of Psychological Sciences - Swinburne Online delivered
How credit points work
To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Media and Communication students must complete 300 credit points.
Students studying through SOL complete one online core unit of study and 11 units of Other Study. Students may not complete more than 150 cps (normally 12 units) at Introductory Level.
A unit of study can only be counted once, where units are shared between majors and/or minors, students must choose an approved alternate. Students also have an opportunity to undertake a WIL Professional Placement.
Your units
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Introduction to Media Studies
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA10001 |
|
Professional Communication Practice
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
COM10007 |
|
Media Content Creation
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
JOU10007 |
|
Global Media Industries
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA10008 |
|
Learning and Communicating Online
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
COM10003 |
Your major options
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
|
Principles of Advertising
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
ADV10001 |
|
Advertising Issues: Regulation, Ethics & Cultural Considerations
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
ADV20001 |
|
Concept Development and Copywriting
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
ADV20002 |
|
Business of Media
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA20001 |
|
Sports/Advertising/Media
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA20011 |
|
Advertising Media Planning and Purchasing
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
ADV30001 |
|
Advertising Management and Campaigns Project
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
ADV30002 |
|
Professional Practice: Client and Agency Management
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
COM30002 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
|
Innovation Cultures: Perspectives On Science and Technology
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA10006 |
|
Screen Studies: Movies, Television and Ourselves
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA10003 |
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Digital Communities
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA20009 |
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Screen Franchising and Innovation
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA20007 |
|
Global Screen Studies: Beyond Hollywood
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA30011 |
|
Sports/Advertising/Media
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA20011 |
|
Media and Communications Project A
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA30006 |
|
Researching Social Media Publics
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA30012 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
|
Public Relations Theory and Practice
Major unit |
PUB20002 |
|
Public Relations Writing
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
PUB20003 |
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Business of Media
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA20001 |
|
Global Public Relations Practice
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
PUB20001 |
|
Events Management
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
PUB30001 |
|
Professional Practice: Client and Agency Management
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
COM30002 |
|
Public Relations Project and Campaign Planning
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
PUB30003 |
|
Issues, Crisis and Risk Communication
Major unit |
PUB30002 |
Want to see the full range of electives?
Learn about all the electives you can take in the course handbook.
2025 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$16,992
Total fee* ($AUD)
$50,976
2025 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$39,280.00
Fees are estimates only
Published student tuition fees for 2025 unit enrolments in HE Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) and Undergraduate Full Fee Paying (FFP) are subject to change based on individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees may vary for units studied in future years, with part-time fees being proportionally lower depending on the number of units taken per semester. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
How do I pay my fees?
HECS-HELP is a loan and discount scheme available to you if you are eligible and enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place. A HECS-HELP loan can cover all or part of your contribution amount. You can also choose to pay your fees up front.
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Financials
- check your Australian bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Eligibility for HECS-HELP
You are eligible for a HECS-HELP loan if you have been offered a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) for an undergraduate degree at Swinburne or a UniLink course, and you:
- are an Australian citizen and doing at least one unit of your course in Australia; or
- hold a permanent humanitarian visa and will be living in Australia for the duration of your course; or
- hold a New Zealand Special Category visa and meet the special eligibility requirements for New Zealand citizens.
Student services and amenities fee
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
The fee shown in the capped amount for 2025.
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown is the capped amount for 2025.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$365
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$365
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2025 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.
Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.
When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 20 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.
Apply through an agent
Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Apply directly
Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online!
Please note: This online course is not available to on-shore international students holding a student visa.