Bachelor of Media and Communication

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Western Australia

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Media and Communication at The University of Western Australia is designed for students who want to understand how media shapes society while building strong skills in storytelling, digital content creation, and strategic communication. It suits students interested in journalism, public relations, advertising, digital media, and creative industries where communication plays a central role.

You will study both media theory and practical production, preparing you to work confidently across traditional and digital communication environments.

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 units help you understand how media influences society, culture, and everyday communication.

The focus is on developing critical thinking skills and introducing how media systems operate in both traditional and digital contexts.

Year 2

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

At this stage, you begin working on real media creation, journalism practice, and communication planning while learning how audiences interact with different media platforms.

Year 3

In the final year, students take advanced and project-based 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 further specialisation.

This year focuses on independent, industry-style projects where you develop a professional portfolio and refine your skills in media production and strategic communication.

Focus Areas

Media production, journalism and storytelling, digital communication, strategic communication, media theory, audience engagement, interactive media, creative industries practice.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop strong storytelling and communication skills, digital media production abilities, critical thinking in media analysis, teamwork and collaboration experience, and the ability to create engaging content for different audiences and platforms.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

While not formally accredited by a professional body, the degree is closely aligned with industry practice through applied media units, communication projects, and work-integrated learning experiences that reflect real-world media environments.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Western Australia is a Group of Eight university and is consistently ranked among Australia’s leading institutions globally. Graduates from this program pursue careers in journalism, media production, advertising, public relations, corporate communication, and digital media.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Media and Communication at The University of Western Australia focuses strongly on practical, real-world learning where students actively create media rather than only studying theory. Throughout the course, you will work on real production tasks, develop digital content, and collaborate in team-based projects that reflect how media and communication industries actually operate. Learning is structured around hands-on experience in journalism, digital storytelling, media production, and strategic communication, helping you gradually build a professional portfolio by the time you graduate.

This practical approach is supported through studio-style teaching, industry-standard tools, and applied project work:

Hands-on media production in units like Media Production Techniques (COMM2002), where students work with audiovisual equipment to create digital content such as videos, audio stories, and multimedia projects
A major capstone experience in Media Production Project (COMM3002), where students independently or in teams produce a professional-level media project for portfolio use
Training in digital content creation using industry-standard software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Photoshop for editing, design, and storytelling
Journalism and communication practice units that develop real-world skills in writing, reporting, audience engagement, and strategic messaging
Interactive media projects in units like Designing Interactive Media (COMM3003), where students experiment with digital platforms and creative communication formats
Work-integrated learning opportunities that provide exposure to industry environments through internships or professional-style project work
Group-based projects that simulate real media workplace collaboration, helping students build teamwork, communication, and project management skills
Access to university learning spaces designed for creative work, collaboration, and media production development.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Media and Communication at The University of Western Australia are well prepared for dynamic careers across media, communication, and creative industries. The degree builds strong skills in storytelling, digital content creation, and strategic communication, enabling students to work confidently in fast-changing professional environments where communication plays a central role. Graduates could expect to earn between AUD 55,000 and 70,000 per annum.

Common career paths include journalist, public relations officer, communications manager, digital content producer, advertising executive, and marketing or media specialist.

Alongside these outcomes, the university provides strong support and industry-aligned learning experiences to help students transition into employment:

Dedicated career support through UWA Careers and Employability services, including help with CV writing, interview preparation, internship guidance, and job search strategies
Strong graduate employability outcomes, with UWA graduates working across media organisations, government departments, corporate communication teams, and creative industries
Industry-relevant coursework that integrates real-world media production, journalism practice, and communication strategy projects
Work-integrated learning opportunities that help students build professional portfolios and gain practical experience before graduation
Exposure to professional tools and digital media platforms commonly used in the industry, including Adobe Creative Cloud applications
Access to university-supported industry connections and applied learning experiences that strengthen professional readiness

Further Academic Progression

After completing this degree, students can progress to an Honours year in Media and Communication or pursue postgraduate studies such as a Master of Strategic Communication, Master of Marketing, or other related fields depending on their career goals.