Bachelor of Arts (Internet Communications)

At the completion of this degree students will be able to:

1. understand and apply key concepts of Internet Studies and apply trans-disciplinary thinking to the application and creation of ideas concerning networked technologies of information and communication
2. think critically, creatively and reflectively so as to imagine, design, use and critique networked technologies of information and communication
3. conduct appropriate scholarly and professional research to find, access, organise, evaluate and synthesise information through a variety of media and apply that information to the construction of knowledge
4. communicate and facilitate communication through a variety of media, for different purposes, and for different audiences
5. use the Internet and related networked technologies of information and communication with an understanding of the complex interaction of political, cultural, and economic forces that constitutes technology as social
6. further develop skills and knowledge through self-directed learning
7. understand the complex interplay of local, national and global factors that influence and are expressed through the Internet and networked technologies of information and communication
8. recognise and value cultural difference and understand its significance in relation to network technologies and their use in society for communication and information
9. act ethically and responsibly to use, sustain and expand the social, business and cultural networks that exist via the Internet, when working independently and in teams.

The Bachelor of Arts (Internet Communications) provides you with an opportunity to learn in detail about the human dimensions of the Internet: how people network, collaborate, and share information through Internet communications, media and design. You will develop advanced skills in creating, maintaining and managing online communications for personal and commercial interactions, as well as gaining knowledge of the social and cultural contexts within which those interactions occur.

The approach is interdisciplinary: you develop skills in website design, public communication, social network management, collaboration and web media production. At the same time you will understand the political, economic and social changes associated with the Internet.

By combining this course with recommended electives in media, design, business, information technology, marketing, and other disciplines, you will create the right degree program for you to become an astute, engaged professional communicator via the Internet.

Students may choose to study the following combinations of two single majors to obtain the double major award:

• Internet Communications and Visual Culture
• Internet Communications and Professional Writing & Publishing
• Digital Design and Internet Communications
• Fine Art and Internet Communications

Please refer to the respective degree pages for more details.

Recommended study pattern

If you haven't studied at university level before, the OUA Pathways (please see Option 1 below) is one entry path that you can follow. OUA Pathways is ideal for students who want a structured start to their studies. Learn more about OUA Pathways

If you have studied at university level before, please follow Option 2.

If you're already enrolled in this degree, please continue with your Level 1 subjects, followed by the Level 2 and Level 3 Major subjects.

Option 1 - Pathways

• Step 1 - Complete 4 subjects from the Humanities Pathway table below.
• Step 2 - If you did not complete COM155 Culture to Cultures as part of the Humanities Pathways subject, you will need to complete this subject now. If you have completed COM155 Culture to Cultures as part of the Humanities Pathways subjects, please proceed to Step 3.
• Step 3 -  Complete 2 more core Humanities subjects (1 subject of MED104 OR MCA110; 1 subject of MCA120 OR MCA100) in the 'Media Culture & Creative Arts First Year Stream' table
• Step 4 - Complete NET102 and WEB101 in Level 1 Core Subjects
• Step 5 - Complete all Level 2 and 3 Major subjects
• Step 6 - Complete the remaining electives

Option 2

• Step 1 - Complete APC100 and COM155 in the 'Media Culture & Creative Arts First Year Stream' table
• Step 2 - Complete 2 more core Humanities subjects (1 subject of MED104 OR MCA110; 1 subject of MCA120 OR MCA100) in the 'Media Culture & Creative Arts First Year Stream' table
• Step 3- Complete two subjects from the Level 1 Core Subjects
• Step 4 - Complete all Level 2 and 3 Major subjects
• Step 5 - Complete ten electives

All students are strongly advised to contact the Degree Coordinator directly for advice internetstudies@curtin.edu.au.

Award requirements

To qualify for the Bachelor of Arts (Internet Communications), students must complete 24 subjects of study, comprising of:

• a 10-unit major in Internet Communications;
• 10 electives drawn from any other areas of study, and
• 4 general humanities subjects for breadth of education.

Please Note: For whichever category of Electives subjects, only a maximum of 2 Level 1 subjects are allowed for enrolment.

Choose your subjects

Majors

Students must complete 24 units in total: a 10-unit major in Internet Communications, 4 common core humanities units and 10 elective units. Students who have successfully gained recognition of prior learning will not be required to complete as many electives and/or humanities units. You must contact the Course Coordinator to discuss recognition of prior learning before you select your units.

Electives

Some suggested elective streams are listed that you may wish to consider: digital design, fine arts/visual culture, information studies, writing, social sciences. These have been chosen as suggested complements to your major, however, they are not the only options possible (as long as you ensure you have the requisite mix of 1st, 2nd and 3rd year electives as stated above). Please contact the course coordinator if you have any questions or concerns about your study plan. 

Please Note: When choosing electives, students need to consider whether there may be prerequisite requirements. In some cases these can be waived – please consult with the relevant coordinators for those units.

For whichever category of Electives units, only a maximum of 2 Level 1 units are allowed for enrolment. You must do at least 4 Level 2 or 3 electives unless given permission to vary this requirement. You do not have to study all the electives in one stream.

Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.

This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.

• Humanities Pathway

• Media Culture and Creative Arts First Year Stream

• Level 1 Core Subjects

• Level 2 and 3 Major units (select all)

• Electives - Internet Communications extension

• Electives - Digital Design

• Electives - Fine Arts or Visual Culture

• Electives - Information Studies

• Electives - Writing

• Electives - Social Sciences

We recommend that all students, as soon as they are eligible, should apply for and take a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP). However, if you choose not to be a CSP student, please contact OpenCurtin via email to OpenCurtin@curtin.edu.au.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $19,680

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

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• Successful completion of one full time semester (four standard units) towards an Undergraduate or higher level of study at an Australian University (separate evidence of English proficiency is not required)

• Successful study through OUA – either:
  • Successful completion of Humanities Pathway OR
  • Successful completion of four OUA degree level units at pass level (this satisfies English language proficiency requirement) OR
  • Successful completion of two OUA degree level units with separate evidence of English proficiency is required.

• Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) 70 or equivalent. Students must have English ATAR, Literature ATAR or English as an Additional Language/Dialect ATAR.  To determine your eligibility for entry please refer to Interstate Year 12 and IB Students, TISC Tertiary Institutions Service Centre link http://www.tisc.edu.au/static/guide/prerequisites-comparison.tisc

• Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Diploma or Advanced Diploma or Associate Diploma. You may also be eligible for credit toward your university study.
• Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Certificate IV and evidence of English proficiency.

• Successful completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). (Please note this test is valid for two years.)
• Finished secondary education more than two years ago
• Bridging and enabling course entry
  • Curtin Enabling Program: UniReady - https://www.open.edu.au/degrees/uniready-enabling-subjects-curtin-university-cur-unr-deg
• Enabling courses completed through other Australian Universities which meet minimum entry requirements for that institution will be accepted as minimum entry requirements for this course.

Additional information

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: Centre for Aboriginal Studies - http://karda.curtin.edu.au/
• Domestic applicants with overseas qualifications - https://courses.curtin.edu.au/course_overview/admission-requirements/

Applicants need to meet Curtin's English Language requirements. You normally need ONE of the following:

• Must have a 50% minimum in English ATAR (or equivalent).
• Completion of at least one full time semester (or equivalent) of Undergraduate level studies at an Australian University
• Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Diploma or Advanced Diploma or Associate Diploma
• Successful completion of two degree level units via Open Universities Australia (OUA) and English proficiency
• Successful completion of two degree level units at an Australian university and English proficiency
• Successful completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). (Please note this test is valid for two years.)

Please refer to the 'Minimum English Language Proficiency Requirements' document at http://students.curtin.edu.au/local/docs/English_List.pdf.

Applications for Credit for Recognised Learning (CRL) are assessed on a case by case basis according to Curtin University policies which is available at http://policies.curtin.edu.au/findapolicy/docs/Credit_for_Recognised_Learning_Manual.pdf.

Students must be admitted in an award degree of study before lodging their completed CRL application, along with all necessary documentation for a formal assessment.

To officially apply for CRL, students need to submit the CRL application form available from http://students.curtin.edu.au/administration/documents/Application_for_CRL.pdf to opencurtin@curtin.edu.au along with supporting documents. Accepted documentation includes scans of the original Transcripts and/or Award Certificate; front and back; in colour; and original size. For detailed scanned documents requirements and guidelines, please visit http://courses.curtin.edu.au/course_overview/admission-requirements/scanned-documents.cfm.

For further information, please contact opencurtin@curtin.edu.au.