• Program summary
• Program overview
• Career opportunities 
• Special features
• Credit transfer, recognition of prior learning and articulation
• Program structure
• Program requirements and notes
• Enquiries

Program summary

QTAC code: 011041
OP/Rank for 2009 entry: OP-18 / Rank-64
Award abbreviation: BComn
Degree type: undergraduate
Mode of study: on campus
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Fee type 2010: Commonwealth supported places, visiting non-award domestic places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 288
Recommended prior study: English
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
USC program code: AR342
CRICOS code: 058396G

Program overview

The Bachelor of Communication prepares you for creative work in a digital world. Developed and taught in conjunction with industry, the program provides you with skills to succeed in the competitive communication and information industries.

You will undertake courses in professional and creative writing, public relations, screen studies, journalism, publishing and advertising. Studies have a practical focus; emphasise professional communication; and offer a balanced mix of theory, analysis and professional experience.

In the first year, you will learn the foundation skills in communication studies. In the second year, you will focus more closely on specialised strands, such as professional communication, advertising, public relations, creative writing or journalism. In your final year, you may undertake a professional work placement in local communication industries and complete individual or small group production workshops.

As a Bachelor of Communication student, you can obtain a major (eight courses) in Communication Studies, Public Relations, Creative Writing or Journalism.

Career opportunities

Careers in the communication and information industries can include:

• advertising
• corporate communication
• creative writing
• journalism
• film and television writing
• media research
• public relations
• tourism
• web editing

Special features

• provides preparation for work in a range of creative industries
• industry professionals are involved in course delivery
• opportunity to undertake a professional placement for one semester

Program structure

Core courses

Select 2 courses from:
COR109 Intellectual Property
COR110 Public International Law
COR111 Communication and Thought

Introductory courses

1 required course:
CMN102 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
Plus select 1 course from:
CMN116 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
CMN120 Communication Theory and Practice
CMN130 Introduction to Creative Writing
CMN140 Public Relations Strategies and Tactics

Plus select 2 introductory courses from another Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences area of study other than Communication

Advanced courses

Select 12 advanced level courses from:

• Communication Studies
• Creative Advertising
• Creative Writing
• Journalism 
• Public Relations

Note: two of the following courses may also be counted towards the 12 advanced courses:

EGL201 Introduction to Journalism
EGL285 Introduction to Creative Advertising
INT270 Reality Bites: An Exploration of Non-Fiction

Elective courses

Select 6 elective courses from any faculty (Arts and Social Sciences, Business or Science, Health and Education) which may include the Advertising minor.

Course substitution: the GO (Global Opportunities) Program

As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the GO Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider

Program requirements and notes

1. No more than 10 introductory level courses are to be completed, including core courses, in the BComn.
2. No courses may be counted towards more than one major or minor.
3. A maximum of 6 Business or Science, Health and Education courses (72 units) can be included in the BComn.
4. Required introductory courses may count towards some majors and minors.
5. An introductory level course has a number less than 200 in its course code. An advanced level course has a number greater than 200 and less than 400 in its course code.
6. Refer to the Academic Rules.
7. Refer to explanation of terms.
8. Refer to the recommended enrolment patterns.
9. Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including, for example, essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests, and examinations.
10. International students need to refer to the University's English language proficiency requirements.

Enquiries

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Tel: +61 7 5430 1259

Program Leader
Associate Professor Stephen Lamble
Tel: +61 7 5459 4478
Email: slamble@usc.edu.au

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