Course

Diploma in Communication/Bachelor of Communication

Approved Abbreviation: DipComm/BComm

Western Sydney University Course Code: 6007.1

AQF Level: 7

CRICOS Code: 096970M

The Bachelor of Communication encompasses a range of studies in the fields of communication, media and design including specialised studies in the major fields of Advertising, Journalism, Public Relations and Media Arts Production. Teaching includes both theory and practice with reference to real world contexts highlighting future career opportunities in a convergent digital media world. Through classwork, independent study and engagement with the multicultural nature of our communities, students develop an understanding of the local and international relevance of their chosen studies, with opportunities to develop and produce a range of media outcomes as applied research and professional projects throughout their studies. Through self-directed, team-based and problem-based learning strategies requiring active participation in the community and professional contexts, graduates learn to reflect and value ethical and intellectual conduct as well as respect for diversity and social justice principles.

The first year of this course is delivered by Western Sydney University The College, as an agent of Western Sydney University, via extended face-to-face hours in smaller learning environments. A Diploma in Communication exit point is also available at the end of the first year of the course.

For more information on Western Sydney University, The College, please refer to their web site.

Western Sydney University, The College

For course advice during your first year of study, please use the contact below under ‘Course Advice’. For course advice during your second and subsequent years of study, please use the contact listed for the Bachelor of Communication.

Bachelor of Communication

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

Accreditation
The Bachelor of Communication is accredited by professional organisations including the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA) and the Media Foundation of Australia (MFA).

Admission

For more information on applying please see link to The College admission pages below.

https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/thecollege/how_to_apply

Domestic students are required to have:

Completed an English unit in the NSW Higher School Certificate, OR

Competency in English at IELTS 6.0 equivalent (unless a native speaker) OR

Passed The College English test at IELTS 6.0 equivalent OR

Passed The College Foundation Studies Academic English unit at C grade level or higher.

Met other entry requirements such as:

An ATAR identified prior to the offer of a place, OR

Completed The College Foundation Studies course with a Grade Point Average of 5.5 or higher.

International students must satisfy one of the following language requirements:

IELTS 6.0 with a minimum 5.5 in each sub band OR

Completed the College EAP 4 course with a 50% pass OR

Passed The College English test at IELTS 6.0 equivalent OR

Passed The College Foundation Studies Academic English unit at C grade level or higher for which advanced standing can be applied for.

Academic Entry Requirements vary according to country of origin. However, in general:

Completion of Year 12 or its equivalent is the minimum entry requirement OR

Completed The College Foundation Studies course with a Grade Point Average of 5.5 or higher.

Course Structure

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 260 credit points which include the units listed in the recommended sequence below.

The early exit College Diploma consists of 100 credit points which includes three College Preparatory units.

Western Sydney University The College Units

Nirimba, Bankstown and Penrith Campus

Please note that all campuses may not have intakes each year.

Full-time

Year 1

Preparatory units

700056

Academic English (WSTC Prep)

700192

Texts and Communication (WSTC Prep)

700176

Tertiary Study Skills in Communication (WSTC Prep)

Students must pass the following University level units

700178

Writing Ecologies (WSTC)

700179

Foundations of Media Arts and Production (WSTC)

700180

Media Cultures and Industries (WSTC)

700269

Data, Mediation and Power (WSTC)

700182

Introduction to Journalism (WSTC)

700183

Visual Storytelling (WSTC)

700088

Advertising: An Introduction (WSTC)

700090

Public Relations Theory and Practice (WSTC)

Students may exit at this point and graduate with the Diploma in Communication following a passing grade in all of the above units. Students who progress onto Year Two may also be awarded the Diploma if they gain a passing grade in all of the above units.

Students must pass all College Preparatory units before progressing to the Year Two units.
Students must pass at least 70 credit points of University level units in Year One before progressing to the Year Two units.

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 and each of the major sequences is also available as a sub-major.

Western Sydney University Units

For course advice during your second and subsequent years of study, please use the contact listed for the Bachelor of Communication.

Bachelor of Communication

Parramatta (Victoria Road) and Penrith Campus

Year 2

Autumn session

101928

Media Law and Ethics

Two units from a selected major

And one elective

Spring session

101929

Professional Writing and Editing

Two units from a selected major

And one elective

Year 3

Autumn session

101930

Communication Research Project

Two units from a selected major

And one elective

Spring session

101931

Media Memory

Two units from a selected major

And one elective

Majors

M1121

Advertising

M1067

Journalism

M1094

Media Arts Production

M1122

Public Relations

Sub-majors

SM1123

Advertising

SM1088

Journalism

SM1113

Media Arts Production

SM1122

Public Relations

Note: Please plan enrolment in sub-major units carefully - units at Level 2 and Level 3 may have pre-requisites. Students should consult their Academic Course Advisors if they require further information.

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

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

MyStudentRecords (MySR)