Bachelor of Arts (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.

This degree was previously known as Bachelor of Arts (Internet Communications).

The Bachelor of Arts (Digital and Social Media) 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 approach is interdisciplinary: you develop skills in website design, public communication, social network management, collaboration and web media production. At the same time you will understand the political, economic and social changes associated with the Internet.

By combining this degree with recommended electives in media, design, business, information technology, marketing, and other disciplines, you will create the right degree program for you to become an astute, engaged professional communicator via the Internet.

Students may choose to study the following combinations of two single majors to obtain the double major award:

• Digital and Social Media and Visual Culture
• Digital and Social Media and Professional Writing & Publishing
• Digital Design and Digital and Social Media
• Fine Art and Digital and Social Media

Please refer to the respective degree pages for more details.

Recommended study pattern

• Complete APC100 and COM155 in the 'Common Level 1 Subjects' stream
• Complete NET102 and WEB101 in Level 1 Major Subjects
• Complete all Level 2 and 3 Major subjects
• Complete 12 electives

All students are strongly advised to contact the Degree Coordinator directly for advice internetstudies@curtin.edu.au.

Award requirements

To qualify for the Bachelor of Arts (Digital and Social Media), students must complete 24 subjects of study, comprising of:

• 2 common core subjects (APC100 and COM155),

• 10 Major subjects in Digital and Social Media in Levels 1, 2 and 3), AND

• 12 elective subjects.

Please Note: For whichever category of Electives subjects, only a maximum of 2 Level 1 subjects are allowed for enrolment.

Choose your subjects

Majors

Students who have successfully gained recognition of prior learning will not be required to complete as many electives and/or humanities subjects. You must contact the Course Coordinator to discuss recognition of prior learning before you select your subjects.

Electives

Some suggested elective streams are listed that you may wish to consider: digital design, fine arts/visual culture, information studies, writing, social sciences. These have been chosen as suggested complements to your major, however, they are not the only options possible (as long as you ensure you have the requisite mix of 1st, 2nd and 3rd year electives as stated above). Please contact the Course Coordinator if you have any questions or concerns about your study plan. 

Please Note: When choosing electives, students need to consider whether there may be prerequisite requirements. In some cases these can be waived – please consult with the relevant coordinators for those subjects.

For whichever category of Electives subjects, only a maximum of 2 Level 1 subjects are allowed for enrolment. You must do at least 4 Level 2 or 3 electives unless given permission to vary this requirement. You do not have to study all the electives in one stream.

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 Subjects

• Level 2 and 3 Major Subjects

• Electives - Digital Design

• Electives - Fine Arts or Visual Culture

• Electives - Writing

• Electives - Social Sciences

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.

2020 Changes:

Degree structure changes

Degree Title Change: The Bachelor of Arts (Internet Communications) has been changed to Bachelor of Arts( Digital and Social Media) to reflect current relevancy and recognition within this industry. 

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

Level 1:

• Two humanities core subjects; APC100, COM155,
• Two Digital and Social Media major subjects;   NET102 and WEB101
• Four Elective subjects OR Two Second Major subjects and Two Optional subjects

Level 2:

• Four Digital and Social Media major subjects; NET204, NET205, WEB206 and WEB207
• Four Elective subjects OR Four Second Major subjects

Level 3:

• Four Digital and Social Media major subjects; NET303, WEB300, WEB310 and NET308 OR NET391
• Four Elective subjects OR Four Second Major subjects

Subject Changes

• Electives - Humanities Level 1 subjects MCA100 and MED104 will be offered for the last time in SP1 and SP3, 2020. 
• 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.
• NET390 Internet Communications Project has been changed to NET391 Digital and Social Media Communications project to be in line with the title of the major and is now an option 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. 

Existing students will need to select from the available subjects to complete the BA (Digital and Social Media) degree.

Curtin University is committed to the fundamental principle that, no matter which major 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. 

Students with enquiries please email:

Digital and Social Media Major Coordinator: Elaine Tay internetstudies@exchange.curtin.edu.au

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

Indicative total fee $32,424

The amounts shown here are 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 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).