Bachelor of Communications & Media (Major: Journalism)

School of Arts & Sciences

Are you interested in communications and a career in journalism? The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Bachelor of Communications & Media with a Major in Journalism is a dynamic and cutting-edge degree that teaches you practical and critical skills in print, radio, television, video and online journalism. Along the way, you also learn about the diverse theories that underpin modern journalism practice and your legal and ethical obligations as a journalist and develop the confidence to gain employment in the exciting but constantly evolving field of media and communications. Contact us today to find out more information.

• Why study this major?

  Media and communications is a growing area with strong future employment growth expected. There are no limits to opportunities for graduates of this degree because your skills can be used across many industries. Skills such as the ability to research, analyse, interpret, and problem-solving are just what is needed in the flexible workplace of the 21st century. The ability to skillfully use technology to get messages out to audiences will make you a valued and sought-after employee or perhaps an entrepreneur. Communications specialists are needed in all organisations.

  If you want to embark on a media career, our journalism Major provides the practical skills and theoretical background to set you apart from the crowd. The program covers all genres of news reporting and the chance to gain skills in digital marketing. It includes journalism's diverse theories and practices, including your legal and ethical obligations.

  Journalism can be studied as a Major in the Bachelor of Communications & Media or a Major in a Bachelor of Arts. The Bachelor of Communication & Media pathway requires you to complete two compulsory Journalism courses and eight elective Journalism courses, including Feature Writing, Photojournalism, Radio, Digital Photography, Interactive Media and Digital Media Production.

  When you study the Journalism Major, you will have the opportunity to complete an internship of approximately 90 hours that will allow you to put the theory into practice in a workplace environment.

  Graduates find work as journalists, digital marketers, communication consultants, PR advisors, reporters, social media specialists, communications advisors, events coordinators, campaign officers, researchers, photographers, editors, travel writers, videographers and freelance journalists.

• Program summary

  The Journalism Major includes these requirements:

  Students are required to complete 8 courses of 25 units of credit (200 units of credit), as follows:

  Three (3) required courses:

  • COMM1420 Introduction to Journalism
  • COMM2340 Journalism: Theory and Practice
  • COMM3050 Media Ethics and Law*

  Plus at least ONE (1) of the following capstone courses designed to be completed in the student’s final year of study:

  • ARTS3002 Internship or Professional Project
  • COMM3002 Digital Journalism Portfolio

  Plus any of the following courses as needed to complete eight (8) courses:

  • COMM1000 Digital Photography
  • COMM1060 Media and Society*
  • COMM1210 Introduction to Screen Production
  • COMM2002 Travel Writing and Photography
  • COMM2040 Digital Cultures
  • COMM2300 Digital Media Production
  • COMM2330 Journalism Production: Video
  • COMM3002 Digital Journalism Portfolio
  • COMM3040 Feature Writing
  • COMM3060 Online Newsroom
  • COMM3070 Photojournalism
  • COMM3210 Interactive Media
  • COMM3300 Documentary Production
  • COMM3700 Journalism Production: Audio
  • COMM3800 Investigative Journalism
  • ARTS3002 Internship or Professional Project
  • POLI3003 Setting the Agenda: the Media and Politics
  • POLI3001 Information Disorder and Political Warfare
  • ABOR3040 Aboriginal People and Media

  *Bachelor of Communications and Media students will complete COMM3050 Media Ethics and Law and COMM1060 Media and Society in the core component of their degree and will undertake additional Journalism electives to complete their Major.

  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.

• 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

  • Successful completion of 4 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).

  Experience Based Entry

  If you are currently in Year 12 and completing the ATAR, General, VET, or Enabling pathway, you may be eligible to secure a place at Notre Dame University through experience based entry. Mature age applicants can apply by combining their academic background with relevant work experience. See Experience Based Entry for further details.

  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

  • Equivalent International Baccalaureate (IB) score

  *Selection Ranks include ATAR plus Adjustment Factors.

  Applicants with Higher Education

  • Successful completion of 4 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).

  Experience Based Entry

  If you are currently in Year 12 and completing the ATAR, General, VET, or Enabling pathway, you may be eligible to secure a place at Notre Dame University through experience based entry. Mature age applicants can apply by combining their academic background with relevant work experience. See Experience Based Entry for further details.

• 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; and
  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.

• Career opportunities

  Graduates of this program can follow diverse career paths in the private and public sectors; the following careers are open to graduates: journalists, digital marketers, communication consultants, PR advisors, reporters, social media specialists, communications advisors, events coordinators, campaign officers, researchers, photographers, editors, travel writers, videographers and freelance journalists.

• 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.

• Opportunities and experiences

  At the University of Notre Dame, we believe that gaining a global perspective is an important part of your university education.

  Students can immerse themselves in other cultures with Study abroad, through our international exchange programs, study tours, and professional placements. These experiences provide valuable academic and personal growth while earning credit toward your degree.

  You can also engage with the world through Global experiences, volunteer opportunities and cross-cultural initiatives designed to develop your global citizenship and broaden your understanding of international communities.

  Visit Opportunities and experiences to find out more.

• Scholarships

  Scholarships provide financial support to students while they are completing their studies. There are various scholarships available to prospective and current students, across all study levels and campuses.

  These can be funded by Notre Dame, industry, individuals and non-profit organisations, to provide financial assistance to students to support costs associated with study. This could include buying food, paying rent, transport, and household bills, raising children as single parents, being a single-income household, becoming unemployed or caring for a sick loved one.

  Please visit the Scholarships Finder to see which scholarships are available to Undergraduate students.

• Fees and costs

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

  Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
  A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a place at a university where the Australian 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, which is 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. 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.

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

  International Full-Fee Paying
  Tuition costs depend on an international student’s study load and discipline. Fees are payable each semester at least four weeks prior to the commencement of your program.

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

• Student profile data

  ATAR and selection rank profile

  The University of Notre Dame Australia offers clear and transparent information regarding ATAR and selection rank for domestic students beginning in Semester 1. This data includes the highest, median and lowest ranks required for admission to assist you in making informed study decisions.

  Explore our detailed overview of ATAR offers and student profiles to find the ideal degree that matches your interests and aspirations.

  View our ATAR and selection rank profile data.

• More information

  Considering your uni options?
  Our advisors provide support while choosing a program of study and completing our application process.

  If you need advice about studying at Notre Dame, the Prospective Students Office can help. Book a 1-on-1 advice session with a career advisor or call us on 1800 878 916.

  Fremantle and Broome
  Email: future@nd.edu.au
  Address: 23 High St, Fremantle, WA 6160

  Sydney and Melbourne
  Email: sydney@nd.edu.au
  Address: 128-140 Broadway, Chippendale, NSW 2008

  International students
  If you need advice about studying at Notre Dame, fill out our Make an Enquiry form, and you can book a session with one of our friendly International Student Advisors.

  Fremantle and Broome International Office
  Phone: +61 8 9433 0873
  Address: 19 Mouat St, Fremantle, WA 6160
  Postal address: PO Box 1225, Fremantle WA 6959

  Sydney and Melbourne International Office
  Phone: +61 2 8204 4229
  Address: 140 Broadway, Chippendale, NSW 2008
  Postal address: PO Box 944, Broadway NSW 2007