Course

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Diploma in Communication/Bachelor of Communication

Approved Abbreviation: DipComm/BComm

Western Sydney University Course Code: 6007.3

AQF Level: 7

CRICOS Code: 096970M

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 2021 or later.

For Commencement Year 2019 to 2020 please refer to 6007.2 - Diploma in Communication/Bachelor of Communication

For Commencement Year 2017 to 2018 please refer to 6007.1 - Diploma in Communication/Bachelor of Communication

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 Screen Media. 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).

Inherent requirements

There are inherent requirements for this course that you must meet in order to complete your course and graduate. Make sure you read and understand the requirements for this course online.

Inherent Requirements

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 with 70% or higher 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 with 70% or higher 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.

Work Integrated Learning

Western Sydney University seeks to enhance student learning experiences by enabling students to engage in the culture, expectations and practices of their profession or discipline. This course includes a placement or other community-based unpaid practical experience.

There is a mandatory work component required for completion of this course. Please contact the Course Advisor listed above for information.

International students should also refer to the 'Work Integrated Learning (WIL) for international students' website for more information and a link to the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) for international students

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 two College Preparatory units.

Western Sydney University The College Units

Full-time

Term 1 Intake

Year 1

First Term of Study

700056

Academic English (WSTC Prep)

700324

Communication Practices (WSTC Prep)

700180

Media Cultures and Industries (WSTC)

Second Term of Study

700178

Writing Ecologies (WSTC)

700088

Advertising: An Introduction (WSTC)

700325

Introduction to Screen Media (WSTC)

Third Term of Study

700269

Data, Mediation and Power (WSTC)

700182

Introduction to Journalism (WSTC)

700090

Public Relations Theory and Practice (WSTC)

700183

Visual Storytelling (WSTC)

Term 2 Intake

Year 1

First Term of Study

700056

Academic English (WSTC Prep)

700324

Communication Practices (WSTC Prep)

700180

Media Cultures and Industries (WSTC)

Second Term of Study

700269

Data, Mediation and Power (WSTC)

700182

Introduction to Journalism (WSTC)

700090

Public Relations Theory and Practice (WSTC)

Third Term of Study

700178

Writing Ecologies (WSTC)

700183

Visual Storytelling (WSTC)

700088

Advertising: An Introduction (WSTC)

700325

Introduction to Screen Media (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 2 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 2 units.
Students must pass at least 70 credit points of University level units in Year 1 before progressing to the Year 2 units.

Qualification for this award then requires the successful completion of a further 160 credit points as per the recommended sequence below.

The course has four major sequences in Advertising, Journalism, Public Relations and Screen Media 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

Recommended Sequence

Penrith Campus

Year 2

Autumn session

101928

Media Law and Ethics

Two units from a selected major

And one elective which may include

102697

Pitch: Podcasting Essentials

Spring session

101929

Professional Writing and Editing

Two units from a selected major

And one elective which may include

102705

Communicating for Sustainability

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 which may include

102780

Personal Branding Strategies: Build and Manage Your Career Profile

Recommended Sequence

Parramatta Campus

Full-time

Year 2

Autumn session

101928

Media Law and Ethics

Two units from a selected major

And one elective which may include

102697

Pitch: Podcasting Essentials

Spring session

101929

Professional Writing and Editing

Two units from a selected major

And one elective which may include

102705

Communicating for Sustainability

Year 3

Autumn session

101930

Communication Research Project

Two units from a selected major

And one elective which may include

102780

Personal Branding Strategies: Build and Manage Your Career Profile

Spring session

101931

Media Memory

Two units from a selected major

And one elective which may include

102780

Personal Branding Strategies: Build and Manage Your Career Profile

Majors

Advertising

Journalism

Public Relations

Screen Media

Sub-majors

Advertising

Journalism

Public Relations

Screen Media

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)