Diploma in Communication/Bachelor of Communication (6007)
- Approved Abbreviation: DipComm/BComm
- Western Sydney University Program Code: 6007
- AQF Level: 7
CRICOS Code: 096970M
This program applies to students who commenced in 2021 or later.
Students should follow the program structure for the session start date relevant to the year they commenced.
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 program 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 program.
For more information on Western Sydney University, The College, please refer to their web site.
Western Sydney University, The College
For program advice during your first year of study, please use the contact below under ‘Program Advice’. For program advice during your second and subsequent years of study, please use the contact listed for the Bachelor of Communication.
Early Exit
Students may exit this program on completion of 100 credit points with a 7043 Diploma in Communication (exit only)
Study Mode
Three years full-time or six years part-time.
Program Advice
For program advice duirng Year 1 , contact The College: College Program Enquiries
For program advice during Years 2 and 3, contact the School of Humanities & Communication Arts: 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
| Campus | Attendance | Mode | Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | See above |
| The College - Nirimba Education Precinct | Full Time | Internal | See above |
| The College - Nirimba Education Precinct | Part Time | Internal | See above |
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 program that you must meet in order to complete your program and graduate. Make sure you read and understand the requirements for this program online.
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).
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 subject 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 program 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 program with a 50% pass, or
- Passed The College English test with 70% or higher, or
- Passed The College Foundation Studies Academic English subject 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 program with a Grade Point Average of 5.5 or higher.
Recommended Sequence
Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 260 credit points as per the recommended sequence below.
The early exit College Diploma consists of 100 credit points which includes two College Preparatory subjects.
Western Sydney University The College Subjects
Full-time term 1 intake
| Subject | Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| First Term of Study | ||
| LANG 0003 | Academic English (WSTC Prep) | 10 |
| COMM 0015 | Communication Practices (WSTC Prep) | 10 |
| COMM 1021 | Media Cultures and Industries (WSTC) | 10 |
| Second Term of Study | ||
| MKTG 1002 | Advertising: An Introduction (WSTC) | 10 |
| COMM 1040 | Introduction to Screen Media (WSTC) | 10 |
| COMM 1033 | Writing Ecologies (WSTC) | 10 |
| Third Term of Study | ||
| COMM 1011 | Data, Mediation and Power (WSTC) | 10 |
| COMM 1019 | Introduction to Journalism (WSTC) | 10 |
| MKTG 1010 | Public Relations Theory and Practice (WSTC) | 10 |
| DESN 1019 | Visual Storytelling (WSTC) | 10 |
Full-time term 2 intake
| Subject | Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| First Term of Study | ||
| LANG 0003 | Academic English (WSTC Prep) | 10 |
| COMM 0015 | Communication Practices (WSTC Prep) | 10 |
| COMM 1021 | Media Cultures and Industries (WSTC) | 10 |
| Second Term of Study | ||
| COMM 1011 | Data, Mediation and Power (WSTC) | 10 |
| COMM 1019 | Introduction to Journalism (WSTC) | 10 |
| MKTG 1010 | Public Relations Theory and Practice (WSTC) | 10 |
| Third Term of Study | ||
| MKTG 1002 | Advertising: An Introduction (WSTC) | 10 |
| COMM 1040 | Introduction to Screen Media (WSTC) | 10 |
| COMM 1033 | Writing Ecologies (WSTC) | 10 |
| DESN 1019 | Visual Storytelling (WSTC) | 10 |
Exiting with Diploma in Communication
Students may exit at this point and graduate with the Diploma in Communication following a passing grade in all of the above subjects. Students who progress onto Year 2 may also be awarded the Diploma if they gain a passing grade in all of the above subjects.
- Students must pass all College Preparatory subjects before progressing to the Year 2 subjects.
- Students must pass at least 70 credit points of University level subjects in Year 1 before progressing to the Year 2 subjects.
Qualification for this award then requires the successful completion of a further 160 credit points as per the recommended sequence below.
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/ Each of the major sequences is also available as a minor.
Western Sydney University Subjects
For program advice during your second and subsequent years of study, please use the contact listed for the Bachelor of Communication.
Full-time start-year intake - Penrith
| Year 2 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Autumn session | Credit Points | |
| COMM 2024 | Media Law and Ethics | 10 |
| Select two subjects from selected major | 20 | |
| Select one elective, which may include | ||
| COMM 2047 | Pitch: Podcasting Essentials | 10 |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| COMM 2032 | Professional Writing and Editing | 10 |
| Select two subjects from selected major | 20 | |
| Select one elective, which may include | ||
| COMM 2048 | Communicating for Sustainability | 10 |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| COMM 3008 | Communication Research Project | 10 |
| Select two subjects from selected major | 20 | |
| Select one elective | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| COMM 3022 | Media Memory | 10 |
| Select two subjects from selected major | 20 | |
| Select one elective, which may include | ||
| COMM 3046 | Personal Branding Strategies: Build and Manage Your Career Profile | 10 |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Total Credit Points | 160 | |
Full-time start-year intake - Parramatta
| Year 2 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Autumn session | Credit Points | |
| COMM 2024 | Media Law and Ethics | 10 |
| Select two subjects from selected major | 20 | |
| Select one elective, which may include | ||
| COMM 2047 | Pitch: Podcasting Essentials | 10 |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| COMM 2032 | Professional Writing and Editing | 10 |
| Select two subjects from selected major | 20 | |
| Select one elective, which may include | ||
| COMM 2048 | Communicating for Sustainability | 10 |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| COMM 3008 | Communication Research Project | 10 |
| Select two subjects from selected major | 20 | |
| Select one elective, which may include | ||
| COMM 3046 | Personal Branding Strategies: Build and Manage Your Career Profile | 10 |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| COMM 3022 | Media Memory | 10 |
| Select two subjects from selected major | 20 | |
| Select one elective, which may include | ||
| COMM 3046 | Personal Branding Strategies: Build and Manage Your Career Profile | 10 |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Total Credit Points | 160 | |
Majors
Minors
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.
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
Students can apply for an elective minor via MySR.