Bachelors of Communication / Arts

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Queensland

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Communication / Arts at The University of Queensland combines practical communication training with the flexibility of an arts degree, giving you the freedom to explore both creative and analytical interests. It’s ideal for students who want to develop skills in media, storytelling and public communication while also studying humanities, languages or social sciences to broaden career opportunities.

Curriculum structure

Year 1
In your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation in communication while exploring introductory arts subjects. You’ll study areas such as Introduction to Communication, Visual Communication and Multimedia, and Written Communication, alongside arts electives that help you discover your interests. This year focuses on understanding how communication works across different platforms and developing essential academic and research skills.

Year 2
During the second year, you begin shaping your academic direction by selecting communication courses and progressing in your arts discipline. You’ll study subjects such as Strategic Communication, Digital Media Foundations and Communication Research Methods, while continuing structured arts coursework. This stage strengthens analytical thinking, collaborative work and applied communication skills.

Year 3
In third year, your learning becomes more specialised and career-focused. You’ll take advanced subjects such as Communication Campaigns, Media and Society, and Digital Storytelling, while completing higher-level arts courses. These units emphasise creative production, critical analysis and real-world communication strategy.

Year 4
Your final year focuses on professional preparation and advanced study. You’ll complete capstone-style subjects such as Advanced Strategic Communication, Communication Project or Professional Practice, along with senior arts electives. This year integrates everything you’ve learned and prepares you for careers across media, communication and creative industries.

Focus areas (in a string):
Strategic communication, digital media, visual communication, multimedia storytelling, written communication, media and society, communication research, arts specialisations, cultural analysis, communication campaigns

Learning outcomes (in a string):
Develop professional communication skills, create multimedia content, analyse media and culture, design strategic communication campaigns, apply research methods, communicate across digital platforms, collaborate on creative projects, integrate arts knowledge with communication practice

Professional alignment (accreditation):
Industry-focused curriculum with practical communication projects, strategic communication pathways, and opportunities for professional experience aligned with careers in media, marketing, public relations, government and corporate communication.

Reputation (employability rankings):
The University of Queensland is ranked among the world’s leading universities for arts and humanities in major global rankings, supporting strong graduate employability across communication and creative industries.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the Bachelor of Communication / Arts at The University of Queensland build real, job-ready communication skills through a mix of practical workshops, studio-based learning, group projects, and research activities. The program is designed so you’re not just studying theory—you’re actively creating content, analysing media, and working on real-world communication tasks that reflect industry practice. You also get access to specialist facilities across communication and arts disciplines, along with opportunities for professional placements, research projects, and international learning experiences that strengthen your practical exposure.

Experiential learning in this program is strongly focused on collaboration, creativity, and applied communication practice:

Work placements that give you hands-on experience in media, communication, or arts organisations
Studio and workshop-based learning where you create multimedia content, communication campaigns, and visual materials
Fieldwork opportunities depending on your arts major, supporting real-world research and applied study
Research-based projects where you work with academic staff on communication and arts-related topics
Overseas study opportunities to experience global communication practices and cultural perspectives
Group projects and seminars where you develop teamwork, presentation, and campaign development skills
Access to university research environments and discipline-specific facilities linked to your chosen arts area
Cultural and creative learning spaces such as the UQ Art Museum for visual and arts-based engagement
Digital and multimedia learning tools used for content creation, media analysis, and communication design
Industry-informed workshops and sessions led by academic and professional experts in communication fields

Facilities and program experience details are available on the official University of Queensland program page for the Bachelor of Communication / Arts.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Communication / Arts at The University of Queensland leave with strong, adaptable skills in media, communication strategy, and cultural understanding, opening doors to careers across both creative and corporate sectors. Students typically move into roles such as Communications Officer, Public Relations Specialist, Content Producer, Social Media Manager, and Marketing or Engagement Coordinator, where they help organisations shape messaging and connect with audiences in meaningful ways:

Dedicated career support through UQ Careers and Employability services, including one-on-one career advising, CV and interview coaching, and employer networking events. Graduates could expect to earn between AUD 55,000 and 70,000 per annum.
Access to internships and Work Integrated Learning opportunities embedded within communication courses, helping students gain real industry experience before graduation
Strong links to industry through practical, project-based learning and collaboration with organisations in media, government, and the private sector
Strategic Communication major is professionally recognised through Communications and Public Relations Australia (CPRA), supporting industry credibility and membership pathways
Graduates benefit from UQ’s strong reputation in arts and humanities, which is consistently ranked among the top in Queensland and globally, strengthening employability prospects
Development of highly transferable skills in writing, research, digital media, and critical thinking, valued across government, corporate, creative, and nonprofit sectors
Exposure to real-world communication challenges through client-based projects, campaigns, and digital media production work during the degree

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this program, students can pursue postgraduate study such as a Master of Communication, Master of Journalism, Master of International Relations, or research degrees including Honours and PhD pathways at The University of Queensland. These options allow deeper specialisation in media, strategy, cultural studies, or global communication, supporting careers in senior communication leadership, policy roles, academia, or advanced research fields.