Bachelor of Arts (Digital and Social Media) (Professional Writing and Publishing)

Digital and Social Media

At the completion of this degree students will be able to:

1. understand and apply key concepts of Internet Studies and apply trans-disciplinary thinking to the application and creation of ideas concerning networked technologies of information and communication
2. think critically, creatively and reflectively so as to imagine, design, use and critique networked technologies of information and communication
3. conduct appropriate scholarly and professional research to find, access, organise, evaluate and synthesise information through a variety of media and apply that information to the construction of knowledge
4. communicate and facilitate communication through a variety of media, for different purposes, and for different audiences
5. use the Internet and related networked technologies of information and communication with an understanding of the complex interaction of political, cultural, and economic forces that constitutes technology as social
6. further develop skills and knowledge through self-directed learning
7. understand the complex interplay of local, national and global factors that influence and are expressed through the Internet and networked technologies of information and communication
8. recognise and value cultural difference and understand its significance in relation to network technologies and their use in society for communication and information
9. act ethically and responsibly to use, sustain and expand the social, business and cultural networks that exist via the Internet, when working independently and in teams.

Professional Writing and Publishing

At the completion of this degree students will be able to:

1. identify, explain and apply the key disciplinary concepts and principles in professional writing and publishing
2. integrate theory and creative practice in the production and analysis of professional writing texts; conceive, develop and evaluate innovative modes of professional communication
3. access and evaluate the sources, authority and relevance of information, and synthesise key facts, themes and ideas in professional writing and publishing
4. effectively communicate ideas to a range of audiences, across a variety of media, genres, and purposes
5. use and evaluate a range of appropriate technologies to access resources, communicate effectively, and develop writing and research skills
6. use and reflect on disciplinary skills and knowledge to develop autonomous learning, and apply these insights to writing in a range of different professional contexts
7. acknowledge the interrelationship between local, national and global perspectives and the impact of this on professional writing and publishing
8. recognise and value the diversity of cultural knowledge and practices, taking care to represent these, where appropriate, in an ethical and professional manner
9. work independently and/or collaboratively to produce innovative, creative and ethical professional writing that is appropriate to a variety of professional and cultural contexts.

This degree was previously known as Bachelor of Arts (Internet Communications and Professional Writing and Publishing).

This degree offers a choice of studying two single majors together and introduces students to the complementary fields of digital and social media and professional writing & publishing. Digital and Social Media  major provides you with an opportunity to learn in detail about the human dimensions of the internet: how people network, collaborate and share information through internet communications, media and design. You will develop advanced skills in creating, maintaining and managing online communications for personal and commercial interactions, as well as gaining knowledge of the social and cultural contexts within which those interactions occur.

The Professional Writing and Publishing major prepares students for writing careers in the private, public and creative sectors through the study and practice of a range of different writing forms, including feature articles, speeches, reports, discussion papers, travel writing, history, humour, writing for the internet, promotional writing, creative non-fiction and media releases.

Recommended study pattern

To complete the degree as a full time student, a maximum of two subjects per Study Period is recommended.

Level 1 BA (Digital and Social Media) (Professional Writing and Publishing) - complete the following:

• APC100 Academic and Professional Communication (core subject)
• COM155 Culture to Cultures (core subject)
• WEB101 Web Communications (Digital and Social Media major subject)
• NET102 Internet and Everyday Life (Digital and Social Media major subject)
• PWP110 Introduction to Writing (Professional Writing and Publishing major subject)
• PWP121 Writing, Rhetoric and Persuasion (Professional Writing and Publishing major subject)
• Two elective subjects

Level 2 and level 3

Single Major BA (Digital and Social Media)

Complete four Level 2 and four Level 3 Digital and Social Media major subjects

AND

Single Major BA (Professional Writing and Publishing)

Complete four Level 2 and four Level 3 Professional Writing and Publishing major subjects

The Bachelor of Arts degree incorporates a progressive structure of subjects designed to build knowledge and enable you to successfully progress through the degree.

Award requirements

To obtain the award for the BA (Digital and Social Media) (Professional Writing and Publishing) students must complete a total of 24 subjects as follows:

• APC100 Academic and Professional Communication (core subject)
• COM155 Culture to Cultures (core subject)
• 10 Digital and Social Media Major subjects selected from Levels 1, 2 and 3
• 10 Professional Writing and Publishing Major subjects selected from Levels 1, 2 and 3
• 2 elective subjects

The following criteria also apply:

• The combined Digital and Social Media and Professional Writing and Publishing structure only allows two elective subjects.
• You must complete the degree within 10 years.
• You must complete at least eight Curtin University subjects where Credit for Recognised Learning (CRL) is applicable.

Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.

This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.

• Common Level 1 Subjects

• Level 1 Major - Digital and Social Media

• Level 1 Major - Professional Writing and Publishing

• Level 2 Major - Digital and Social Media

• Level 2 Major - Professional Writing and Publishing

• Level 3 Major - Digital and Social Media

• Level 3 Major - Professional Writing and Publishing

We recommend that all students, as soon as they are eligible, should apply for and take a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP). However, if you choose not to be a CSP student, please contact Curtin through the Ask Connect webform and select the Admissions and Credit for Recognised Learning - Entry pathways and eligibility menu option.

2024 Changes

Degree structure changes

From SP1 2024, students completing the Bachelor of Arts (Professional Writing and Publishing) major will be required to transition to the new degree structure as detailed below. 

The following Subjects will be offered from 2024:

·PWP230 Publishing

·PWP240 Workplace Writing

·PWP330 Publishing Studio

They will replace the following, which will no longer be offered in 2024:

·PWP221 Writing Feature Articles

·PWP220 Tricks of Truth and Authenticity

·PWP322 Advanced Editing and Publishing

·PWP324 Portfolio Development for Writers

Students who have completed the above subjects will have them counted towards the completion of their degrees.

For assistance with Student Services, please phone 1300 222 888 between 8:30 am to 4:30 pm AWST (Tuesday from 9:30 am), Monday to Friday, or contact Curtin Connect via the Ask Connect Webform. 

2020 Changes

From SP1 2020, students completing the Bachelor of Arts (Digital and Social Media) (Professional Writing and Publishing) will be required to transition to the new degree structure as detailed below.  

Level 1:

• Two humanities core subjects; APC100 and COM155,
• Two Digital and Social Media major subjects;  NET102 and WEB101
• Two Professional Writing and Publishing major subjects; PWP110 and PWP121, and
• Two elective subjects

Level 2:

• Four Digital and Social Media major subjects; NET204, NET205, WEB206 and WEB207
• Four Professional Writing and Publishing major subjects; PWP210, PWP211, PWP221 and PWP220

Level 3:

• Four Digital and Social Media major subjects; NET303, WEB300, WEB310 and NET308 OR NET391
• Four Professional Writing and Publishing major subjects; PWP310, PWP311, PWP322, and choose from PWP323 OR PWP324

Digital and Social MediaChanges

• Major Title Change: The title of the major Internet Communications has been changed to Digital and Social Media to reflect current relevancy and recognition within this industry. 
• Electives - Humanities Level 1 subjects MCA100 and MED104 will be offered for the last time in SP1 and SP3, 2020. 
• NET390 Internet Communications Project has been changed to NET391 Digital and Social Media Communications project to be in line with the title of the degree and is now an elective subject for NET308 Internet Collaboration and Innovation to allow more flexibility and bring the former into the line-up of core subjects. NET390 Internet Communications Project was previously a double subject.

Professional Writing and Publishing Subject Changes

• Electives - Humanities Level 1 subjects​ MCA110 and MCA120 are no longer available as of SP1 2020. Students who have previously completed these will have these subjects credited towards their degree.

Existing students will need to select from the available subjects to complete the BA (Digital and Social Media and Professional Writing and Publishing) major.

Curtin University is committed to the fundamental principle that, no matter which degree structure students choose to stay in or transition into, students will not be disadvantaged in their education. Curtin University is committed to discussion and consultation and would welcome your email or phone contact at any time to ensure you are fully informed and understand the changes. 

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $45,990

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

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• Successful completion of one full time semester (four standard subjects) towards an Undergraduate or higher level of study at an Australian University (separate evidence of English proficiency is not required).

• Successful study through OUA – either:
  • Successful completion of four OUA degree level subjects at pass level (this satisfies the English language proficiency requirement) OR
  • Successful completion of two OUA degree level subjects with separate evidence of English proficiency is required.

• Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) 70 or equivalent. Students must have English ATAR, Literature ATAR or English as an Additional Language/Dialect ATAR. To determine your eligibility for entry please refer to Interstate Year 12 and IB Students, TISC Tertiary Institutions Service Centre Prerequisites

• Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Diploma or Advanced Diploma or Associate Diploma. You may also be eligible for credit toward your university study.
• Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Certificate IV and evidence of English proficiency.

• Successful completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). (Please note this test is valid for two years.)
• Finished secondary education more than two years ago
• Bridging and enabling degree entry
  • Curtin Enabling Program: UniReady
• Enabling degrees completed through other Australian Universities which meet minimum entry requirements for that institution will be accepted as minimum entry requirements for this degree.

Additional information

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: Centre for Aboriginal Studies
• Domestic applicants with overseas qualifications

Applicants need to meet Curtin's English Language requirements. You normally need ONE of the following:

• Must have a 50% minimum in English ATAR (or equivalent).
• Completion of at least one full time semester (or equivalent) of Undergraduate level studies at an Australian University
• Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Diploma or Advanced Diploma or Associate Diploma
• Successful completion of two degree level subjects via Open Universities Australia (OUA) and English proficiency
• Successful completion of two degree level subjects at an Australian university and English proficiency
• Successful completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). (Please note this test is valid for two years.)

Please refer to the 'Minimum English Language Proficiency Requirements' document at English Language Requirements.

*** Please Note: If any academic or legal document is not in English, you must provide a colour scan of the non-English documents, including a colour scan of the official English translations of these documents. This is for comparison purposes. ***

Credit for Recognised Learning (CRL) is assessed on individual merit and is awarded for different types of learning, for example, studies you have previously completed or for relevant work experience.

Students must be admitted in an award degree of study before lodging their completed CRL application, along with all required supporting documentation for a formal assessment.

To apply for CRL, please visit the Curtin University website: Credit for Recognised Learning (Advanced Standing)

It is important to note accepted documentation includes scans of the original Transcripts and/or Award Certificate; front and back; in colour; and original size. For further information see the scanned documents and certification requirements and guidelines.

More information about the policies and procedures related to CRL assessment and appealing a CRL assessment outcome can be found in the Credit for Recognised Learning Policy (PDF).

PWP323 has a practicum placement requirement.