Bachelor of Communication and Creative Industries in Journalism

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Southern Queensland

Program Overview

This program is a 3-year undergraduate degree that develops skills in media, communication, storytelling, digital content, and creative industries. Students complete 8 core units, one 8-unit major, and 8 elective/selection units, which can form a second major or minor. Available specialisations include Journalism, Marketing, Digital Media, Creative Writing, Documentary Production, International Relations, Professional Communication & Advertising, Photography, Drama, Music, Museums & Curatorship, English Literature, and Software Application Development. The course focuses on practical media production, communication skills, digital storytelling, and industry projects to prepare students for careers in media, marketing, journalism, creative industries, and corporate communication.

Year 1

Introduction to creative industries, media studies, content creation, basic journalism or major subject, graphic/digital design, communication fundamentals, elective subjects, and introductory media production.
(Core units such as Introduction to Creative Industries, Understanding Media, Content Creation are usually studied in first year.)

Year 2

Audience and media analysis, social media and promotion, legal and ethical issues in media, reporting and storytelling, communication design, feature writing or major subjects, digital media skills, electives or minor subjects.
(Core units like Audiences & Analytics, Social Media & Promotion, Legal & Ethical Frameworks plus major units are studied in second year.)

Year 3

Popular culture and identity, career preparation subject, advanced major subjects, creative industries project / portfolio, journalism or specialisation subjects, electives or second major units, industry-focused project work.
(Final year includes Popular Culture, Careers unit, and Creative Industries Project to build portfolio and job skills.)

Learning Outcome

Graduates develop skills in communication, media production, digital content creation, and audience analysis. The program builds abilities in writing, storytelling, teamwork, critical thinking, and use of modern media technologies. Students also learn media ethics, legal frameworks, and complete industry-focused projects to prepare for careers in communication and creative industries.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This degree is designed according to current media, journalism, marketing, and digital industry requirements.The program does not require mandatory professional accreditation but focuses on practical and industry-relevant skills. Portfolio projects, major specialisations, and career preparation units help graduates meet professional standards expected by employers.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Southern Queensland has strong ratings for teaching quality and student satisfaction in national surveys. Communication and creative industries graduates report good employment outcomes and practical skill development. The university is globally ranked and recognised for career-focused education and high graduate employability in Australia.

 

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Southern Queensland, the Bachelor of Communication and Creative Industries is designed around practical, industry-focused learning that prepares students for careers in media, journalism, marketing, and the creative sector. From the first year, students work on real communication tasks such as content creation, media production, storytelling, and digital promotion, helping them build both technical and creative skills alongside academic knowledge. The course emphasises applied learning through project work, portfolio development, and the use of modern media tools used in professional environments.

Students gain experience through creative projects, communication campaigns, and final-year portfolio subjects that simulate real industry work. The program encourages hands-on learning in digital media, journalism, advertising, and creative production, allowing students to apply their knowledge in practical settings. Career preparation subjects and project-based units help students develop confidence, teamwork skills, and professional communication abilities required by employers in the creative industries.

Here’s how UniSQ ensures the course is practical and career-focused:

  • Project-based learning across the degree, including media production, communication campaigns, and digital storytelling assignments.

  • Final-year Creative Industries Project units where students produce a professional portfolio in their chosen specialisation.

  • Practical training in journalism, digital media, marketing, and creative production using industry-relevant software and tools.

  • Opportunities to complete elective subjects that support work-integrated learning and real-world communication projects.

  • Collaborative group projects to develop teamwork, leadership, and professional communication skills.

  • Career preparation units focused on employability, resume building, and industry expectations.

  • Access to digital production tools, media software, and online learning platforms used in modern communication industries.

  • Flexible study options that allow students to combine majors, minors, and electives to match career goals in media and creative fields.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduate Outcomes & Job Roles

After completing the Bachelor of Communication and Creative Industries at the University of Southern Queensland, graduates are prepared for careers in media, journalism, marketing, public relations, digital content, and creative industries. Depending on the chosen major, students can work as journalists, media producers, marketing executives, social media managers, communication officers, or creative content specialists. The program’s mix of practical projects and communication theory ensures graduates are ready for professional roles in both corporate and creative environments.

Progression & Career Support

UniSQ provides career-focused support through employability subjects, portfolio development, and project-based learning included in the degree. Students gain guidance on career planning, resume preparation, and professional skills through dedicated career units and academic mentoring. The flexible course structure also allows students to combine majors and electives to match their career goals in media, marketing, or creative industries.

Employment Stats & Salary Figures

Graduates from communication and creative industries programs in Australia commonly enter roles in media, marketing, public relations, and digital communication, with starting salaries typically ranging from AUD 50,000 to AUD 65,000 per year depending on the role and experience. National graduate surveys show positive employment outcomes for creative and communication graduates, particularly for those with strong portfolios and practical experience. With experience, salaries can increase significantly in corporate communication, marketing, and digital media roles.

Industry Connections & Practical Exposure

The program includes project-based subjects, creative industry assignments, and career preparation units that reflect real workplace tasks. Students complete major projects and collaborative work that simulate professional communication environments. Guest lectures, practical coursework, and industry-style assessments help students understand current trends in media, marketing, and digital communication.

Long-Term Professional Value

Although the degree does not require formal professional accreditation, it is aligned with industry expectations in communication, journalism, marketing, and creative production. The focus on portfolio work, digital skills, and professional communication helps graduates remain competitive in the evolving media and creative industries. The broad structure also allows graduates to move into corporate, government, or freelance careers.

Graduation Pathways & Specialisation Options

During the degree, students can specialise in areas such as Journalism, Marketing, Digital Media, Creative Writing, Advertising, Documentary Production, Photography, or International Relations. This flexibility allows students to tailor their studies toward specific career paths and develop expertise in their chosen field. Electives can also be used to complete a second major or minor to expand career opportunities.

Further Academic Progression

After graduation, students may continue with postgraduate study such as a Master in Communication, Master of Journalism, MBA, Master of Marketing, or other creative industry programs in Australia or overseas. The degree also provides a pathway into research or advanced study in media, communication, or cultural studies. Further study can improve career prospects and open opportunities for leadership roles in the communication and creative sectors.

Program Key Stats

$28,800
$17,392

Febr Intake : 30th NovJune Intake : 30th Mar


69 %
No
No

Eligibility Criteria

NA
NA
60

NA
NA
6.0
80
63

Additional Information & Requirements

Country Requirements

Career Options

  • Journalist
  • News reporter
  • Editor
  • TV/radio presenter
  • Media producer
  • Content writer
  • Online news editor
  • Film production Video editing
  • Script writing Photography
  • Documentary production
  • Event production Theatre/drama

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