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.

    Work Integrated Learning: 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:

    • Foundation level: COMM1420 Introduction to Journalism
    • Intermediate level: COMM2340 Journalism: Theory and Practice
    • Upper level: COMM3050 Media Ethics and Law*

    Plus at least ONE (1) of the following capstone courses:

    • COMM3002 Digital Journalism Portfolio
    • COMM3008 Communications Internship

    Plus at least ONE (1) of the following courses:

    • COMM2330 Journalism for Television and Video
    • COMM3040 Feature Writing
    • COMM3700 Radio

    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
    • COMM2040 Digital Cultures
    • COMM2300 Digital Media Production
    • COMM2330 Journalism for Television and Video
    • COMM3002 Digital Journalism Portfolio
    • COMM3040 Feature Writing
    • COMM3070 Photojournalism
    • COMM3210 Interactive Media
    • COMM3300 Documentary Studies
    • COMM3700 Radio
    • COMM3008 Communications Internship
    • POLI3003 Setting the Agenda: the Media and Politics

    *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.

    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: 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.

  • 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:


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

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


    HECS-HELP
    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.


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

  • Student profile data

    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)
    770%
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study <5N/P
    (C) Work and life experience
    (Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
    N/AN/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)
    <5N/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)
    <5N/P
    International studentsN/A N/A
    All students10100.0%

    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 offersATAR
    (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)
    <5N/P
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study<5N/P
    (C) Work and life experience
    (Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
    <5N/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/AN/A
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, interview, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    630%
    • 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)
    1365%
    International studentsN/AN/A
    All students20100.0%

    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 offersATAR
    (Excluding adjustment factors) *
    Selection Rank
    (ATAR plus any adjustment factors) *
    [only if relevant]
    Highest rank to receive an offer75.5585.55
    Median rank to receive an offer69.9876.48

    Lowest rank to receive an offer

    67.2572.25

    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 contact our Prospective Students Office.

    Fremantle and Broome
    Phone: +61 8 9433 0533
    Email: future@nd.edu.au
    Sydney and Melbourne
    Phone: +61 2 8204 4404
    Email: sydney@nd.edu.au

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

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*2021 Graduate Outcomes Survey, undergraduate and postgraduate coursework categories, **2021 Graduate Outcomes Survey-Longitudinal (medium term outcome), undergraduate category, ***2021 Student Experience Survey, postgraduate category and ****2021 Student Experience Survey, postgraduate category - qilt.edu.au

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