Bachelor of Media and Communication/ Bachelor of Applied Innovation | International Student Courses | Swinburne University

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Choose a major for Bachelor of Media and Communication

Back Advertising Cinema and Screen Studies Creative Writing and Literature Digital Advertising Technology Journalism Media Industries Professional Writing and Editing Public Relations Social Media

Unique to Swinburne, the Bachelor of Media and Communication/Bachelor of Applied Innovation double degree is the ideal beginning to a career that encompasses the challenging and dynamic area of media and communication and innovation.

With so many majors to select from, there’s something for everyone interested in a career in media and communications. Subjects include advertising, writing and literature, journalism, public relations and social media. You’ll examine issues such as diversity, the influence of social networking data, ownership and privacy, automated media and the digital economy.

You’ll also benefit from Swinburne’s partnership with Adobe which gives you free access to, and coaching in, the Adobe Creative Cloud while studying.

Applied innovation, meanwhile, boosts your media and communication potential as you learn in a multidisciplinary, experiential environment that values collaboration, creativity and complex problem-solving. Develop leadership potential, persistence, and human understanding as you learn what it takes to drive meaningful change through innovative ideas. Undertake projects inspired by your passions and interests; then graduate with a portfolio to prove your innovation credentials.

Experiential learning is key to our bachelor courses, so you’ll have the opportunity to explore a range of quality placements, internships and industry-related projects.

Whether it’s a media and communication career in content creation, public relations, cinema and screen, or social media, or a career as an innovation specialist in roles such as innovation consultant, innovation or transformation lead, human-centred researcher, innovation strategist or innovation manager, this double degree is made for you.

Every international student application is considered for a scholarship
Whether you’re living in Australia or overseas, you’re automatically considered for a scholarship of up to 20% off your course fees. Please check our updated entry requirements.

Start dates

Hawthorn campus

Semester 1 - 26 February 2024
Semester 2 - 29 July 2024

View application and start dates

Duration

4 Year/s

Full-time

VTAC codes

3400212611 (CSP)
3400212613 (IFP)

CRICOS code

108358F

Fees

A$37240 (annual for 2024)*

The indicative course fees shown in Course Search apply to international students for the relevant year only. They are based on a standard study load per year. However, please note that fees are assessed according to a student's study load in each semester, and variation to study load will result in an adjustment to tuition fees. All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.

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.

Course details

- Course structure and career opportunities.

Course structure

Successful completion of the Bachelor of Media and Communication/ Bachelor of Applied Innovation requires students to complete units of study to the value of 400 credit points. All units of study are valued at 12.5 credit points unless otherwise stated.
View course rules and special requirements

Core studies for Bachelor of Media and Communication

4 units (50 credit points)

Units	Unit codes	Credit points
Professional Communication Practice	COM10007	12.5
Media Content Creation	JOU10007	12.5
Introduction to Media Studies	MDA10001	12.5
Global Media Industries	MDA10008	12.5

Core studies for Bachelor of Applied Innovation

4 units (50 credit points)

Units	Unit codes	Credit points
Exploring Creativity and Innovation	INV10001	12.5
Fundamentals of Innovation Practice	INV10002	12.5
Innovation Sandpit	INV10003	12.5
Responsible Innovation Futures	INV10004	12.5

Major for Bachelor of Media and Communication

8 units (100 credit points)

Choose a major:

Choose a major

Advertising Cinema and Screen Studies Creative Writing and Literature Digital Advertising Technology Journalism Media Industries Professional Writing and Editing Public Relations Social Media

Major for Bachelor of Applied Innovation in Applied Innovation

6 units (100 credit points)

Units	Unit codes	Credit points
Innovation for Challenges of Today	INV20001	12.5
Innovation for the Future *	INV20002	12.5
Applied Innovation Internship	INV20003	12.5
Applied Innovation Studio A *	INV30001	25
Applied Innovation Studio B *	INV30002	25
Leadership and Facilitation of Innovation	INV30003	12.5

*Outcome unit – completion demonstrates the attainment of course learning outcomes

Other studies

8 units (100 credit points)

Choose from a combination of the following course components to complete 100 credit points of other study. Students may also select elective units (12.5 credit points each).

– Work Integrated Learning + Co-major + Minors + Elective units + Signature Series

Work Integrated Learning

Swinburne's Work Integrated Learning program provides additional opportunities for you to gain valuable skills and real industry experience in the form of placements, internships or study tours - all while earning credit towards your degree.

Choose a Work Integrated Learning option:

You'll get paid to work in an area related to your field of study for 12 months, where you'll combine hands-on learning with academic submissions, workplace reflection and feedback from your host organisation. Most students undertake their placements in the third year of their degree, so you’ll want to map out your electives as soon as you can and register for a placement at least 6 months before your preferred start date.

The Professional Placement co-major has four 25 credit point units.

Professional Placement in Media and Communication

Units	Unit codes	Credit points
Work Experience in Industry A	WEI20001	25
Integrated Professional Placement A - Media and Communication	MDA20016	25
Work Experience in Industry B	WEI20002	25
Integrated Professional Placement B - Media and Communication	MDA20017	25

You'll get paid to work in an area related to your field of study for 6 months, where you'll combine hands-on learning with academic submissions, workplace reflection and feedback from your host organisation. Most students undertake their placements in the third year of their degree, so you’ll want to map out your electives as soon as you can and register for a placement at least 6 months before your preferred start date.

The Professional Placement minor has two 25 credit point units.

Professional Placement in Media and Communication

Units	Unit codes	Credit points
Work Experience in Industry A	WEI20001	25
Integrated Professional Placement A - Media and Communication	MDA20016	25

A Professional Internship is all about gaining valuable real-world skills in your area of study all while earning credit points towards your degree. Plus, it looks great on your CV as it shows you’ve had real industry experience before you’ve even graduated!

You might choose to complete your internship part-time over a semester or in a more intensive block during Summer or Winter terms.

Travel overseas, discover other cultures, enrich your professional experience and enhance your CV all while gaining credit towards your course.

Co-major (100 credit points)

A co-major is a major in a field of study outside this course. You can choose one in addition to a first major. Co-majors will not be named on your testamur certificate however will be shown on your transcript of results.

Minors (50 credit points)

Minors are a structured set of 4 units or 50 credit points and may be chosen from any field of study.

Elective units

Any of the following units may be undertaken.

Units	Unit codes	Credit points
Financial Information for Decision Making	ACC10007	12.5
Principles of Advertising	ADV10001	12.5
Introduction to Animation	ANI10001	12.5
History of Animation	ANI10003	12.5
Introduction to Character and Environment Design	ANI10004	12.5
Introduction to Game Studies	ART10004	12.5
Professional Communication Practice	COM10007	12.5
Concepts and Narratives	DCO10001	12.5
Digital Design	DCO10002	12.5
Packaging Design	DCO10003	12.5
Photography for Design	DCO10004	12.5
Typography	DCO10005	12.5
Visual Communication Studio	DCO10007	12.5
Twentieth Century Design	DDD10001	12.5
Introductory Design Studio	DDD10006	12.5
Typography for Screen and Motion	DDM10006	12.5
Construction 1: Building Systems and Materials	DIA10001	12.5
History of Interior Architecture	DIA10004	12.5
Interior Architecture Communication	DIA10005	12.5
Interior Architecture Studio 1 - Space, Form & Human Occupation	DIA10006	12.5
Product Visualisation 1: Hand Sketching	DID10001	12.5
User Centered Design	DID10004	12.5
Materials, Finishes and Form	DID10006	12.5
Economic Principles	ECO10004	12.5
Entrepreneurship and Opportunity	ENT10001	12.5
Screen Literacy and Contemporary Cinema	FTV10003	12.5
Scriptwriting and Directing: Short Narrative Film	FTV10004	12.5
Genre and the Moving Image	FTV10006	12.5
Principles of Game Design	GAM10002	12.5
Digital Content Management	ICT10021	12.5
Connecting with Culture: Indigenous Australian Experiences	INS10001	12.5
News Writing	JOU10004	12.5
Introduction to Business Law	LAW10004	12.5
Writing Fiction	LIT10002	12.5
Introduction to Media Studies	MDA10001	12.5
Introduction to Management	MGT10001	12.5
Fundamentals of Marketing	MKT10007	12.5
Introduction to Nutrition	NTR10001	12.5
What is Power?	PHI10007	12.5
Introduction to Ethics	PHI10008	12.5
Fundamentals of Psychology	PSY10008	12.5
Foundations of Statistics	STA10003	12.5
Company Accounting	ACC20013	12.5
Experimental Image-Making Processes	ART20002	12.5
Future Work Skills	CAR20001	12.5
Brand and Identity Design	DCO20001	12.5
Information Design	DCO20003	12.5
Web Design	DCO20004	12.5
Typography for Print and Interactive Publication	DCO20009	12.5
Exhibition Design	DDD20003	12.5
Contemporary Design Issues	DDD20004	12.5
Design Systems and Services	DDD20007	12.5
Photography and Art Direction	DDD20009	12.5
Interaction Design for Web	DDD20015	12.5
Experience Design and Usability for the Web	DDD20016	12.5
3D Modelling for Objects and Environments	DDD20022	12.5
3D Character Modelling	DDD20023	12.5
Post Production for Digital Video	DDM20007	12.5
Interior Architecture Digital Documentation 1	DIA20003	12.5
Design and Emotion Studio	DID20001	12.5
Product Visualisation 2: Digital Sketching	DID20007	12.5
Product Visualisation 3: Surface Modelling and Rendering	DID20008	12.5
Digital Modelling	DPD20001	12.5
Macroeconomic Policy	ECO20004	12.5
Financial Management	FIN20014	12.5
Introduction to Games Production	GAM20001	12.5
Broadcast News Reporting	JOU20004	12.5
Business and Society	MGT20006	12.5
Organisational Behaviour	MGT20007	12.5
Marketing Research and Analytics	MKT20019	12.5
Integrated Marketing Communication	MKT20021	12.5
Consumer Behaviour	MKT20025	12.5
Philosophy, Media, Culture	PHI20006	12.5
Global Public Relations Practice	PUB20001	12.5
Public Relations Theory and Practice	PUB20002	12.5
Public Relations Writing	PUB20003	12.5
Analysis for Competitive Advantage	ACC30009	12.5
Data Structures and Patterns	COS30008	12.5
Software Development for Mobile Devices	COS30017	12.5
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence	COS30019	12.5
Games Programming	COS30031	12.5
Design for Production	DCO30002	12.5
Industry Workshops	DCO30011	12.5
Compositing for Visual Effects	DDD30011	12.5
Publication Design	DDD30013	12.5
Visual Storytelling	DDD30015	12.5
Web Marketing and Advanced Usability	DDD30019	12.5
Digital Video Compositing	DDD30021	12.5
Motion Graphics Project	DDD30022	12.5
3D Character Design and Animation	DDD30028	12.5
Commercial Photography on Location	DDD30046	12.5
Communication Design Capstone Project	DDD30047	12.5
Communication Design Strategy	DDD30048	12.5
Hollywood Cinema	FTV30005	12.5
Indigenous Knowledges	INS30002	12.5
Innovative Branding	MKT30017	12.5
Issues, Crisis and Risk Communication	PUB30002	12.5
Public Relations Project and Campaign Planning	PUB30003	12.5
Concurrent Programming	COS40003	12.5

Signature Series

A Swinburne education prepares you for life. That’s why we’ve developed the Swinburne Signature Series. It’s a suite of study opportunities that embody Swinburne’s ethos – of confidence, clarity and adventure. These opportunities give our students something extra; whether that’s a new perspective on the world through a Study Tour unit, an expanded sense of possibilities through our Innovation Minor, or a deeper understanding and respect for culture through our Indigenous Minor. Like Swinburne University itself, our Signature Series will grow and adapt to reflect the evolving issues of the day.

Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight standard units of study per year
Part-time study: 50 credit points/four standard units of study per year
One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)
See the course planner for an example degree structure

Course learning outcomes

On successful completion of this programme the learner will be able to:

Bachelor of Media and Communication: Identify and contextualise the impacts of digital transformation on media and communication industries, audiences and professional and creative practices
Bachelor of Media and Communication: Analyse diverse socio-cultural influences on media and communication practices and their impact on audiences in Indigenous, local and global contexts
Bachelor of Media and Communication: Demonstrate critical thinking, including theoretical, practice-led and decolonised approaches, within a specialised media and communication discipline
Bachelor of Media and Communication: Initiate professional approaches to planning, problem-solving and decision-making in a range of media and communication activities and processes, both individually and in collaboration with others
Bachelor of Media and Communication: Design creative and professional media and communication artefacts that focus on examining the relationship between people and technology for social impact
Bachelor of Media and Communication: Explore innovative use of new media and communication technologies to engage, influence and build communities for next generation media futures
Bachelor of Media and Communication: Engage ethical approaches to research methodologies for socially responsible, just and fair content creation strategies
Bachelor of Media and Communication: Apply learning from Indigenous, global and cross-cultural communication contexts to support accountability, self-assessment and independence in lifelong learning
Bachelor of Applied Innovation: Apply a series of thinking systems, creativity toolkits and innovation frameworks to design contextually-relevant solutions addressing local and global challenges in and outside their discipline
Bachelor of Applied Innovation: Identify and articulate opportunities to innovate and create impact informed by user-centred research and/or data
Bachelor of Applied Innovation: Adapt their discipline skillsets in new situations in response to complex and changing contexts, including interdisciplinary environments
Bachelor of Applied Innovation: Facilitate and contribute to innovation teams that seek solutions to complex challenges, using inclusive collaboration practices to leverage different skills and perspectives
Bachelor of Applied Innovation: Navigate commercial, human and technical requirements aided by prototyping and testing to deliver solutions that create value
Bachelor of Applied Innovation: Communicate the value of experimentation, ideas and innovation with confidence in developing solutions to investors, potential partners, employers or other stakeholders
Bachelor of Applied Innovation: Develop futures-focused innovations that integrate responsible social, technological and environmental factors

Career opportunities

The Bachelor of Media Communication/Bachelor of Applied Innovation equips students with knowledge and skills essential for a career that encompasses the challenging and dynamic area of media and communication and innovation. The Applied Innovation units complement the media and communication disciplinary studies by developing students’ future workforce capabilities. Students apply innovation toolkits, prototype solutions and participate in challenges, such as innovation sprints and interdisciplinary projects, including activities inspired by their passions and interests, developing, in the process, future workforce capabilities such as interdisciplinary collaboration, creativity and complex problem-solving, persistence, curiosity and initiative in real-world contexts.

The course helps students create a portfolio for future employability, with industry experience and additional practical skills. As an innovator, students are prepared to conceive, develop and deliver transformative projects as well as adapt to uncertain and changing contexts to secure or create fulfilling employment opportunities.

How to enter this course

- Entry requirements and English language requirements.

Entry requirements

A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) can now be done on campus in Hawthorn at Room 132, Building TD. Book now or call +61 3 9214 3584 for more information.

One of:

Successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification.
Completion or partial completion of an approved tertiary qualification (including Certificates IV (completed), Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas, Associate Degrees and Degrees)
Applicants without a formal qualification may be considered for entry if they have significant and relevant work experience and/or upon completion of the STAT test.

Course prerequisites

VCE Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 25 in any English (except EAL) or 30 in English as Alternate Language (EAL) or equivalent.

Note

Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee offer of a place. See Admissions at Swinburne, for general information about admission process.

English language requirements

IELTS (Academic Module): Overall 6.0 with no individual band below 6.0
Swinburne English Language Centre: EAP 5 Advanced level with overall 65% and all skills 65% or above
Or equivalent measures available at //www.swinburne.edu.au/study/international/apply/entry-requirements/

Pathways

Pathways allow students to progress from one qualification to another where the first course is recognised as an entry requirement and/or provides advanced standing to the second.

Learn more about pathways.

How to apply

Find out more about how to apply.