Bachelor of Media Communication

What is this course about?

CSU's Bachelor of Media Communication offers core subjects in technical and creative areas of media communication as well the opportunity to specialise.

This is a professional communication degree available by distance education. The degree offers core subjects in technical and creative areas of media communication plus the opportunity to specialise according to your professional interests.

You will study core subjects in the following areas:

Media communication and globalisation, visual communication, fundamentals of design, production planning, professional writing, introduction to digital imaging, digital media, visual communication, media ethics and public policy, project management, media audiences and public opinion, directing information programs.

In addition you will choose two of the following minor sequences:

Graphic design, advertising, journalism, marketing, media production, public relations and organisational communication.

The course uses online technologies to achieve a high-level of interactivity in particular subjects, and promotes small group work through the use of online communication.

Students completing the degree will have:

• acquired professional, craft and research skills in media and communication
• developed an understanding of the impact of technological change on professional communication, particularly in relation to online technologies
• understood the legal and ethical issues facing media and communication practitioners in their areas of professional activity
• gained knowledge of a variety of theoretical frameworks, research methods and techniques that can be applied to professional practice
• developed skills in using digital equipment and software related to professional specialisations of journalism, advertising, public relations, graphic design, multimedia or photography
• understood the professional routines, expectations and client relationships involved in these communication specialisations
• understood the impact of changing media and communication technologies on social, cultural, economic and political issues
  and
• developed appropriate research skills to equip them for lifelong learning.

Admission requirements

NSW and interstate school leavers are normally selected on the basis of their ATAR, however you may also be admitted on the basis of a strong performance in subjects relevant to your course preferences.

Mature aged students and those completing courses in relevant areas at other universities and tertiary institutes are eligible for admission to the course.

The principle criteria used to assess applications are:

• capacity to pursue tertiary studies
• motivation to pursue tertiary studies in professional communication
• demonstrated potential for writing, media production, and research
• relevant professional and industry experience

Students entering this course must have computer access, access to the Internet and to a digital camera. Their computer must be capable of running image manipulation and editing software, at a level to be specified. The ability to use a word processing program such as Microsoft Word is a prerequisite for entry to the course.

Hardware and software requirements

Students undertaking video editing subjects will require access to a computer capable of non-linear editing; and Firewire(TM); as well as a digital camera.

To be admitted into the course, prospective students need to indicate their likelihood of success through:

1. previous studies, and
2. other attainments and experience.

Previous studies

Previous studies include:

• the NSW Higher School Certificate or interstate /overseas equivalent;
• the International Baccalaureate Diploma;
• a completed or part completed course of a university, college of advanced education or other accredited tertiary institution;
• a completed or part completed course of a TAFE college or other accredited post-secondary institution (including TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate);
• an approved Foundation Studies program certificate;
• completion of undergraduate subjects as an Associate Student with the University or through another University, or Open Universities Australia.

NSW and interstate school leavers are normally selected on the basis of their Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) or interstate equivalent. You may also be admitted on the basis of a strong performance in subjects relevant to your course preferences.

Currently no secondary school subjects are prerequisites for admission to particular CSU courses however some courses assume a certain level of knowledge. This will be specified in the course information if applicable.

English language proficiency

Applicants will be deemed to have sufficient English proficiency if they:

• have completed all their formal studies in one or more of the following countries; or
• were born in one of the following countries and have completed at least one qualification in one of those countries; or
• have completed senior secondary study or at least one year of full-time University study in one of the following countries: American Samoa, Australia, Canada, Fiji, Ireland, Kenya, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, United Kingdom, USA, Zambia
  or
• have successfully completed one year of full-time (or part-time equivalent) post-secondary study at an affiliate institution of the University, with English as the medium of instruction and assessment.

All other applicants must explicitly demonstrate proficiency.

Acceptable tests for English proficiency

Any of the following results, attained within the last two years, can be used to demonstrate English proficiency:

• an Academic IELTS (International English Language Testing System) overall score of at least 6.0, and with no score below 5.5;
• a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) paper-based score of 550 and TWE of 5.0;
• a TOEFL computer-based score of 213 and Essay Rating of 5;
• a TOEFL internet-based score of 80 for undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs, and 90 for postgraduate research candidates with a minimum score of 25 in the writing section.
• a Combined Universities Admission Test (CULT) overall score of at least 65;
• a C pass in English at the GCE 'A' level examinations in either Singapore or the United Kingdom;
• completion of the International Baccalaureate diploma with English A2 at higher or sub. Level;
• a C pass in 'Use of English' in the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE);
• completion of the UNSW Foundation Studies Certificate with a C pass in 'Use of English';
• completion of an AQF Certificate IV (including English for Academic Purposes);
• successful completion of at least one year of study in a course at Associate Diploma or Diploma level on the Register of Australian Tertiary Education;
• a score of 155 in the verbal component of the STAT test;
• a Pass grade in the Uniworld English College English for Tertiary Entrance course; or
• IRI Diploma of English.

An applicant who does not otherwise meet the University's requirements may be admitted on the recommendation of the Dean of the appropriate faculty.

Attainment and experience

You may also be admitted to a course based on other attainments and experience. These may include:

• voluntary or paid work experience;
• performance in tests and examinations conducted by professional recognised bodies;
• participation in continuing education programs and/or staff development programs conducted by adult education agencies, consultancies, professional bodies or employers;
• completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).

Internet access

CSU places great emphasis on services to its students. It is a leader in the provision of online services and, in particular, the use of the internet in the support of teaching, administration and communications with students.

The online environment is so integrated into all aspects of student life and the learning experience at CSU that the University now assumes that all on campus and distance education students at CSU will have ongoing access to an internet connected computer capable of communicating with CSU online systems.

Students enrolled in Information Technology subjects (i.e. with an ITC subject code) may be required to have additional hardware and/or software that is deemed essential for the completion of the learning activities in that subject.

Apply now

This course is available to commence study in

Session 1; Session 2; Session 3