Bachelor of Communication

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Western Sydney University Parramatta

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Communication at Western Sydney University is a practical, industry-focused degree designed for students who want to build strong skills in media, storytelling, digital communication, and public messaging. It suits creative and curious students who are interested in how media works, how stories are shaped, and how communication influences society and organisations.

This program blends communication theory with hands-on experience in journalism, advertising, public relations, and digital media. It is designed for students who want flexible career options in media and communication industries, supported by real-world projects, internships, and industry engagement throughout the degree.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build a strong foundation in communication and media through core subjects such as Introduction to Communication, Media Cultures, and Communication in Society. These units help students understand how communication works in everyday life, how media systems operate, and how messages are created and interpreted.

Year 2

In the second year, students move into more applied learning with subjects like Digital Communication, Media Production, and Professional Writing. This stage focuses on developing practical skills in content creation, media analysis, and using digital tools that are widely used in communication industries today.

Year 3

In the final year, students specialise in areas such as advertising, journalism, or public relations, with advanced subjects like Campaign Strategy, News Reporting, or Crisis Communication. The focus is on applying skills in real-world contexts through industry projects and professional experience, preparing students for work after graduation.

Focus Areas

Advertising, Journalism, Public Relations, Digital Communication, Media Production, Strategic Communication, Creative Writing, Campaign Development, Media Ethics, Industry Practice

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to design and deliver effective communication strategies, produce professional media content, analyse audiences and media systems, and apply communication theory in real-world situations. They also gain strong writing, storytelling, digital media, and critical thinking skills that are highly valued across communication industries.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This program is aligned with industry standards and is professionally recognised by leading communication and media organisations in Australia, helping ensure graduates are well prepared for industry expectations and career readiness.

Reputation (Employability and Industry Links)

Western Sydney University has strong connections with media and communication organisations, giving students opportunities for internships and industry experience. Graduates go on to work in journalism, public relations agencies, corporate communication teams, digital media companies, and creative industries, reflecting strong employability outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Experiential learning at Western Sydney University’s Bachelor of Communication is built to ensure students graduate with real, job-ready skills rather than just theoretical knowledge. From early in the degree, students are encouraged to work like communication professionals—creating media content, developing campaigns, and engaging with real industry briefs. Learning happens through a mix of studio-based practice, collaborative projects, and industry exposure, supported by modern media facilities and professional tools that reflect current workplace standards.

Experiential learning: Students build practical skills through hands-on media production, internships, and industry-style projects while working in professional studios and using industry-standard software and equipment:

Access to television and media production studios, including multi-camera setups, editing suites, and broadcast-quality equipment for journalism and video production
Use of Adobe Creative Cloud tools for design, video editing, digital storytelling, and content creation across communication platforms
Industry internships and work-integrated learning opportunities with major organisations such as ABC, News Corp, Nine Network, and leading communication agencies
Real client-based projects in advertising, public relations, and journalism, where students develop campaigns and communication strategies for external partners
Opportunities for international study experiences and global communication projects across regions such as Asia and the Pacific
Practical training in media labs and editing facilities focused on journalism, broadcasting, and digital media production
Group projects that replicate real agency environments, including teamwork in campaign planning, content creation, and media strategy development
Development of a professional portfolio throughout the degree, showcasing student work for future employment opportunities

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Bachelor of Communication at Western Sydney University prepares graduates for fast-moving careers across media, journalism, public relations, advertising, and digital communication. Students graduate with strong skills in storytelling, strategic communication, and content creation, which directly support entry into roles such as communications officer, media producer, public relations specialist, social media manager, and journalist. The program is designed to ensure students are not only industry-aware but genuinely job-ready through practical experience built into the degree.

Through structured support and strong industry links, students are guided toward meaningful employment opportunities:

Western Sydney University Careers and Employment services support students with resume building, interview preparation, career planning, and access to employer networks
Strong employability outcomes supported by partnerships with major media organisations such as ABC, News Corp Australia, Nine Network, and other communication agencies
Industry-connected learning through internships, work placements, and real client projects that give students direct exposure to professional environments
Professional recognition through accreditation with the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA) and the Media Federation of Australia (MFA), strengthening the value of the qualification in the job market
Development of a professional portfolio during the degree, helping graduates stand out when applying for roles in media, communication, and creative industries

Graduates typically move into roles across journalism, advertising, public relations, digital media, and corporate communication, with strong pathways into both Australian and international organisations.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this program, students can continue into postgraduate study such as a Master of Communication, Master of Journalism, Master of Public Relations and Advertising, or other related advanced qualifications in media, communication, or business fields to further specialise or progress into senior roles.

Country Requirements

Canada: Successful completion of the Ontario, Alberta, British Colombia/Quebec Secondary School Diploma with 6 university or university/college preparation courses with an overall average of 65%
China: Successful completion of Gao San with an 80% average in 3 years; or a minimum Gao Kao score in the Science Stream for Second Tier university admission with thresholds for the relevant province; or successful completion of the first year of a Bachelor degree at a recognised university.
Egypt: Successful completion of a recognised foundation studies program, or 1 year of university studies, or completion of a qualification equivalent to an Australian AQF Certificate IV
France: Successful completion of any of the following: Baccalauréat Général, L’Enseignement du Second Degré, Diplôme de Bachelier de L’Enseignement du Second Degré with a minimum overall grade of 10.5
Germany: Successful completion of the Abitur with a grade of 4.0 or less
India: Completion of Higher Secondary Certificate (State Boards) with 70% in best 4 core subjects, or CBSE (AISCE) with 60% in best 4 core subjects, or ISC with 60% in best 4 core subjects.
Nepal: Nepalese Higher Secondary Certificate with a grade of 80% (Year 11+12) (pre-2018) or Nepalese Education Board Year 12 with GPA 2.9 in best 4 academic subjects
Pakistan: Successful completion of Higher School Certificate or Intermediate Certificate with a First Division pass and an overall average of 80%
Saudi Arabia: Successful completion of a recognised foundation studies program, 1 year of university studies or completion of a qualification equivalent to an Australian AQF Certificate IV.
South Africa: Successful completion of the National Senior Certificate with an average of 55% from best 4 academic subjects
Turkey: Successful completion of a recognised foundation studies program, 1 year of university studies or completion of a qualification equivalent to an Australian AQF Certificate IV
USA: Successful completion of High School Diploma plus either a minimum SAT score of 980 (post-2016) or 1320 (pre-2016), or minimum of 2 Advanced Placement scores of 2 or above, or an approved associateship at a community/junior college