Bachelor of Communication (Dean's Scholars) (1736)
- Approved Abbreviation: BComm(DeansSchol)
- Western Sydney University Program Code: 1736
- AQF Level: 7
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 2015-2016 - 1736.1 Bachelor of Communication (Dean's Scholars)
The Bachelor of Communication (Dean’s Scholars) 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.
This degree is exclusively for high-achieving students, and will continually challenge you to do even better and build on your academic success.
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Accreditation
The Bachelor of Communication (Dean’s Scholars) is accredited by professional organisations including the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA) and the Media Foundation 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.
Admission
From Autumn 2024, there will be no further admissions into this program.
Students are admitted on the basis of their ATAR score. ATAR score of at least 90 required.
Applications from Australian and New Zealand citizens and holders of permanent resident visas must be made via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). Use the links below to apply via UAC or Western Sydney University. Applications made directly to Western Sydney do not have an application fee.
Applicants who have undertaken studies overseas may have to provide proof of proficiency in English. Local and International 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.
http://www.uac.edu.au/
https://westernsydney.uac.edu.au/ws/
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 (Dean’s Scholars) is a three year degree. 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. Each of the major sequences is also available as a minor.
Majors
Students must select from one of the following majors.
Minors
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.
Elective Minors
Students in Advanced programs may use elective subjects toward obtaining an additional approved minor in Applied Leadership or Critical Thinking.
Elective subjects may be used toward obtaining an additional approved minor (40 credit points). Minor elective studies may include one of the following.
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.
Arabic, Minor
Chinese, Minor
Creative Writing, Minor
Culture and Society, Minor
Digital Cultures, Minor
English, Minor
Environmental Humanities, 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
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, replaced 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 below.
Full-time start-year intake
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Autumn session | Credit 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 Points | 40 | |
| 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 Points | 40 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| COMM 2024 | Media Law and Ethics | 10 |
| Select two subjects from a selected major | 20 | |
| Select one elective | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| COMM 2032 | Professional Writing and Editing | 10 |
| Select two subjects from a selected major | 20 | |
| Select one elective | 10 | |
| 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 | ||
| 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 | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Total Credit Points | 240 | |
Full-time mid-year intake
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring session | Credit 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 Points | 40 | |
| 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 Points | 40 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Spring session | ||
| COMM 2032 | Professional Writing and Editing | 10 |
| Select two subjects from a selected major | 20 | |
| Select one elective | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Autumn session | ||
| COMM 2024 | Media Law and Ethics | 10 |
| Select two subjects from a selected major | 20 | |
| Select one elective | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| 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 | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Autumn session | ||
| COMM 3008 | Communication Research Project | 10 |
| Select two subjects from a selected major | 20 | |
| Select one elective | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Total Credit Points | 240 | |
Equivalent Core 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, replace 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
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
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
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.
Students can apply for an elective minor via Western Now.