Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Communication and Media

4 Years On Campus Dual-bachelors Program

University of Canberra

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Communication and Media at the University of Canberra is a four-year double degree designed for students who want to combine creativity, critical thinking, and strong communication skills. It suits students interested in storytelling, media, journalism, culture, and digital communication, offering flexibility along with real industry exposure throughout the degree.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:
In the first year, students are introduced to the foundations of arts and communication through units such as Professional Orientation (Arts), Big Stories: Culture, Memory and Power, and First Draft. These subjects help build essential skills in writing, critical thinking, media literacy, and understanding how stories and culture influence communication in society.

Year 2:
In the second year, students move into more applied learning with units like On Assignment, Reading Culture, Curating Culture, and Streaming and Social. This stage focuses on developing practical communication skills, understanding audiences, and beginning more specialised study in media and arts disciplines.

Year 3:
The third year focuses on advanced learning and industry preparation through units such as Deep Dives, Radio and TV, and Professional Evidence (Arts). Students apply their skills in real-world contexts, strengthen their professional portfolio, and may also take part in internships or work-integrated learning experiences.

Year 4:
In the final year, students complete higher-level and capstone units including Global Brand Communication along with advanced subjects from their chosen specialisation. The emphasis is on professional readiness, independent projects, and preparing for employment or further study.

Focus areas:
Journalism, Media Production, Marketing Communication, Public Relations, Digital Storytelling, Cultural Studies, Global Communication, Creative Writing

Learning outcomes:
Graduates develop strong communication, research, storytelling, and media production skills, with the ability to analyse cultural and global issues, create professional media content across multiple platforms, and apply strategic communication in real industry settings.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
This program is designed in line with industry expectations in media and communication fields, with a strong focus on practical learning, industry engagement, and work-integrated experience to prepare students for professional careers.

Reputation (employability rankings):
The University of Canberra is known for strong graduate employability outcomes and a practical, career-focused approach to learning. Communication and media graduates regularly move into roles in journalism, public relations, digital media, marketing, and related creative industries.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Canberra, the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Communication and Media program is designed to immerse students in hands-on experiences that prepare them for the dynamic world of communication and media. Students gain practical skills through a variety of engaging activities, including group projects, internships, and access to state-of-the-art facilities. The program emphasises real-world applications, ensuring that graduates are not only knowledgeable but also equipped with the tools and experience needed to excel in their careers.

Here are some key experiential learning opportunities available to students in this program:

- Internships: Students have the chance to undertake internships with industry partners, providing invaluable experience and networking opportunities.
- Group Projects: Collaborative projects encourage teamwork and creativity, allowing students to work on real-world challenges and develop their problem-solving skills.
- Digital Tools: Access to industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Premiere Pro, InDesign) and other digital media tools enhances students' technical skills.
- Field Trips: Regular excursions to media organizations, studios, and cultural institutions offer insights into the industry and help students make connections.
- Research Laboratories: Dedicated spaces for media research and production allow students to experiment and innovate in their projects.
- Libraries and Resources: The university's extensive library system provides access to a wealth of academic resources, journals, and media archives to support students' learning.
- Media Production Facilities: Students can utilize professional-grade studios and equipment for video, audio, and digital media production, ensuring they gain practical experience in a controlled environment.

These experiential learning components are integral to the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Communication and Media program, equipping students with the skills and confidence to thrive in their future careers.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Communication and Media at the University of Canberra are prepared for careers in media, communication, journalism, marketing, and public engagement. With strong practical training and industry exposure throughout the degree, students develop the confidence and skills needed for roles such as journalist, content producer, social media manager, communications officer, and marketing executive across media organisations, government departments, and corporate sectors. Graduates could expect to earn between AUD 55,000 and 70,000 per annum.

The program is built to support strong employability and real-world readiness:

University of Canberra Career Development Service provides support with resume writing, interview preparation, internship applications, and connecting students with employers
Work Integrated Learning placements and internships give students real industry experience before graduation
Industry connections with organisations such as ABC, Seven West Media, Brumbies, Crux Media, and the Australian Public Service provide valuable workplace exposure
Graduates benefit from a strong focus on practical learning, making them job-ready with hands-on experience in communication and media practice
The program aligns with industry expectations in journalism, public relations, digital media, and marketing communication, strengthening long-term career opportunities
Students graduate with a professional portfolio, industry experience, and networks that support smoother entry into the workforce

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, Master of Strategic Communication, or Master of Marketing Communication. Graduates may also pursue honours or a research pathway like a Master of Philosophy for more advanced academic or specialist career development.