Bachelor of Communication (1696)

  • Approved Abbreviation: BComm
  • Western Sydney University Program Code: 1696
  • AQF Level: 7

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 and Public Relations, and students can choose from a large selection of minors. 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 allow students to focus on their chosen major and minor/s. 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

enquiriesHCA@westernsydney.edu.au

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
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
*

Programs delivered through an agreement with another party

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 and/or meeting other Western Sydney University criteria.

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 Current

This structure applies to students who commenced in 2024 or later. If you commenced prior to 2024 please refer to the relevant Structure tab for details.

The Bachelor of Communication is a three-year degree. The program has three major sequences in Advertising, Journalism, and Public Relations from which students select one at the end of their first year. Each of the major sequences is also available as a minor.

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

Majors

Penrith, Parramatta, Fully Online, and Sydney City on-site students must select from one of the following majors. 

Advertising, Major (0159)
Journalism, Major (0069)
Public Relations, Major (0160)

Elective Subjects

Students may use their elective subjects to complete an additional major (80 credit points), OR one or two minors (40 credit points each) from a range of minors across the university (see recommended minors below), OR up to 80 credit points from the wide range of subjects offered by Western Sydney University. It is strongly recommended that at the commencement of their program, students consult with their Academic Program Advisor who can suggest the most appropriate majors, minors, and electives for their chosen future career.

Suggested Minors

Minors

Elective subjects may be used toward obtaining an additional approved major (80 credit points) or minor (40 credit points). These are the recommended minors for each of the three majors:

Advertising, Major (0159)

Graphic Design, Minor (0073)
Marketing, Minor (0291)
Public Relations, Minor (0160)
Screen Media, Minor (0268)
Social Media Analytics, Minor (0147)

Journalism, Major (0069)

Creative Writing, Minor (0005)
Culture and Society, Minor (0264)
International Relations and Asian Studies, Minor (0019)
Public Relations, Minor (0160)
Screen Media, Minor (0268)

Public Relations, Major (0160)

Advertising, Minor (0159)
Graphic Design, Minor (0073)
Marketing, Minor (0291)
Screen Media, Minor (0268)
Social Media Analytics, Minor (0147)

Major and Minor elective spaces

Elective subjects may be used toward obtaining an additional approved major (80 credit points) or minor (40 credit points).  Western Sydney University offers majors and minors in a range of areas including Sustainability and Indigenous Studies.

Global Sustainability Minor  
Indigenous Australian Studies Major   
Indigenous Australian Studies Minor

Western Sydney University also offers the following innovative transdisciplinary Challenge 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
Creative and Visual Communication
Global Workplaces
Innovating For Humans
Creative Living for Cultural Wellbeing
Ideate. Strategise. Innovate. 
Humanising Data

For more information, visit the Challenge Minor website.  

Search for majors and minors

Students can apply for an elective major or minor via Western Now.

WesternNow

Additional elective minor available from Spring 2025

Environmental Humanities

Recommended Sequence Current

This sequence applies to students who commenced in 2024 or later. If you commenced prior to 2024 please refer to the relevant Sequence tab for details.

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

Penrith Campus, Parramatta South Campus and Online Students, Full-time start-year intake

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Autumn sessionCredit Points
COMM 1044 Professional Communication 10
COMM 1020 Media Cultures and Industries 10
COMM 1012 Data, Communication and Power 10
COMM 1045 Foundations of the Communication Industry 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
INFO 1004 Data Analysis and Storytelling 10
Select one subject from a selected major 10
Select two electives 20
 Credit Points40
Year 2
Autumn session
COMM 2024 Media Law and Ethics 10
Select two subjects from a selected major 20
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
COMM 3052 Writing for our Digital Lives 10
Select one subject from a selected major 10
Select two electives 20
 Credit Points40
Year 3
Autumn session
COMM 3053Industry Research Project 10
Select two subjects from a selected major 20
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
Select two subjects from a selected major 20
Select two electives 20
 Credit Points40
 Total Credit Points240

Penrith Campus, Parramatta South Campus and Online Students, Full-time mid-year intake

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Spring sessionCredit Points
INFO 1004 Data Analysis and Storytelling 10
Select one subject from a selected major 10
Select two electives 20
 Credit Points40
Autumn session
COMM 1044 Professional Communication 10
COMM 1020 Media Cultures and Industries 10
COMM 1012 Data, Communication and Power 10
COMM 1045 Foundations of the Communication Industry 10
 Credit Points40
Year 2
Spring session
COMM 3052 Writing for our Digital Lives 10
Select one subject from a selected major 10
Select two electives 20
 Credit Points40
Autumn session
COMM 2024 Media Law and Ethics 10
Select two subjects from a selected major 20
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Year 3
Spring session
Select two subjects from a selected major 20
Select two electives 20
 Credit Points40
Autumn session
COMM 3053Industry Research Project 10
Select two subjects from a selected major 20
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
 Total Credit Points240

Sydney City Campus, Fast Track Entry

Sydney City Campus, Fast Track - Term 1 entry

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Trimester 1Credit Points
INFO 1004 Data Analysis and Storytelling 10
COMM 1012 Data, Communication and Power 10
Select one subject from a selected major 10
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Trimester 2
COMM 1044 Professional Communication 10
COMM 1020 Media Cultures and Industries 10
COMM 1045 Foundations of the Communication Industry 10
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Trimester 3
COMM 2024 Media Law and Ethics 10
Select two subjects from a selected major 20
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Year 2
Trimester 1
COMM 3052 Writing for our Digital Lives 10
Select one subject from a selected major 10
Select two electives 20
 Credit Points40
Trimester 2
COMM 3053Industry Research Project 10
Select two subjects from a selected major 20
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Trimester 3
Select two subjects from a selected major 20
Select two electives 20
 Credit Points40
 Total Credit Points240

Sydney City Campus, Fast Track - Term 2 entry

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Trimester 2Credit Points
COMM 1044 Professional Communication 10
COMM 1020 Media Cultures and Industries 10
COMM 1045 Foundations of the Communication Industry 10
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Trimester 3
COMM 1012 Data, Communication and Power 10
INFO 1004 Data Analysis and Storytelling 10
Select one subject from a selected major 10
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Year 2
Trimester 2
COMM 2024 Media Law and Ethics 10
Select two subjects from a selected major 20
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Trimester 3
COMM 3053Industry Research Project 10
Select two subjects from a selected major 20
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Trimester 1
COMM 3052 Writing for our Digital Lives 10
Select two subjects from a selected major 20
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Year 3
Trimester 1
Select one subject from a selected major 10
Select three electives 30
 Credit Points40
 Total Credit Points240

Sydney City Campus, Fast Track - Term 3 entry 

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Trimester 3Credit Points
COMM 1044 Professional Communication 10
COMM 1012 Data, Communication and Power 10
INFO 1004 Data Analysis and Storytelling 10
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Year 2
Trimester 3
COMM 2024 Media Law and Ethics 10
Select two subjects from a selected major 20
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Trimester 1
Select two subjects from a selected major 20
Select two electives 20
 Credit Points40
Trimester 2
COMM 1045 Foundations of the Communication Industry 10
COMM 1020 Media Cultures and Industries 10
Select one subject from a selected major 10
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Year 3
Trimester 1
COMM 3052 Writing for our Digital Lives 10
Select two subjects from a selected major 20
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Trimester 2
COMM 3053Industry Research Project 10
Select one subject from a selected major 10
Select two electives 20
 Credit Points40
 Total Credit Points240

Sydney City Campus, Regular Track Entry

 Sydney City Campus, Regular Track Term 1 entry

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Trimester 1Credit Points
INFO 1004 Data Analysis and Storytelling 10
COMM 1012 Data, Communication and Power 10
Select one subject from a selected major 10
 Credit Points30
Trimester 2
COMM 1044 Professional Communication 10
COMM 1020 Media Cultures and Industries 10
COMM 1045 Foundations of the Communication Industry 10
 Credit Points30
Trimester 3
COMM 2024 Media Law and Ethics 10
Select two subjects from a selected major 20
 Credit Points30
Year 2
Trimester 1
COMM 3052 Writing for our Digital Lives 10
Select one subject from a selected major 10
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points30
Trimester 2
COMM 3053 Industry Research Project 10
Select one subject from a selected major 10
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points30
Trimester 3
Select one subject from a selected major 10
Select two electives 20
 Credit Points30
Year 3
Trimester 1
Select one subject from a selected major 10
Select two electives 20
 Credit Points30
Trimester 2
Select one subject from a selected major 10
Select two electives 20
 Credit Points30
 Total Credit Points240

Sydney City Campus, Regular Track Term 2 entry

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Trimester 2Credit Points
COMM 1044 Professional Communication 10
COMM 1020 Media Cultures and Industries 10
COMM 1045 Foundations of the Communication Industry 10
 Credit Points30
Trimester 3
INFO 1004 Data Analysis and Storytelling 10
COMM 1012 Data, Communication and Power 10
Select on subject from a selected major 10
 Credit Points30
Year 2
Trimester 2
COMM 2024 Media Law and Ethics 10
Select one subject from a selected major 10
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points30
Trimester 3
COMM 3053Industry Research Project 10
Select one subject from a selected major 10
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points30
Trimester 1
COMM 3052 Writing for our Digital Lives 10
Select two subjects from a selected major 20
 Credit Points30
Year 3
Trimester 2
Select one subject from a selected major 10
Select two electives 20
 Credit Points30
Trimester 3
Select one subject from a selected major 10
Select two electives 20
 Credit Points30
Trimester 1
Select one subject from a selected major 10
Select two electives 20
 Credit Points30
 Total Credit Points240

Sydney City Campus, Regular Track Term 3 entry
 

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Trimester 3Credit Points
COMM 1044 Professional Communication 10
COMM 1012 Data, Communication and Power 10
INFO 1004 Data Analysis and Storytelling 10
 Credit Points30
Year 2
Trimester 1
Select two subjects from a selected major 20
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points30
Trimester 2
COMM 1045 Foundations of the Communication Industry 10
COMM 1020 Media Cultures and Industries 10
Select one subject from a selected major 10
 Credit Points30
Trimester 3
COMM 2024 Media Law and Ethics 10
Select one subject from a selected major 10
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points30
Year 3
Trimester 1
COMM 3052 Writing for our Digital Lives 10
Select one subject from a selected major 10
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points30
Trimester 2
COMM 3053Industry Research Project 10
Select one subject from a selected major 10
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points30
Trimester 3
Select one subject from a selected major 10
Select two electives 20
 Credit Points30
Year 4
Trimester 1
Select one subject from a selected major 10
Select two electives 20
 Credit Points30
 Total Credit Points240

Vietnam Campus, Autumn Intake

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

Plan of Study Grid
Year 2
Trimester 1Credit Points
COMM 1044 Professional Communication 10
COMM 1020 Media Cultures and Industries 10
COMM 1012 Data, Communication and Power 10
COMM 1045 Foundations of the Communication Industry 10
 Credit Points40
Trimester 2
INFO 1004 Data Analysis and Storytelling 10
MKTG 1001 Advertising: An Introduction 10
MKTG 2013 Advertising: Strategy 10
 Credit Points30
Trimester 3
COMM 3052 Writing for our Digital Lives 10
COMM 2024 Media Law and Ethics 10
MKTG 2001 Advertising: Creative 10
 Credit Points30
Year 3
Trimester 1
COMM 2006 Advertising: Media 10
COMM 3054Digital and Social Communication 10
COMM 3053Industry Research Project 10
 Credit Points30
Trimester 2
COMM 3018 Internship 10
COMM 2001 Account and Client Management 10
COMM 3045 Advertising: Campaigns 10
 Credit Points30
 Total Credit Points160

Program Structure 2023

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 four majors. 

Advertising, Major (0159)
Journalism, Major (0069)
Public Relations, Major (0160)
Screen Media, Major (0268)

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

Advertising, Major (0159)
Journalism, Major (0069)
Public Relations, Major (0160)

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 Challenge 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
Creative and Visual Communication
Global Workplaces
Innovating For Humans 
Creative Living for Cultural Wellbeing  
Ideate.Strategise.Innovate.
Humanising Data

For more information, visit the Challenge Minor website.  

Search for majors and minors

Students can apply for an elective minor via Western Now.

WesternNow

Suggested minors

Minors

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

Advertising, Minor (0159)
Journalism, Minor (0069)
Public Relations, Minor (0160)
Screen Media, Minor (0268)

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

Advertising, Minor (0159)
Journalism, Minor (0069)
Public Relations, Minor (0160)

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 2023

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 sessionCredit Points
COMM 1044 Professional Communication 10
COMM 1039 Introduction to Screen Media 10
MKTG 1001 Advertising: An Introduction 10
COMM 1020 Media Cultures and Industries 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
COMM 1012 Data, Communication and Power 10
MKTG 1009 Public Relations Theory and Practice 10
COMM 1018 News and Media Today 10
INFO 1004 Data Analysis and Storytelling 10
 Credit Points40
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 Points40
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 Points40
Year 3
Autumn session
COMM 3008 Communication Research Project 10
Select two subjects from a chosen major 20
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
HUMN 3033 Digital Cultures 10
In 2024 and 2025 subject HUMN 3033 Digital Cultures replaces subject COMM 3022 Media Memory for transition/progression purposes  
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 Points40
 Total Credit Points240

Penrith Campus, full-time mid-year intake

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Spring sessionCredit Points
COMM 1012 Data, Communication and Power 10
MKTG 1009 Public Relations Theory and Practice 10
COMM 1018 News and Media Today 10
INFO 1004 Data Analysis and Storytelling 10
 Credit Points40
Autumn session
COMM 1044 Professional Communication 10
COMM 1039 Introduction to Screen Media 10
MKTG 1001 Advertising: An Introduction 10
COMM 1020 Media Cultures and Industries 10
 Credit Points40
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 Points40
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 Points40
Year 3
Spring session
HUMN 3033 Digital Cultures 10
In 2024 and 2025 subject HUMN 3033 Digital Cultures replaces subject COMM 3022 Media Memory for transition/progression purposes  
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 Points40
Autumn session
COMM 3008 Communication Research Project 10
Select two subjects from a chosen major 20
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
 Total Credit Points240

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

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Autumn sessionCredit Points
COMM 1044 Professional Communication 10
COMM 1020 Media Cultures and Industries 10
COMM 1018 News and Media Today 10
MKTG 1009 Public Relations Theory and Practice 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
INFO 1004 Data Analysis and Storytelling 10
COMM 1012 Data, Communication and Power 10
MKTG 1001 Advertising: An Introduction 10
COMM 1039 Introduction to Screen Media 10
 Credit Points40
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 Points40
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 Points40
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 Points40
Spring session
HUMN 3033 Digital Cultures 10
In 2024 and 2025 subject HUMN 3033 Digital Cultures replaces subject COMM 3022 Media Memory for transition/progression purposes  
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 Points40
 Total Credit Points240

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

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Spring sessionCredit Points
INFO 1004 Data Analysis and Storytelling 10
COMM 1012 Data, Communication and Power 10
MKTG 1001 Advertising: An Introduction 10
COMM 1039 Introduction to Screen Media 10
 Credit Points40
Autumn session
COMM 1044 Professional Communication 10
COMM 1020 Media Cultures and Industries 10
COMM 1018 News and Media Today 10
MKTG 1009 Public Relations Theory and Practice 10
 Credit Points40
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 Points40
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 Points40
Year 3
Spring session
HUMN 3033 Digital Cultures 10
In 2024 and 2025 subject HUMN 3033 Digital Cultures replaces subject COMM 3022 Media Memory for transition/progression purposes  
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 Points40
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 Points40
 Total Credit Points240

Vietnam Campus, start-year intake

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

Plan of Study Grid
Year 2
Trimester 1Credit Points
COMM 1044 Professional Communication 10
COMM 1020 Media Cultures and Industries 10
MKTG 1001 Advertising: An Introduction 10
 Credit Points30
Trimester 2
COMM 1012 Data, Communication and Power 10
COMM 2024 Media Law and Ethics 10
COMM 2011 Communication Strategies 10
 Credit Points30
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 Points40
Year 3
Trimester 1
COMM 2006 Advertising: Media 10
COMM 2001 Account and Client Management 10
COMM 3022 Media Memory 10
 Credit Points30
Trimester 2
COMM 3014 Digital Communication 20
COMM 3045 Advertising: Campaigns 10
 Credit Points30
 Total Credit Points160

Equivalent Subjects

The subjects listed below count towards completion of the program for students who may have passed subjects in the list in 2023 or earlier.

COMM 1032 Writing Ecologies, replaced by COMM 1044 Professional Communication

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

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.

Replaced Subject

The subject listed below counts towards completion of the program for students who may have passed the subject in 2023 or earlier.

COMM 3022  Media Memory

Program Structure 2022

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

Advertising, Major (0159)
Journalism, Major (0069)
Public Relations, Major (0160)
Screen Media, Major (0268)

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.

Advertising, Major (0159)
Journalism, Major (0069)
Public Relations, Major (0160)

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.

Advertising, Minor (0159)
Journalism, Minor (0069)
Public Relations, Minor (0160)
Screen Media, Minor (0268)

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.

Advertising, Minor (0159)
Journalism, Minor (0069)
Public Relations, Minor (0160)

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 2022

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 sessionCredit Points
COMM 1032 Writing Ecologies 10
COMM 1020 Media Cultures and Industries 10
COMM 1018 News and Media Today 10
MKTG 1009 Public Relations Theory and Practice 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
INFO 1004 Data Analysis and Storytelling 10
COMM 1012 Data, Communication and Power 10
MKTG 1001 Advertising: An Introduction 10
COMM 1039 Introduction to Screen Media 10
 Credit Points40
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 Points40
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 Points40
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 Points40
Spring session
HUMN 3033 Digital Cultures 10
In 2024 and 2025 subject HUMN 3033 Digital Cultures replaces subject COMM 3022 Media Memory for transition/progression purposes  
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 Points40
 Total Credit Points240

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

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Spring sessionCredit Points
INFO 1004 Data Analysis and Storytelling 10
COMM 1012 Data, Communication and Power 10
MKTG 1001 Advertising: An Introduction 10
COMM 1039 Introduction to Screen Media 10
 Credit Points40
Autumn session
COMM 1032 Writing Ecologies 10
COMM 1020 Media Cultures and Industries 10
COMM 1018 News and Media Today 10
MKTG 1009 Public Relations Theory and Practice 10
 Credit Points40
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 Points40
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 Points40
Year 3
Spring session
HUMN 3033 Digital Cultures 10
In 2024 and 2025 subject HUMN 3033 Digital Cultures replaces subject COMM 3022 Media Memory for transition/progression purposes  
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 Points40
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 Points40
 Total Credit Points240

Penrith Campus, full-time start-year intake

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Autumn sessionCredit 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 Points40
Spring session
COMM 1012 Data, Communication and Power 10
MKTG 1009 Public Relations Theory and Practice 10
COMM 1018 News and Media Today 10
INFO 1004 Data Analysis and Storytelling 10
 Credit Points40
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 Points40
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 Points40
Year 3
Autumn session
COMM 3008 Communication Research Project 10
Select two subjects from a selected major 20
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
HUMN 3033 Digital Cultures 10
In 2024 and 2025 subject HUMN 3033 Digital Cultures replaces subject COMM 3022 Media Memory for transition/progression purposes  
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 Points40
 Total Credit Points240

Penrith Campus, full-time mid-year intake

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Spring sessionCredit Points
COMM 1012 Data, Communication and Power 10
MKTG 1009 Public Relations Theory and Practice 10
COMM 1018 News and Media Today 10
INFO 1004 Data Analysis and Storytelling 10
 Credit Points40
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 Points40
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 Points40
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 Points40
Year 3
Spring session
HUMN 3033 Digital Cultures 10
In 2024 and 2025 subject HUMN 3033 Digital Cultures replaces subject COMM 3022 Media Memory for transition/progression purposes  
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  
 Credit Points40
Autumn session
COMM 3008 Communication Research Project 10
Two units from a selected major 20
And one elective 10
 Credit Points40
 Total Credit Points240

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

Replaced Subject

The subject listed below counts towards completion of the program for students who may have passed the subject in 2023 or earlier.

COMM 3022  Media Memory

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 Challenge 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
Creative and Visual Communication
Global Workplaces
Innovating For Humans 
Creative Living for Cultural Wellbeing  
Ideate.Strategise.Innovate.
Humanising Data

For more information, visit the Challenge Minor website.  

Search for majors and minors

Students can apply for an elective minor via Western Now.

WesternNow