Undergraduate

Communication and Media Studies

Communication and Media Studies is one of the most exciting and rapidly evolving areas of study in today's media-driven world.
3
Years Full Time

Contact us

Address

Student Central

The University of Western Australia (M355), 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, Western Australia 6009

Telephone

131 UWA (131 892)

International

(+61 8) 6488 1000

Hours

8.30am - 5pm AWST, Monday - Friday

Frequently asked questions

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Careers and further study

This course opens up a world of future study pathways and career opportunities.

Career Pathways

Graduates are highly sought-after in areas such as content creation, journalism, advertising, marketing, public relations, multimedia production, public administration, UX design, analysis, government and education. Our graduates have gone on to succeed in government, corporate and political communication roles, journalism, film production, media research, marketing, public relations, strategic communication, public service, teaching, event management and promotions, information management, campaign management, web design, game design, professional photography, and a wide range of other rewarding careers.

Potential career opportunities include:

  • Advertising Strategist
  • Communication Manager
  • Copywriter
  • Journalist
  • Media Advisor
  • Video and Content Producer

Graduates are highly sought-after in areas such as content creation, journalism, advertising, marketing, public relations, multimedia production, public administration, UX design, analysis, government and education. Our graduates have gone on to succeed in government, corporate and political communication roles, journalism, film production, media research, marketing, public relations, strategic communication, public service, teaching, event management and promotions, information management, campaign management, web design, game design, professional photography, and a wide range of other rewarding careers.

Potential career opportunities include:

  • Advertising Strategist
  • Communication Manager
  • Copywriter
  • Journalist
  • Media Advisor
  • Video and Content Producer

Further Study

This major lays the foundation for further study at honours and postgraduate level such as a Master of Strategic Communication, Master of International Relations,  Master of Marketing, or a Master of Commerce.
This major lays the foundation for further study at honours and postgraduate level such as a Master of Strategic Communication, Master of International Relations,  Master of Marketing, or a Master of Commerce.

Fees and scholarships

Learn more about the fees that apply to you for this course. For fee type definitions and further assistance, see the Fee Calculator Help page. You can also search our database for scholarships that are relevant to you or this course

Domestic Student Fees

For Commonwealth-supported places, student contribution amounts are charged by unit, based on area of study. For a fee estimate, go to the Fee Calculator and select “I want to price my units”. Fees are subject to annual indexation. Refer to the Handbook to identify the units required. More information on how fees are calculated.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.

Cost of living

There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.

International Student Fees

Annual course fee
2024
$45,800.00
2025
$48,300.00

Onshore international students are charged an annual course fee, charged per credit point at a rate dependent on the course in which the student is enrolled. Annual course fees are calculated based on an annual study load. Check the handbook to confirm the annual study load for your course.

Find out more about international student tuition fees and visit the fee calculator for the relevant course fees.

Fees are subject to annual indexation.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.

Cost of living

There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.

Admission requirements

The University of Western Australia welcomes applications from international and domestic school-leavers. If you’re interested in studying this major, find out the admission details below.

Minimum entry requirements

Below you’ll find a list of admission equivalencies for this course's Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR).

Admission requirements

For applicants with recent secondary education, information on admission criteria is available on our entry requirements page or on the UWA Handbook for course specific requirements and prerequisites.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

English competency

English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place.

Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

How to apply

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Ready for the next step?

Find out how to apply through our simple online application process. 

We'll guide you through our entry requirements, admission pathways available to you and application deadlines for your chosen course. 

We can’t wait for you to join us!  

Apply now

Course details

Explore your interest in the ever-changing worlds of digital media, social media, journalism, video making, interactive media and games, while perfecting your ability to express, persuade and argue. This major facilitates your practical communication and digital media skills alongside theoretical knowledge, providing you with an essential platform for becoming an effective and powerful communicator.

About the course

Communication and Media Studies provides you with practical training in communication and digital media skills alongside essential theoretical knowledge, to teach you how to be an effective and powerful communicator.
Communication and Media Studies

Quick details

Status
  • Available
Locations
  • Perth (Crawley campus)
Attendance
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
Delivery
  • On-campus
Starting dates
  • February, July
Weekly contact time
  • 12-15 contact hours, plus your own study time
Level of study
  • Undergraduate
Course Code
  • MJD-CMMST
Full time/part time duration
  • 3 years (BA); 4 years (BPhil [Hons])
Communication and Media Studies
Status
  • Available
Locations
  • Perth (Crawley campus)
Attendance
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
Delivery
  • On-campus
Starting dates
  • February, July
Weekly contact time
  • 12-15 contact hours, plus your own study time
Level of study
  • Undergraduate
Course Code
  • MJD-CMMST
Full time/part time duration
  • 3 years (BA); 4 years (BPhil [Hons])
Honours Available
  • Yes
Degrees course is available in
  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)

Top 6 skills you will gain through this major

  • Creative expression
  • Persuasion
  • Team work
  • Collaboration
  • Analytical reasoning
  • Media production

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A day in the life of a communications student

Spend a day in the shoes of Jack - an artist, photographer and filmmaker pursuing a Master of Strategic Communication. 

Put theory into practice

Current UWA students are eligible to take one of our professional experience units. These units bridge the gap between university and the workplace by providing opportunities to gain hands-on, practical experience. You can master new skills, make connections and network, get a taste of the opportunities in the workforce and add experience to your resume, all before graduating.

Find out more about Work Integrated Learning.

Course Structure

Our undergraduate degrees offer you a broad range of options allowing you to combine subjects in a way that matches your career goals and personal interests.

Popular combinations

Why study this course?

  • Gain sought-after skills in creativity, problem solving, teamwork, project management and persuasion
  • Learn to use the latest digital and multimedia tools
  • Become a versatile, creative and responsible communicator
ALUMNI

Andrew Wong

ALUMNI
Andrew Wong

Work integrated learning

  • COMM3002 Media Production Project: Students undertake supervised, collaborative, studio-based work, creating a project to be delivered at a public showcase and ultimately become part of their portfolio
  • COMM3003: Designing Interactive Media: Students are tasked to design a play experience, generally a board game, to a professional standard
  • COMM3004: Journalism and Strategic Communication: Students develop portfolios of journalistic and professional strategic writing
  • Students are strongly encouraged to take WILG2201 – which encompasses a professional placement in a workplace for university credit

A day in the life of a communications student

Seeking a career in sports media? Katrina chose to pair her Commerce degree with a Master of Strategic Communication. Read more in A day in the life of a communications student

Why take a second major

  • Expand your skills - Taking a second major either in a complementary area or in something like Economics or Business Law will show you have developed transferable skills such as, teamwork, critical thinking, digital literacy and presentation skills – which are highly sought after in the workforce.
  • Add it to your resume – Employers are looking for graduates who have skills in a variety of areas. Two majors will expand your career prospects and help you stand out amongst the crowd.

For Communications, UWA graduates have the highest median salaries in Australia (Good Universities Guide 2023)

Your degree options

This major is offered as a degree-specific, or first, major for these degrees. It is also offered as a second major in our other bachelor's degrees.

You'll learn to

  • engage in creative, critical and reflective thinking, and be able to express yourself eloquently and effectively
  • use a range of production tools and approaches
  • work collaboratively to manage complicated tasks and produce media content to professional standards
  • develop a critical understanding of cultural and ethical implications associated with media and communication
  • use your literary skills to be impactful and responsible communicators

Aaron D'Cruz

Aaron D'Cruz

Taylah Jones

Taylah Jones
CURRENT STUDENT

Elizabeth Nguyen

CURRENT STUDENT