Bachelor of Communication and Media (Digital and Social Media)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Wollongong

Program Overview

This degree at the University of Wollongong helps you understand how media and communication shape today’s world while building strong practical and creative skills. It is ideal for students who want to work in media, marketing, journalism, or digital communication and are interested in both content creation and media analysis.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Foundations of Media and Communication)
In the first year, you study core subjects such as Introduction to Communication and Media Studies, Global Media and Culture, Media Ethics and Law, and Making Media. These subjects introduce you to how media industries work while helping you develop early skills in content creation, communication practice, and ethical thinking.

Year 2 (Research and Applied Media Practice)
In the second year, you move into more advanced learning with subjects like Understanding Research Practice, Global Media and Social Justice, and Media Ethnographies. This stage helps you build research skills and understand how media influences audiences and society in real-world contexts.

Year 3 (Advanced Study and Specialisation)
In the final year, you complete advanced subjects such as Emerging Issues in Media and Communication or The Future of Work, along with your chosen major such as Journalism, Digital and Social Media, or Marketing Communication and Advertising. You also complete a capstone project that brings together your learning in a real-world communication task.

Focus Areas

Digital and social media, journalism, marketing communication and advertising, screen media production, visual communication design, media research, global communication, media ethics

Learning Outcomes

Strong media production and communication skills, ability to analyse media systems and audiences, ethical communication practice, teamwork and independent project development, and industry-ready digital content creation skills

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This program is professionally oriented and prepares graduates for careers in media, communication, journalism, marketing, and creative industries.

Reputation (Employability & Academic Value)

The University of Wollongong is known for industry-relevant teaching in communication and media, combining practical production skills with critical thinking and research to support strong graduate employability.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This degree at the University of Wollongong is designed to give you real, hands-on experience from the start, so you learn by creating and producing media rather than only studying theory. You’ll work on practical projects that reflect real industry environments, building skills in communication, storytelling, and digital media while developing a strong professional portfolio. Group work is also a key part of the program, helping you experience how real media teams, agencies, and production crews operate.

Alongside your studies, you’ll use industry-standard facilities and tools that support practical learning:

Television and video production studios for filming, editing, and screen-based storytelling
Radio studios and podcasting suites for audio production and broadcasting projects
Film production spaces for hands-on screen media work
Digital media and design labs for visual communication, animation, and content creation
Group projects that simulate real media workplaces such as agencies, newsrooms, and production teams
Ongoing portfolio development through media production and communication assignments
Industry-relevant software and digital tools for editing, design, and multimedia production
Project-based learning using real communication briefs and audience-focused tasks
Access to university library and digital research resources for media study and content development
Opportunities to experiment with emerging digital media and storytelling formats

These experiences help you graduate with practical skills, industry confidence, and a strong portfolio that prepares you for careers in media, communication, journalism, marketing, and digital industries.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this major are well prepared for careers in the fast-growing digital communication and media sector, where strong content creation and audience engagement skills are in high demand. You can move into roles such as social media manager, digital campaign manager, brand and communications officer, content creator, or media analyst, depending on your area of focus.

At UOW, your transition into employment is supported through structured career development and industry-aligned learning:

Access to UOW Careers and Employability services including career coaching, CV and cover letter support, and interview preparation
Industry-focused, project-based learning that helps you build a professional portfolio for real job applications
Strong emphasis on developing digital, analytical, and creative communication skills valued across media, marketing, corporate, and government sectors
Opportunities for workplace-style projects and industry engagement within communication and media fields
Graduates develop transferable skills in digital storytelling, social media strategy, content production, research, and teamwork, supporting long-term career flexibility

While salaries vary depending on role and experience, graduates typically begin in entry-level digital or communications roles and can progress into senior positions such as communications strategist, marketing manager, or media director over time with experience.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students can continue into postgraduate study such as a Master of Communication, Master of Journalism, Master of Media and Creative Practice, or research pathways including Honours and PhD programs, depending on academic performance and career goals.