This degree is closed to new applications. You may be interested in other courses in Communication
Bachelor of Communications
UndergraduateCUR-COM-DEG2024
Prepare for your future in media and communications
Dive into digital communication with a degree that prepares you for a range of media roles – some of which don’t even exist yet. Understand social, cultural and technological shifts in media. Learn practical tools for digital communication.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 23
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
- CSP available
- Yes
Bachelor of Communications
About this degree
On successful completion of this Course the learner will be able to :
- evaluate and apply theoretical frameworks to the fields of media and communication
- exercise initiative and creativity in professional practice
- develop effective communication and practical skills necessary for digital competence and media literacy
- utilise knowledge and skills in media and communication to engage with the complexity of global conditions, as well as the social, cultural, political, economic and technological shifts around media
- develop cultural capabilities to engage respectfully with First Peoples and people of all cultures, and demonstrate respect for Indigenous perspectives and all cultures in their community and professional practice
- initiate, design, deliver and promote industry-standard outcomes relevant to the two chosen specialisations, and with ethical practices in mind
Incorporating critical thinking skills as well as practical work which models industry practice, the Bachelor of Communications prepares students for a range of different positions in media and communications. The Bachelor of Communications provides training for traditional media and communication roles, but also prepares students for emerging job roles that may not yet exist in these fields. Students specialise in Web Media and Digital Experience Communication.
Bachelor Degrees prepare students to develop broad and coherent knowledge and skills in a discipline for professional work and further learning corresponding to AQF level 7 qualifications.
Recommended study pattern
Students must complete 23 subjects and meet the following requirements:
- Complete 4 core subjects (Level 1)
- Complete 4 elective subjects from the list (Level 1)
- Complete 2 core subjects (Level 2)
- Complete 3 core subjects that belong to the Digital Experience Communication Specialisation (Level 2)
- Complete 3 core subjects that belong to the Web Media Specialisation (Level 2)
- Complete 1 elective subject that belongs to the Digital Experience Communication Specialisation (Level 3)
- Complete 1 elective subject that belongs to the Web Media Specialisation (Level 3)
- Complete 1 core subject worth 0.25 EFTSL (Level 3)
- Complete 4 elective subjects (Level 3)
Award requirements
To qualify for the Bachelor of Communications, students must complete the following:
- 13 core subjects (12 single EFTSL and 1 double EFTSL subjects)
- 10 elective subjects
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.
Transition arrangements are changes that occur when courses are updated or phased out. This happens regularly as part of continuous improvement. It may affect you if you are currently enrolled in this course, or if you plan to use credit from previous study towards it.
This program has been withdrawn. Final intake was SP4 2023.
Substitute units will be done on a case by case basis by the course coordinator with each student when required.
Final study periods of the following subjects:
- MED104 Engaging Media - SP1 and SP3 2024
- COM200 Media, Culture and Consumption - SP2 and SP4 2024
- COM210 Asian Media in Transition SP1 and SP3 2024
- COM300 Media and Communications Capstone SP3 only 2024
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative total fee $42,315
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.
Start your career with Curtin’s globally recognised courses and extensive industry connections. Through OUA, their online courses offer an interactive and collaborative learning experience that gets you the same degree as if you studied on campus. Curtin is a global university with a vibrant culture of innovation and collaboration and is ranked in the top one per cent of universities worldwide.
Learn more about Curtin University.
Explore Curtin courses.
- QS Ranking 2024:
- 14
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 15
Entry requirements
This degree has four open enrolment subjects, which students may enrol into without submitting an Application Form. These subjects are:
- APC100 Academic and Professional Communications,
- COM155 Culture to Cultures
- MED104 Engaging Media
- WEB101 Web Communications
Students who successfully complete at least two of these open enrolment subjects will meet the academic entry requirements for admission to the Bachelor of Communications degree. They will still be required to satisfy all other eligibility criteria.
Applicants for a Bachelor Degree are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided athttp://futurestudents.curtin.edu.auand include flexible entry pathways. Any specific course entry and completion requirements must also be met.
Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) 70 or equivalent. Essential TEE Subjects: English, English Literature or English as an Additional Language/Dialect. STAT elements considered are E and either V or Q. While not a formal requirement for entry, students are encouraged to have basic computing skills.
TAFE Requirements: A TAFE certificate IV or a TAFE diploma.
- 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 - https://www.open.edu.au/degrees/uniready-enabling-subjects-curtin-university-cur-unr-deg
- 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.
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 https://study.curtin.edu.au/applying/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: https://study.curtin.edu.au/credit/
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).
Study method requirements
Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks and other essential study materials.
Career opportunities
Australian job snapshots
Data sourced from Australian Jobs 2023.
Role | Earnings | Employment change |
|---|---|---|
Advertising and Marketing Professionals | $75K to $93K | Up 21.3% |
Journalists and Other Writers | $75K to $93K | Up 0.9% |
Marketing specialists | N/A^ | N/A^ |
Public Relations Professionals | $93K to $120K | Up 20.8% |
^ There is no data available
Degree FAQs
How long does it take to finish an online degree?
That's up to you! Because we let you choose when to study online, you can actually pick up and pause study when it suits you. Many universities have a set time you need to complete your degree within. For some this is up to 10 years, and for others there is no limit.
There are some degrees that are stricter about when you can take breaks, and about how many years you can take to complete your degree. Please always check with your uni what the limits are.
As a general guide, Commonwealth supported place students have 10 years to finish their undergraduate degree through OUA, However, if you're studying with Griffith University, there's a limit of 8 years to complete your studies. If you want to take a break that lasts more than two study terms, you'll need to apply for a leave of absence. You can apply for a leave of absence for up to 12 months, as long as you complete your studies within the maximum time allowed for your degree.
If you're studying with Macquarie University, with the exception of certain degrees, there's no limit to how long you can take. But, please check with Macquarie Student Administration to be sure.
If you're studying with the University of Adelaide, you have up to 9 years to complete your undergraduate degree and graduate.
If you're studying with La Trobe University and want to take a break of minimum 1 study term, you must apply for leave of absence to avoid being inadvertently withdrawn from your degree.
Through OUA, you can study all year round, so it's possible to fast-track and finish up sooner than studying at a traditional uni would allow. That said, you need to spend around 12 hours a week on each undergraduate subject you do, so taking on extra work to finish ahead of time can be challenging.
How can I pay for my studies?
You may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government, depending on your citizenship status and where you'll be living during your studies. You can also pay upfront with your credit card.
Payment options are explained in Fees, and you can contact a student advisor for more information.
How does studying through Open Universities Australia work?
You might find learning through OUA a little different to how you've studied in the past. It can take time to develop the skills you need for independent online study.
We connect you with subjects and degrees that are taught by leading Australian universities. You can complete single subjects, or follow a degree structure to work towards a specific qualification. Subjects are offered in several study terms throughout the year, so you can choose to study part-time or full-time, continuously or with breaks.
We help you find the subjects or degree that's right for you, and we handle your enrolment in uni and some administration. Your uni sends you your study materials and deals with all academic matters. They're also in charge of your assessment and graduation. If you go on to complete a degree, you'll graduate from the uni offering your degree, for example, RMIT University or Griffith University.
How do I know if I‘m eligible to apply for a course?
Before starting an enrolment, it's important to read the entry requirements for your chosen course to ensure that you're eligible to apply. If you don't quite meet the requirements, we can help you find a pathway into your course through open-entry subjects, which anyone can study. Contact us to find out more.
When is my cut-off date for enrolment?
Our close of enrolment times vary. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting Key dates.
Why should I study online through Open Universities Australia?
There are a lot of reasons to study your course online through us.
You can enrol without entry requirements
We have a unique open-door policy that makes it possible for everyone to enrol in university study, no matter their academic history. If you don't meet the entry requirements for a degree, we'll help you get in through single undergraduate subjects and transition into a qualification from there.
You have total control over how you study
Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We'll introduce you to flexible study options you didn't even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you.You'll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student
Once you enrol through us, you'll study online with the university that provides your degree. This means that when you complete your qualification, you'll graduate with the same degree as on-campus students.We'll help you navigate the university world
Our friendly student advisors will be your guide every step of the enrolment journey. They'll help you compare universities, choose a course, provide documentation and understand your finance options.
How do I enrol?
Here at Open Universities Australia, we make enrolling online as straightforward as possible. To get started, find the course for you by browsing the options on this page. You can also compare different qualifications using our handy comparison tool, or request help from one of our student advisors.
When you've made your choice, click 'Apply now' on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We'll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to a student advisor and we'll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.