BA Communication and Media Studies

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Western Australia

Program Overview

The Communication and Media Studies major at The University of Western Australia is designed for students who want to understand how media, communication, and digital culture shape modern society while building strong creative and professional communication skills. It suits students interested in journalism, media production, digital storytelling, advertising, or strategic communication in today’s fast-evolving media landscape.

You will study both theory and practice, learning how media operates in society while also developing practical skills in content creation, media analysis, and digital communication tools.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build a strong foundation in media and communication through core units such as Power, Participation and Meaning (COMM1001) and Cultures, New Media and Communications (COMM1002). These subjects introduce key ideas about how media shapes society, identity, and communication in both traditional and digital spaces.

The focus is on developing critical thinking skills and understanding how communication systems function in everyday life and global contexts.

Year 2

In the second year, the program becomes more applied with units like Media Influence (COMM2001) and Media Production Techniques (COMM2002). Students may also study areas such as Journalism Practice and Emerging Audiences (COMM2004) or Communication Strategy and Engagement (COMM2006).

At this stage, students begin developing hands-on skills in media production, journalism basics, and communication planning while also learning how audiences interact with different media platforms.

Year 3

In the final year, students take advanced units such as Media Enterprise in Transition (COMM3001) and Media Production Project (COMM3002). Electives like Designing Interactive Media (COMM3003) and Media Innovation and Social Futures (COMM3006) allow students to specialise further.

This year focuses on independent, project-based learning where students build a professional portfolio and refine their skills in producing and managing media at an industry level.

Focus Areas

Digital media production, journalism and storytelling, communication strategy, media theory and culture, interactive media design, audience engagement, professional communication skills.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop strong creative and communication abilities, critical thinking in analysing media, digital production skills, teamwork and collaboration experience, and the ability to communicate effectively across different media platforms and audiences.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

While not a professionally accredited program, it is closely aligned with industry practice through practical media production units, communication strategy training, and project-based learning experiences that reflect real-world media environments.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

The University of Western Australia is widely recognised as one of Australia’s leading universities, consistently ranked among the top institutions globally. Graduates from this program go on to careers in journalism, media production, public relations, corporate communication, marketing, government communication, and creative industries.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Experiential Learning

At The University of Western Australia, Communication and Media Studies is built around learning by doing, so students are not just studying media but actively creating it throughout the degree. From early units to final-year projects, you work with real production tools, collaborate in teams, and develop industry-style communication outputs that mirror professional media environments. The program also encourages you to build a strong portfolio through studio-based tasks, guided projects, and applied assessments that connect directly with journalism, digital media, and communication industries.

This practical approach is supported by dedicated media production environments, collaborative learning spaces, and access to industry-standard tools and software:

Practical media production work using professional audiovisual equipment for filming, recording, editing, and digital storytelling
Collaborative group projects where students plan, produce, and present media content in formats similar to real media and communication workplaces
A major final-year media production project where students develop an industry-ready portfolio piece through end-to-end production work
Applied journalism and communication tasks focused on writing, reporting, audience engagement, and strategic messaging
Interactive media and design projects that allow students to experiment with digital platforms and emerging communication formats
Opportunities for work-integrated learning and professional exposure through industry-relevant projects and placements
Access to university learning spaces and media-focused environments that support creative collaboration and production work
Engagement with student media communities and creative groups that help build teamwork, networking, and real-world communication experience

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Communication and Media Studies at The University of Western Australia are well prepared for dynamic careers in media, communication, and creative industries. They develop strong skills in storytelling, strategy, and digital communication that are valued across both creative and corporate sectors.

Typical career paths include roles such as journalist, communications manager, advertising strategist, media advisor, content producer, public relations officer, and digital marketing specialist. These roles reflect the broad versatility of the degree and the strong demand for communication professionals across industries. Graduates could expect to earn between AUD 55,000 and 70,000 per annum.

Alongside these career outcomes, UWA provides strong support to help students transition into the workforce:

Dedicated career support through UWA Careers Centre, offering help with CV writing, interview preparation, internships, and job search strategies
Strong graduate employability outcomes, with communication graduates finding opportunities across media organisations, government departments, corporate firms, and creative agencies
Industry-relevant learning embedded in the course, including media production projects, journalism practice, and communication strategy assignments that mirror real workplace tasks
Work-integrated learning experiences that allow students to build professional portfolios and gain exposure to real communication environments
Connections with media, marketing, and communication sectors through project-based learning and applied coursework
Development of long-term transferable skills such as digital literacy, critical thinking, teamwork, creativity, and strategic communication

Further Academic Progression

After completing this degree, students can continue into an Honours year in Communication and Media Studies or pursue postgraduate study such as a Master of Strategic Communication, Master of Marketing, or other related fields depending on their career interests.