Bachelor of Media / Social Sciences

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Media / Social Sciences at UNSW Sydney combines creative media skills with a strong understanding of society, policy and global issues. This double degree is ideal for students who want to pair media specialisations with social science knowledge while developing communication, research and industry-ready skills.

Curriculum structure

Year 1
You start with foundational subjects such as Policy and Society and Social Research and Society while beginning introductory media courses within your chosen specialisation. This year focuses on building analytical thinking, understanding social issues and learning how media shapes public conversations and cultural narratives.

Year 2
In second year, you deepen your knowledge through subjects like Power and Powerlessness and Qualitative Social Research while continuing to develop your media specialisation. You begin shaping your degree by choosing a social sciences major and strengthening skills in audience communication, research and critical analysis.

Year 3
Your third year focuses on applying theory to real-world contexts with courses such as Social Sciences in the Workplace and Evidence for Policy Making. At the same time, advanced media subjects develop professional storytelling, strategic communication and content creation skills for industry environments.

Year 4
In the final year, you complete advanced interdisciplinary learning including Globalisation and Policy Making while finishing your media specialisation. This stage emphasises collaborative projects, industry-relevant research and professional preparation for careers across media, government and social impact sectors.

Focus areas (in a string):

Media communication, social research, policy analysis, journalism and storytelling, public relations, audience engagement, global issues, sociology, international studies, strategic communication

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Develop communication strategies for social impact, analyse social and political systems, conduct qualitative and policy research, create media content for diverse audiences, evaluate global challenges, apply interdisciplinary thinking, communicate complex ideas clearly, collaborate on professional projects, understand media’s role in society

Professional alignment (accreditation):

Work-integrated learning opportunities, internships with industry partners, collaboration with practitioners and exposure to real-world policy and media projects throughout the double degree

Reputation (employability rankings):

Strong employability outcomes supported by industry-focused teaching, internship opportunities and global study options, preparing graduates for careers across media, communication, government and social research sectors

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the Bachelor of Media / Social Sciences at UNSW develop practical skills through a mix of media production, applied social research and industry engagement. You’ll work on real communication projects, collaborate with classmates on campaign-style assignments and learn in professional media environments using the same tools and workflows found in industry. The degree also includes opportunities for internships, global exchange and project-based learning that connects media practice with social impact:

Work-integrated learning opportunities with internships in media organisations, government agencies and industry partners
Collaborative group projects focused on communication campaigns, social impact storytelling and audience engagement
Access to professional media production spaces for content creation and multimedia projects
Practical coursework combining media production with applied social research methods
Industry guest lectures from media professionals, researchers and communication specialists
Real-world briefs delivered in collaboration with external organisations and community partners
Opportunities for international exchange with partner universities worldwide
Portfolio development through interdisciplinary media and social science projects
Access to UNSW library collections, digital research databases and media resources
Academic support and research guidance across media and social sciences disciplines

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Media / Social Sciences at UNSW combine communication expertise with strong understanding of social and policy issues, preparing them for careers across media, government and social impact sectors. Many move into roles such as communications officer, policy analyst, digital content producer or campaign manager, supported by practical experience and interdisciplinary training built into the degree. Graduates could expect to earn between AUD 60,000 and 80,000 per annum.

Career development support through UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture including internships, industry networking, mentoring and portfolio guidance
Work-integrated learning opportunities with placements in media organisations, government bodies and communication-focused agencies
Collaboration with industry practitioners through guest lectures, project briefs and professional engagement activities
International exchange opportunities that expand global employability and cross-cultural communication skills
Strong graduate outcomes across communication, policy, research and media-related roles
Preparation for careers in communications, public relations, policy development, media strategy, social research and campaign management
Employability support including career workshops, job search guidance and professional development resources

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this program, students can continue into postgraduate study in media, communication, public policy, social research, journalism or international relations. Graduates may also pursue honours or specialised master’s degrees to move into advanced research, leadership roles, academic careers or senior positions in media and policy organisations.