Course

Bachelor of Communication

Approved Abbreviation: BComm

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Western Sydney University Course Code: 1696.1

AQF Level: 7

CRICOS Code: 074452D

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Students should follow the course structure for the course version relevant to the year they commenced. This version applies to students whose commencement year for this course is 2012 or later.

Units may be revised or replaced to ensure students are provided with up to date curriculum throughout their studies, and this may result in a new course version. Refer to the Check My Course Progress page in MySR for the most up to date information for your course.

Commencement Year 2010 and 2011 - 1613.4 Bachelor of Communication

The Bachelor of Communication encompasses a wide range of units in the fields of communication and design including specialised studies in advertising, journalism, writing, public relations, media production, performance and animation. Through classwork, independent study and engagement with the multicultural nature of our community, students develop an understanding of the local and international relevance of their chosen studies. Through self-directed, team-based and problem-based learning strategies requiring active participation in the community, graduates also learn to value ethical conduct and intellectual integrity as well as respect for diversity and social justice principles.

• Director of Academic Program - Dr Rachel Bentley

Study Mode
Three years full-time or six years part-time.

Accreditation
This course is accredited with the International Advertising Association (IAA) and the Media Federation of Australia (MFA). The Public Relations major is accredited with the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA).

Admission

Students are admitted on the basis of their ATAR score.

Applicants who have undertaken studies overseas may have to provide proof of proficiency in English. Local and International applicants who are applying through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) will find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on the UAC website. Local applicants applying directly to the University should also use the information provided on the UAC website.

http://www.uac.edu.au/

International students applying to The University through the International Office can find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on their website.

http://pubsites.uws.edu.au/international/

Course Structure

The Bachelor of Communication is a three year degree with an additional year for Honours. The course has four major sequences in Advertising, Journalism, Public Relations and Media Arts Production from which students select one at the end of their first year. The course also offers three sub-majors in Animation, Performance and Writing and each of the major sequences is also available as a sub-major.

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 240 credit points as per the recommended sequence below.

Recommended Sequence

Full-time

Year 1

Autumn session

101057

Writing as Communication

101055

Screen Media

100706

Advertising: An Introduction

101040

Approaches to Communication

Spring session

101041

Communication Research

100212

Public Relations Theory and Practice

100556

Introduction to Journalism

100947

Design Thinking

Year 2

Autumn session

101243

Communication Law and Ethics

Two units from a selected major

And one elective

Spring session

101720

New Media Contexts

Two units from a selected major

And one elective

Year 3

Autumn session

101719

Media Analysis

Two units from a selected major

And one elective

Spring session

101053

Researching Media Audiences

Two units from a selected major

And one elective

Majors

Students must select from one of the following majors

M1044

Advertising

M1047

Journalism

M1048

Media Arts Production

M1045

Public Relations

Sub-majors

The following sub-majors are available to students

SM1613ANIM

Animation

SM1613PERF

Performance

SM1052

Writing

Students may also elect to take a sub-major in one of the four major sequences

SM1062

Advertising

SM1055

Journalism

SM1056

Media Arts Production

SM1063

Public Relations

Please note the Media Arts Production major/sub-major is only available at the Penrith campus. Students based at Parramatta campus are required to submit rule waivers to complete the units from this major/sub-major at the Penrith campus.

Sub-major elective spaces

Elective units may be used toward obtaining an additional approved sub-major (40 credit points).

Search for sub-majors

Western Sydney University offers sub-majors in a range of areas including Sustainability and Indigenous Studies.

Indigenous Australian Studies Sub-major

Indigenous Australian Creative Expressions Sub-major

Indigenous Economics Sub-major

Business Sustainability Sub-major

Students can apply for an elective major or sub-major via MySR.

MyStudentRecords (MySR)