CRICOS Code: 074452D

This program applies to students who commenced in 2017 or later.

Students should follow the program structure for the session start date relevant to the year they commenced.

Commencement Year 2014 and 2016 - 1696.3 Bachelor of Communication

Commencement Year 2013 and 2014 - 1696.2 Bachelor of Communication

Commencement Year 2012 - 1696.1 Bachelor of Communication

The Bachelor of Communication is designed to develop students’ critical capacity and communication skills. Students will gain a deep understanding of media's influence on the world, grow their professional skills and research abilities, and master legal and ethical storytelling. Majors include Journalism, Advertising or Public Relations, and students can choose from a large selection of sub-majors. The first year of study covers important communication theory and data storytelling, providing an understanding of communication practices, industries and disciplines. Second and third year allows students to focus on their chosen major and sub-major. Learning takes place in the classroom and in the field, with award-winning university teachers with specialised knowledge and expert industry partners. There are also opportunities for students to enhance their skills with internships, industry meet-and-greets and international study and travel.

• Director of Academic Program - Dr Nicole Bridges

Study Mode

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

Program Advice

Dr Myra Gurney

Prospective students should visit the following websites for general enquiries about this program.

Enquire about this program| Local Admission | International Admission |

Location

Location

Campus	Attendance	Mode	Advice
Online	Full Time	Online	See above
Online	Part Time	Online	See above
Parramatta Campus - Victoria Road	Full Time	Internal	See above
Parramatta Campus - Victoria Road	Part Time	Internal	See above
Penrith Campus	Full Time	Internal	See above
Penrith Campus	Part Time	Internal	See above
Sydney City Campus	Full Time	Internal	Ming Diao
Vietnam Campus	Full Time	Internal	Jacki Montgomery
Vietnam Campus	Part Time	Internal	Jacki Montgomery

Accreditation

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

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 program includes a placement or other community-based unpaid practical experience.

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

International students should also refer to the link below 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

Admission

Students are admitted on the basis of their ATAR score.

Students who enter through the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) pathway, the entry criteria into Stage 1 of studies at UEH is an IELTS overall score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each subtest and also 26/30 in the Vietnam University Entrants Exam.

Applications from Australian and New Zealand citizens and holders of permanent resident visas may be made via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) or directly through the Western Portal. Use the links below to apply via UAC or Western Sydney University. Applications made directly to Western Sydney do not have an application fee.

http://www.uac.edu.au/
https://westernsydney.uac.edu.au/ws/

Applicants who have undertaken studies overseas may have to provide proof of proficiency in English. Local 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.

International students currently completing an Australian Year 12 in or outside Australia, an International Baccalaureate in Australia or a New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) level 3 must apply via UAC International.

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

All other International applicants must apply directly to the University via the International Office.  

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

International Office

Overseas qualifications must be deemed by the Australian Education International - National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (AEI-NOOSR) to be equivalent to Australian qualifications in order to be considered by UAC and Western Sydney University.

Program Structure

The Bachelor of Communication is a three year degree. The program 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.  Each of the major sequences is also available as a minor.

Majors

Penrith and Parramatta On-campus students must select from one of the following four majors

Sydney City On-campus students and Online students must select from one of the following three majors

Please note the following subjects in these majors are not offered online until further notice: COMM 3014 Digital Communication, COMM 3015 Digital Journalism Production  and COMM 3025 News Teams. Students will be able to enrol in the on-campus offering of these subjects.   Please contact enquiriesHCA@westernsydney.edu.au for further options.

Minors

Penrith and Parramatta On-campus students may also elect to take a minor in one of the four major sequences

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

Sydney City On-campus students and Online students may also elect to take a minor in one of the three available major sequences

Please note the following subjects in these majors are not offered online until further notice: COMM 3014 Digital Communication, COMM 3015 Digital Journalism Production  and COMM 3025 News Teams. Students will be able to enrol in the on-campus offering of these subjects.  Please contact enquiriesHCA@westernsydney.edu.au for further options.

Inherent Requirements

The following minors have inherent requirements that must be met in order to complete the minor:  Arabic, Chinese and Japanese. Make sure you read and understand the requirements for these majors and minors online.

Inherent Requirements

Replaced Majors and Minors

The majors and minors listed below count towards completion of this Program for students who began studying these majors and minors prior to the years indicated below.

M1094 Media Arts Production, Major, replaced by Screen Media, Major in 2021 (listed above).

SM1113 Media Arts Production, Minor, replaced by Screen Media, Minor in 2021 (listed above).
SM1070 Cultural and Social Analysis, Minor, replaced by Culture and Society, Minor in 2020 (listed above).
SM1072 History and Political Thought, Minor, replaced by History and Political Thought, Minor in 2020 (listed above).
SM1120 International English, Minor, replaced by SM1132 International English, Minor in 2018.
SM1132 International English, Minor, replacedy by International English, Minor in 2020 (listed above).

Recommended Sequence

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

Click here for the recommended sequence at Sydney City Campus.

Parramatta Campus and Online Students, full-time start-year intake

Plan of Study Grid

Year 1
Autumn session		Credit Points
COMM 1032	Writing Ecologies	10
COMM 1020	Media Cultures and Industries	10
COMM 1018	Introduction to Journalism	10
MKTG 1009	Public Relations Theory and Practice	10
	Credit Points	40
Spring session
INFO 1004	Data Analysis and Storytelling	10
COMM 1012	Data, Mediation, Power	10
MKTG 1001	Advertising: An Introduction	10
COMM 1039	Introduction to Screen Media	10
	Credit Points	40
Year 2
Autumn session
COMM 2024	Media Law and Ethics	10
Select two subjects from a selected major		20
Select one elective which may include the following:		10
COMM 2047	Pitch: Podcasting Essentials
	Credit Points	40
Spring session
COMM 2032	Professional Writing and Editing	10
Select two subjects from a selected major		20
Select one elective which may include the following:		10
COMM 2048	Communicating for Sustainability
	Credit Points	40
Year 3
Autumn session
COMM 3008	Communication Research Project	10
Select two subjects from a selected major		20
Select one elective which may include the following:		10
COMM 3046	Personal Branding Strategies: Build and Manage Your Career Profile
	Credit Points	40
Spring session
COMM 3022	Media Memory	10
Select two subjects from a selected major		20
Select one elective which may include the following:		10
COMM 3046	Personal Branding Strategies: Build and Manage Your Career Profile
	Credit Points	40
	Total Credit Points	240

Parramatta Campus and Online Students, full-time mid-year intake 

Plan of Study Grid

Year 1
Spring session		Credit Points
INFO 1004	Data Analysis and Storytelling	10
COMM 1012	Data, Mediation, Power	10
MKTG 1001	Advertising: An Introduction	10
COMM 1039	Introduction to Screen Media	10
	Credit Points	40
Autumn session
COMM 1032	Writing Ecologies	10
COMM 1020	Media Cultures and Industries	10
COMM 1018	Introduction to Journalism	10
MKTG 1009	Public Relations Theory and Practice	10
	Credit Points	40
Year 2
Spring session
COMM 2032	Professional Writing and Editing	10
Select two subjects from a selected major		20
Select one elective which may include the following:		10
COMM 2048	Communicating for Sustainability
	Credit Points	40
Autumn session
COMM 2024	Media Law and Ethics	10
Select two subjects from a selected major		20
Select one elective which may include the following:		10
COMM 2047	Pitch: Podcasting Essentials
	Credit Points	40
Year 3
Spring session
COMM 3022	Media Memory	10
Select two subjects from a selected major		20
Select one elective which may include the following:		10
COMM 3046	Personal Branding Strategies: Build and Manage Your Career Profile
	Credit Points	40
Autumn session
COMM 3008	Communication Research Project	10
Select two subjects from a selected major		20
Select one elective which may include the following:		10
COMM 3046	Personal Branding Strategies: Build and Manage Your Career Profile
	Credit Points	40
	Total Credit Points	240

Penrith Campus, full-time start-year intake

Plan of Study Grid

Year 1
Autumn session		Credit Points
COMM 1032	Writing Ecologies	10
COMM 1039	Introduction to Screen Media	10
MKTG 1001	Advertising: An Introduction	10
COMM 1020	Media Cultures and Industries	10
	Credit Points	40
Spring session
COMM 1012	Data, Mediation, Power	10
MKTG 1009	Public Relations Theory and Practice	10
COMM 1018	Introduction to Journalism	10
INFO 1004	Data Analysis and Storytelling	10
	Credit Points	40
Year 2
Autumn session
COMM 2024	Media Law and Ethics	10
Select two subjects from a selected major		20
Select one elective which may include the following:		10
COMM 2047	Pitch: Podcasting Essentials
	Credit Points	40
Spring session
COMM 2032	Professional Writing and Editing	10
Select two subjects from a selected major		20
Select one elective which may include the following:		10
COMM 2048	Communicating for Sustainability
	Credit Points	40
Year 3
Autumn session
COMM 3008	Communication Research Project	10
Select two subjects from a selected major		20
Select one elective		10
	Credit Points	40
Spring session
COMM 3022	Media Memory	10
Select two subjects from a selected major		20
Select one elective which may include the following:		10
COMM 3046	Personal Branding Strategies: Build and Manage Your Career Profile	10
	Credit Points	50
	Total Credit Points	250

Penrith Campus, full-time mid-year intake

Plan of Study Grid

Year 1
Spring session		Credit Points
COMM 1012	Data, Mediation, Power	10
MKTG 1009	Public Relations Theory and Practice	10
COMM 1018	Introduction to Journalism	10
INFO 1004	Data Analysis and Storytelling	10
	Credit Points	40
Autumn session
COMM 1032	Writing Ecologies	10
COMM 1039	Introduction to Screen Media	10
MKTG 1001	Advertising: An Introduction	10
COMM 1020	Media Cultures and Industries	10
	Credit Points	40
Year 2
Spring session
COMM 2032	Professional Writing and Editing	10
Two units from a selected major		20
And one elective which may include		10
COMM 2048	Communicating for Sustainability
	Credit Points	40
Autumn session
COMM 2024	Media Law and Ethics	10
Two units from a selected major		20
And one elective which may include		10
COMM 2047	Pitch: Podcasting Essentials
	Credit Points	40
Year 3
Spring session
COMM 3022	Media Memory	10
Two units from a selected major		20
And one elective which may include		10
COMM 3046	Personal Branding Strategies: Build and Manage Your Career Profile	10
	Credit Points	50
Autumn session
COMM 3008	Communication Research Project	10
Two units from a selected major		20
And one elective		10
	Credit Points	40
	Total Credit Points	250

Equivalent Subject

The subject listed below counts towards completion of this program for students who passed this subject in 2020 or earlier. 

COMM 1015 - Foundations of Media Arts and Production, replaced by COMM 1039 Introduction to Screen Media.

The subject listed below counts towards completion of this program for students who passed this subject in 2022 or earlier. 

DESN 1018 - Visual Storytelling, replaced by INFO 1004 Data Analysis and Storytelling

Elective Spaces

Students have the option to take electives in Design (Visual Communication) and Music subject to successful completion of any required pre-requisite subjects.

Elective subjects may also be used toward obtaining an additional approved minor from the Bachelor of Arts (40 credit points).

Arabic, Minor
Chinese, Minor
Creative Writing, Minor
Culture and Society, Minor
Digital Cultures, Minor
English, Minor
History and Political Thought, Minor
Indigenous Australian Studies, Minor
International English, Minor
International Relations and Asian Studies, Minor
Islamic Studies, Minor
Japanese, Minor
Linguistics, Minor
Musicology, Minor
Music Performance Studies, Minor
Philosophy, Minor
Psychological Studies, Minor

Minor elective spaces

Elective subjects may be used toward obtaining an additional approved minor (40 credit points).  Western Sydney University offers minors in a range of areas including Sustainability and Indigenous Studies.

Global Sustainability Minor 
Indigenous Australian Studies Minor

Western Sydney University also offers the following innovative transdisciplinary minors which we encourage those students who have elective space to consider.

Equitable Technologies
Urban Evolution
Migration and Global Change  
Personal Innovation    
Innovating, Creating and Problem Solving 
Eco-Socially Conscious Design and Manufacturing
Water for Life 
Climate Justice
Global Workplaces
Innovating For Humans 
Creative Living for Cultural Wellbeing  
Ideate.Strategise.Innovate.
Humanising Data

Search for majors and minors

Students can apply for an elective minor via MySR.

MyStudentRecords (MySR)

Program Structure

The Bachelor of Communication is a three year degree. The program 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 minor.

Majors

Penrith and Parramatta on site students must select from one of the following majors. 

Sydney City on site students and Online students must select from one of the following three majors

Elective subjects

Students may select their electives from any program offered by the university, provided any requisite requirements are met.

Students may use their elective subjects to complete a minor (40 credit points) from another discipline area, or up to 40 credit points from the wide range of subjects offered by Western Sydney University

Minor elective spaces

Elective subjects may be used toward obtaining an additional approved minor (40 credit points).  Western Sydney University offers minors in a range of areas including Sustainability and Indigenous Studies.

Global Sustainability Minor 
Indigenous Australian Studies Minor

Western Sydney University also offers the following innovative transdisciplinary minors which we encourage those students who have elective space to consider.

Equitable Technologies
Urban Evolution
Migration and Global Change  
Personal Innovation    
Innovating, Creating and Problem Solving 
Eco-Socially Conscious Design and Manufacturing
Water for Life 
Climate Justice
Global Workplaces
Innovating For Humans 
Creative Living for Cultural Wellbeing  
Ideate.Strategise.Innovate.
Humanising Data

Search for majors and minors

Students can apply for an elective minor via MySR.

MyStudentRecords (MySR)

Suggested minors

Minors

Penrith and Parramatta on site students may also elect to take a minor in one of the four major sequences

Sydney City on site students and Online students may also elect to take a minor in one of the three available major sequences

Students may also take electives in Design (Visual Communication) and Music subject to successful completion of any required pre-requisite subjects.

Elective subjects may also be used toward obtaining an additional minor from the Bachelor of Arts (40 credit points).

Recommended Sequence

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

Sydney City Campus and Penrith Campus, full-time start-year intake

Plan of Study Grid

Year 1
Autumn session		Credit Points
COMM 1032	Writing Ecologies	10
COMM 1039	Introduction to Screen Media	10
MKTG 1001	Advertising: An Introduction	10
COMM 1020	Media Cultures and Industries	10
	Credit Points	40
Spring session
COMM 1012	Data, Mediation, Power	10
MKTG 1009	Public Relations Theory and Practice	10
COMM 1018	Introduction to Journalism	10
INFO 1004	Data Analysis and Storytelling	10
	Credit Points	40
Year 2
Autumn session
COMM 2024	Media Law and Ethics	10
Select two subjects from a chosen major		20
Select one elective which may include:		10
COMM 2047	Pitch: Podcasting Essentials
	Credit Points	40
Spring session
COMM 2032	Professional Writing and Editing	10
Select two subjects from a chosen major		20
Select one elective which may include:		10
COMM 2048	Communicating for Sustainability
	Credit Points	40
Year 3
Autumn session
COMM 3008	Communication Research Project	10
Select two subjects from a chosen major		20
Select one elective		10
	Credit Points	40
Spring session
COMM 3022	Media Memory	10
Select two subjects from a chosen major		20
Select one elective which may include:		10
COMM 3046	Personal Branding Strategies: Build and Manage Your Career Profile
	Credit Points	40
	Total Credit Points	240

Penrith Campus, full-time mid-year intake

Plan of Study Grid

Year 1
Spring session		Credit Points
COMM 1012	Data, Mediation, Power	10
MKTG 1009	Public Relations Theory and Practice	10
COMM 1018	Introduction to Journalism	10
INFO 1004	Data Analysis and Storytelling	10
	Credit Points	40
Autumn session
COMM 1032	Writing Ecologies	10
COMM 1039	Introduction to Screen Media	10
MKTG 1001	Advertising: An Introduction	10
COMM 1020	Media Cultures and Industries	10
	Credit Points	40
Year 2
Spring session
COMM 2032	Professional Writing and Editing	10
Select two subjects from a chosen major		20
Select one elective which may include:		10
COMM 2048	Communicating for Sustainability
	Credit Points	40
Autumn session
COMM 2024	Media Law and Ethics	10
Select two subjects from a chosen major		20
Select one elective which may include:		10
COMM 2047	Pitch: Podcasting Essentials
	Credit Points	40
Year 3
Spring session
COMM 3022	Media Memory	10
Select two subjects from a chosen major		20
Select one elective which may include:		10
COMM 3046	Personal Branding Strategies: Build and Manage Your Career Profile
	Credit Points	40
Autumn session
COMM 3008	Communication Research Project	10
Select two subjects from a chosen major		20
Select one elective		10
	Credit Points	40
	Total Credit Points	240

Parramatta Campus and Online students, full-time start-year intake

Plan of Study Grid

Year 1
Autumn session		Credit Points
COMM 1032	Writing Ecologies	10
COMM 1020	Media Cultures and Industries	10
COMM 1018	Introduction to Journalism	10
MKTG 1009	Public Relations Theory and Practice	10
	Credit Points	40
Spring session
INFO 1004	Data Analysis and Storytelling	10
COMM 1012	Data, Mediation, Power	10
MKTG 1001	Advertising: An Introduction	10
COMM 1039	Introduction to Screen Media	10
	Credit Points	40
Year 2
Autumn session
COMM 2024	Media Law and Ethics	10
Select two subjects from a chosen major		20
Select one elective which may include:		10
COMM 2047	Pitch: Podcasting Essentials
	Credit Points	40
Spring session
COMM 2032	Professional Writing and Editing	10
Select two subjects from a chosen major		20
Select one elective which may include:		10
COMM 2048	Communicating for Sustainability
	Credit Points	40
Year 3
Autumn session
COMM 3008	Communication Research Project	10
Select two subjects from a chosen major		20
Select one elective which may include:		10
COMM 3046	Personal Branding Strategies: Build and Manage Your Career Profile
	Credit Points	40
Spring session
COMM 3022	Media Memory	10
Select two subjects from a chosen major		20
Select one elective which may include:		10
COMM 3046	Personal Branding Strategies: Build and Manage Your Career Profile
	Credit Points	40
	Total Credit Points	240

Parramatta Campus and Online students, full-time mid-year intake

Plan of Study Grid

Year 1
Spring session		Credit Points
INFO 1004	Data Analysis and Storytelling	10
COMM 1012	Data, Mediation, Power	10
MKTG 1001	Advertising: An Introduction	10
COMM 1039	Introduction to Screen Media	10
	Credit Points	40
Autumn session
COMM 1032	Writing Ecologies	10
COMM 1020	Media Cultures and Industries	10
COMM 1018	Introduction to Journalism	10
MKTG 1009	Public Relations Theory and Practice	10
	Credit Points	40
Year 2
Spring session
COMM 2032	Professional Writing and Editing	10
Select two subjects from a chosen major		20
Select one elective which may include:		10
COMM 2048	Communicating for Sustainability
	Credit Points	40
Autumn session
COMM 2024	Media Law and Ethics	10
Select two subjects from a chosen major		20
Select one elective which may include:		10
COMM 2047	Pitch: Podcasting Essentials
	Credit Points	40
Year 3
Spring session
COMM 3022	Media Memory	10
Select two subjects from a chosen major		20
Select one elective which may include:		10
COMM 3046	Personal Branding Strategies: Build and Manage Your Career Profile
	Credit Points	40
Autumn session
COMM 3008	Communication Research Project	10
Select two subjects from a chosen major		20
Select one elective which may include:		10
COMM 3046	Personal Branding Strategies: Build and Manage Your Career Profile
	Credit Points	40
	Total Credit Points	240

Vietnam Campus, start-year intake

Students commence in year 2 with 80 credit points from approved pathway

Plan of Study Grid

Year 2
Trimester 1		Credit Points
COMM 1032	Writing Ecologies	10
COMM 1020	Media Cultures and Industries	10
MKTG 1001	Advertising: An Introduction	10
	Credit Points	30
Trimester 2
COMM 1012	Data, Mediation, Power	10
COMM 2024	Media Law and Ethics	10
COMM 2011	Communication Strategies	10
	Credit Points	30
Trimester 3
COMM 2032	Professional Writing and Editing	10
DESN 1018	Visual Storytelling	10
MKTG 1009	Public Relations Theory and Practice	10
MKTG 2001	Advertising: Creative	10
	Credit Points	40
Year 3
Trimester 1
COMM 2006	Advertising: Media	10
COMM 2001	Account and Client Management	10
COMM 3022	Media Memory	10
	Credit Points	30
Trimester 2
COMM 3014	Digital Communication	20
COMM 3045	Advertising: Campaigns	10
	Credit Points	30
	Total Credit Points	160

Equivalent Subject

The subject listed below counts towards completion of this program for students who passed this subject in 2020 or earlier. 

COMM 1015 - Foundations of Media Arts and Production, replaced by COMM 1039 Introduction to Screen Media.

The subject listed below counts towards completion of this program for students who passed this subject in 2022 or earlier. 

DESN 1018 - Visual Storytelling, replaced by INFO 1004 Data Analysis and Storytelling