Bachelor of Communications & Media (Major: Film & Screen Production)

School of Arts & Sciences

Are you an emerging filmmaker? The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Bachelor of Communications and Media with a Film & Screen Production Major is your ideal degree. The Film & Screen Production Major integrates theory and practice through an applied study of screen production to provide the creative and artistic tools necessary for your craft. You will take hands-on production classes that expand your knowledge in a collaborative environment. Our program is structured to guide you from introductory to advanced screen practices. We offer a range of courses to ensure a holistic knowledge of the craft of screen production. You will engage with multiple drama, documentary and interactive-based screen production forms. Contact us today to enrol.

• Why study this major?

  The Bachelor of Communications & Media with a Major in Film & Screen Production provides a creative context for your work. You will complete courses introducing you to cinematic history; different genres and movements; and critical traditions that inform contemporary screen production.

  The employment opportunities for graduates are varied, with most going on to specialise in varying production roles. These roles are usually related to the camera, sound and post-production/editing. Graduates also take on roles as directors, writers, producers, social media content creators, editors, sound recordists, special effects supervisors, production managers, and videographers.

  Work Integrated Learning: when you study the Film & Screen Production Major, you will have the opportunity to complete an internship of approximately 90 hours that will allow you to put theory into practice in a workplace environment.  This Major introduces you to leading academics, industry professionals and visiting alumni to assist you in building essential personal and industry networks.

  The Bachelor of Communications & Media majoring in Film & Screen Production can be studied as part of a double degree. Graduates can later undertake a Master of Arts (MA), Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

• Program summary

  To complete a Bachelor of Communications and Media with a Film and Screen Production Major, you will study 24 courses, eight of which will form the Major. Normally you will take at least one course from your Major in each semester. Most Majors build sequentially in content, theme and skills and work towards the acquisition of advanced skills and knowledge by the completion of your third year of study.

  You may also choose to use eight elective courses to study a Second Major in another discipline or six elective courses to study a Minor in another discipline. Then you’ll have four or six more electives that you can select from any courses in the School of Arts & Sciences, providing you meet the pre-requisites that may apply.

  The Film and Screen Production Major includes these requirements:

  Students must complete 200 units of credit, as follows:

  Students complete these THREE courses:

  • COMM1210 Introduction to Screen Production
  • COMM2030 Language of Film
  • COMM2150 Screen Production: Skills and Practice

  Students complete at least ONE of these courses:

  • COMM3260 Advanced Screen Production: Documentary
  • COMM3270 Advanced Screen Production: Drama

  Students complete at least ONE of these courses:

  • COMM3300 Documentary Studies
  • COMM3620 World Cinema
  • COMM3630 Australian Cinema

  Students complete ANY of these courses:

  • COMM1000 Digital Photography
  • COMM1060 Media and Society**
  • COMM1420 Introduction to Journalism
  • COMM2020 Screenwriting
  • COMM2040 Digital Cultures
  • COMM2300 Digital Media Production
  • COMM3008 Communications Internship^
  • COMM3050 Media Ethics and Law**
  • COMM3090 Adaptation Studies
  • COMM3210 Interactive Media
  • COMM3260 Advanced Screen Production: Documentary
  • COMM3270 Advanced Screen Production: Drama
  • COMM3300 Documentary Studies
  • COMM3620 World Cinema
  • COMM3630 Australian Cinema
  • HIST2017 Screening History: The Politics of Moving Pictures
  • THTR3090 Fundamentals of Directing

  **Bachelor of Communications and Media students will complete COMM1060 Media and Society and COMM3050 Media Ethics and Law in the core component of their degree and will undertake other film & screen production electives to complete their Major.

  ^ Substitute ARTS3002 Internship or Professional Project

  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.

  Here you can find full details of the Major, Second Major and Minor 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 Study

  • Successful completion of 2 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).

  Please note: all applicants must be of school leaving age or older to apply.

  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

  • International Baccalaureate (IB) score

  *Selection Ranks include ATAR plus Adjustment Factors.

  Applicants with Higher Education Study

  • Successful completion of 2 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).

  Please note: all applicants must be of school leaving age or older to apply.

• 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
  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: directors, screenwriters, television or film producers, social media content creators, editors, sound recordists, special effects supervisors, production managers, photographers,  documentary makers and as videographers.

• 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.

• Study abroad

  A global perspective adds a valuable dimension to your university education. At Notre Dame University you can study while experiencing the world. We encourage students to become active global citizens through a range of exchange programs, professional placements, study tours, and volunteer opportunities. Visit International Opportunities to find out more.

• 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 data profile

  The tables below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this Program. It provides data on all students who commenced in this Program in the most relevant recent intake period, including those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia.

  Fremantle Student Profile Data

  TABLE 1a – Bachelor of Communications and Media BASIS OF ADMISSION IN SEMESTER 1, 2021 INTAKE

  Applicant background	Semester 1 2021
  	Number of students	Percentage of all students
  (A) Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course)	7	70%
  (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study	<5	N/P
  (C) Work and life experience (Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)	N/A	N/A
  (D) Recent secondary education: Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR  (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points)	<5	N/P
  Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, interview, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)	<5	N/P
  Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, interview, school marks &   recommendation with no minimum ATAR requirement)	<5	N/P
  International students	N/A	N/A
  All students	10	100.0%

  TABLE 1b – Bachelor of Communications and Media ATAR PROFILE DATA FOR APPLICANTS ENTERING ON THE BASIS OF RECENT SECONDARY EDUCATION IN SEMESTER 1, 2022 INTAKE

  RECENT SECONDARY EDUCATION - ATAR-based offers	ATAR (Excluding adjustment factors) *	Selection Rank (ATAR plus any adjustment factors) *[only if relevant]
  Highest rank to receive an offer	N/A	N/A
  Median rank to receive an offer	N/A	N/A
  Lowest rank to receive an offer	N/A	N/A

  Sydney Student Profile Data

  TABLE 1a – Bachelor of Communications and Media BASIS OF ADMISSION IN SEMESTER 1, 2022 INTAKE

  Applicant background	Semester 1 2022
  	Number of students	Percentage of all students
  (A) Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course)	<5	N/P
  (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study	<5	N/P
  (C) Work and life experience (Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)	<5	N/P
  (D) Recent secondary education: Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points)	N/A	N/A
  Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, interview, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)	6	30%
  Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, interview, school marks &   recommendation with no minimum ATAR requirement)	13	65%
  International students	N/A	N/A
  All students	20	100.0%

  TABLE 1b – Bachelor of Communications and Media ATAR PROFILE DATA FOR APPLICANTS ENTERING ON THE BASIS OF RECENT SECONDARY EDUCATION IN SEMESTER 1, 2022 INTAKE

  RECENT SECONDARY EDUCATION - ATAR-based offers	ATAR (Excluding adjustment factors) *	Selection Rank (ATAR plus any adjustment factors) *[only if relevant]
  Highest rank to receive an offer	75.55	85.55
  Median rank to receive an offer	69.98	76.48
  Lowest rank to receive an offer	67.25	72.25

  Notes:  

  “<5” – the number of students is less than 5
  N/A – Students not accepted in this category
  N/P – Not published: the number is hidden to prevent the calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students

  In 2022, due to COVID, additional adjustment factor points were granted to applicants from NSW, ACT and VIC.

• More information

  Considering your uni options?

  Talk to one of our career advisors for a personalised advice session. Our advisors provide support while choosing a program of study and completing our application process. Book my session.

  
  

  For more information, please call our Prospective Students Office on +61 2 8204 4404 or email sydney@nd.edu.au.

  
  

  All international enquiries should contact the International Students Office on international@nd.edu.au.