Bachelor of Communication (Honours) | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Bachelor of Communication (Honours)

Break new ground and drive innovation in your field with an intensive one-year Honours degree. Honours graduates benefit from advanced research, planning, critical thinking and written communication skills, and help uncover new knowledge and solutions.

In this program you will:

  • Design and conduct your own research project, or solve a real-world problem for an industry partner
  • Study relevant research methods and theories, and engage with experts in your field
  • Develop your presentation skills by delivering at least two lectures on your research progress
  • Work one-on-one with a supervisor from UniSC’s School of Creative Industries

Location

CRICOS code

096506B

Duration

1 year 1 year Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.

Indicative fees

Indicative 2024 fees (A$)

A$16,320 - 2024 Fees CSP
CSP
A$27,000 Annual fee
Annual fee

Start

  • Semester 1

Career opportunities

  • Advertising
  • Corporate communication
  • Creative writing
  • Event management
  • Journalism
  • Professional writing
  • Public relations
  • Web editing

Start
  • Semester 1
Delivery mode
  • Blended Learning
Total courses
8
Total units
96
Duration
1 year 1 year
CRICOS code
096506B
UniSC program code
AR408
Program coordinator
Program structure

The Bachelor of Communication (Honours) structure is as follows:

  • A 48 unit coursework component (consisting of a combination of courses weighted from 12-24 units) including 1 required course
  • A 48 unit thesis component
Coursework component (4) 48 units

ART411 Research Design: Methodology and Literature Review
HNC410 Coursework 1 Hons Communication & Creative Industries
HNC411 Coursework 2 Hons Communication & Creative Industries
HNC412 Coursework 3 Hons Communication & Creative Industries

Thesis component (48 units)

The thesis component consists of a sustained scholarly project developed from the research proposal a student submits with their Honours enrolment application. The nature and topic of this component is determined by the student's interests, the availability of specified industry research projects, the interests of potential supervisors and the availability of appropriate supervision.

The research proposal accompanying the honours enrolment application is normally two to three pages in length. It includes an outline of the research topic, its rationale, an indication of the research methodology, and should refer to relevant literature in the topic area. The completed thesis is normally 15,000–25,000 words in length. The required length is determined by the precise nature of the research, in consultation with the supervisor and subject to the approval of the Head of School of Business and Creative Industries. Satisfactory participation in the School of Business and Creative Industries Honours Seminar is also required. If completing the Honours program part-time over two years, the first year will normally comprise coursework and the second will be dedicated to a student’s thesis

Study sequences

This study sequence reflects the current program structure. Continuing students must follow their commencing structure, which can be found in the previous student handbooks.

Entry requirements

For entry into most USC undergraduate degree programs, you need to have completed a minimum level of education similar to successful completion of Australian Year 12 with good grades.

Further studies, for example, a semester or more at college or university, can also be considered for entry and may give you credit transfer towards a degree.

Some examples of upper secondary qualifications and a guide to the minimum grades that USC will consider are listed here. These are minimum requirements and do not guarantee entry. Some programs may require higher grades. Alternative qualifications may also be considered on a case by case basis.

If your qualification (grouped by country) is not listed, send the qualification transcripts with your application form to the International Office for assessment.

English language requirements

You will also need to meet the English language requirements for this program. If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you may be able to enrol in our English Language Programs to reach the required level for most of UniSC’s programs (exceptions apply to non-standard English requirement programs).

Prerequisites

Completion of an undergraduate Communication degree or a related degree (AQF Level 7)

Recommended prior study
English
Inherent academic requirements

Prospective students must consider the Inherent Academic Requirements before applying to study this program.

Refer to Communication programs - Inherent Academic Requirements

UniSC strongly supports the rights of all people to pursue studies. The University embraces diversity and endeavours to accommodate all students.

What are Inherent Academic Requirements (IARs)?

The IARs of a program are those fundamental skills, capabilities and knowledge that students must be able to demonstrate in order to achieve the essential learning outcomes of the program, while maintaining the academic integrity of that program.

Students with a disability or chronic health condition may be able to have reasonable adjustments made to enable them to meet these requirements.

UniSC is committed to making reasonable adjustments to teaching and learning, assessment, placement and other activities to enable students to participate in their program.

Reasonable adjustments must not fundamentally change the nature of the IAR.

Consideration is given to a student's cultural and religious background/beliefs, which may impact on participation in their program or course. For further information contact Student Support.

Why are Inherent Academic Requirements (IARs) important?

IARs ensure the academic integrity of a program is maintained and preserves the University's learning, assessment and accreditation processes. They must be met by all students.

How does this affect you?

To successfully complete a program at UniSC, you need to be able to meet all the Inherent Academic Requirements.

If you are applying for a program, you should read the IAR statement carefully to ensure you are able to meet them.

If you have a disability or chronic health condition, contact a UniSC Disability Advisor to talk about the adjustments that may be put in place so you can meet the requirements.

Headstart Program - Years 10 to 12

The Headstart program lets you study uni subjects while you’re still in high school. If you successfully complete two Headstart courses, you’ll get a selection rank that you could use to get into uni.

Early Offer Guarantee scheme - Year 12

The Early Offer Guarantee scheme enables Year 12 students to be offered a place at UniSC on the basis of their Principal's recommendation.

Prior study or work experience

If you:

  • have completed Year 12 (no matter how long ago)
  • have a TAFE/VET qualification
  • have relevant work experience, or
  • have studied at university before (even if you didn’t complete your studies)

You may be eligible for a selection rank, which can help you get into uni. For more detailed information selection ranks and how applications are assessed, visit Admissions explained.

Tertiary Preparation Pathway

If you don’t have qualifications or experience that will give you a selection rank, you can complete the Tertiary Preparation Pathway as a stepping stone into most degrees. You can also use TPP to complete subject prerequisites.

If you haven’t studied in a while, TPP is also a great way to brush up on essential study skills like critical reading, assignment writing and referencing.

It can also build your knowledge and confidence in the subject areas you’ll need for your degree, like science or maths. TPP courses are fee-free for eligible domestic students.

Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS)

You may be eligible for direct entry into a UniSC degree based on your potential to succeed, under UniSC’s Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS). All you have to do is complete an online application through our website.

High-school leavers completing year 12 are not eligible, and must apply through QTAC.

CSP estimate
A$16,320 - 2024 Fees
Annual tuition fee (A$, 2024)
A$27,000

Commonwealth supported places

Commonwealth supported places are substantially subsidised by the Australian Government so that students only pay 'student contribution" amounts. The student contribution amount will vary depending on the course you are studying and how much funding the Government provides.

If you accept a Commonwealth supported place you are a Commonwealth supported student. As a Commonwealth supported student you must make a contribution towards the cost of your education (unless you are enrolled in Enabling or Tertiary Preparation Pathway courses) with the majority of the cost met by the Commonwealth Government.

Commonwealth supported places are only available to domestic students. As a domestic student you are entitled to a Commonwealth supported place in an eligible program if you:

  • meet the citizenship and residency requirements
  • complete an electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF)
  • meet the University's entry requirements for your chosen program.

International fee-paying places

Annual tuition fees are based on 2024 rates and the equivalent full-time student load as per the recommended study sequence in the relevant program.

Actual fees payable are based on the actual enrolment load in a teaching period (excluding Study Abroad and Postgraduate Qualifying Pathway).

All prices quoted are in Australian Dollars (A$).

Domestic applicants apply for admission direct to UniSC.

Find out about how to apply and key application closing dates.

No matter what kind of future you’re looking for, you can find it at UniSC. Our programs offer the choice and flexibility you need to get started on any career goal.

Visit How to apply for simple steps to submit your international student application and start your UniSC experience today.

Need help with submitting your application?

UniSC has appointed representatives to assist you with submitting your application and provide information about the steps you need to complete to begin your studies. You can contact a UniSC Representative in your area.

Any questions? Contact us.

Work one-on-one with a supervisor
Top 5 in Australia for teaching quality in Communications Good Universities Guide 2023
Design and conduct a research project solving real-world problems for an industry partner

Student story

"I learned so much, not just about business communications, but about myself. It was all-encompassing and I was exposed to this amazing range of people and subjects."

Fiona Roberts Graduate
Need advice on what to study or how to apply? 
Our Student Central team can help.

Call us +61 7 5430 2890
Email us information@usc.edu.au
For locations and opening hours, visit Student Central.

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