Degree structure

Degree details

KNOWLEDGE
Graduates of the Bachelor of Communication will have:

  • a broad and coherent body of knowledge about media, society and communicative practice in one or more disciplines in Communication including Journalism, Public Relations, Creative Writing and Literature, Intercultural Communication, Languages, Media and Cultural Studies and creative industries such as, photography, popular music, video and digital production
  • knowledge of the principles and practices of research in a Communication industry environment and apply them in a range of public and professional contexts
  • Knowledge of the key questions about communication and society and how these ideas develop, evolve and vary in their manifestation
  • knowledge of cross-cultural competence, global awareness and a sense of social justice in order to communicate with both professional and personal ethical reflection and a commitment to life-long inquiry and civic engagement.

SKILLS
Graduates of the Bachelor of Communication will have:

  • conceptual skills to question, investigate, critically analyse knowledge about media, society and communicative
  • cognitive and research skills to investigate, gather information, critique and synthesize knowledge about communication in general, with depth in specific disciplines including Journalism, Public Relations, Creative Writing and Literature, Intercultural Communication, Languages, Media and Cultural Studies and creative industries such as, photography, popular music, video and digital production
  • technical skills in assessing and using, written, audio-visual and online research sources
  • skills in communication and creative expression to articulate ideas, work independently and collaboratively to produce effective communications within a wide range of challenging career contexts
  • communication skills to present clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas to a broad audience.

APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
Graduates of the Bachelor of Communication will demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills in diverse public, professional, creative and/or scholarly pathways:

  • with initiative and judgement in research, thinking, theories and methods to address complex issues in producing effective communications
  • with reasoned decisions based on verifiable information and evidence and communicating that to audiences large and small
  • with critical, ethical, creative and imaginative thinking in making communication decisions
  • with reference to relevant communication contexts
  • by communicating professionally and creatively and with responsibility and accountability through oral, textual, visual, digital and interpersonal modes to contribute to the transmission of ideas and social improvement.

Graduates will be ready for work in Journalism, Public Relations, Business Communications, New Media, Film and Television. They will be prepared to excel in administrative, marketing and creative roles in the cultural communications industries. This degree will be the backbone to a successful career in communication and related fields.

Higher education via OUA

  • At least 2 OUA undergraduate subjects or equivalent with a minimum GPA of 4.0, completed in the last 12 months at the time of application for admission

Secondary education

An OP of 15, a Rank of 66 or an ATAR Score of 61.85*

*These scores/rankings apply to this program for 2018. Until this information is updated in early 2019, applications will continue to be assessed using the requirements listed above as a guide.

Students may be able to receive credit for previous studies conducted at other institutions. Please contact the Open Universities Australia Officer, Griffith (OUA) Services at Griffith University.

A prospective student who has previously completed or partially completed a degree, may be eligible for a CSP and may also be eligible for credit transfer. For more information, please visit the following web page: 
​https://www.griffith.edu.au/apply/credit-for-prior-learning-and-articulation

Griffith University offers this degree to provide students with the opportunity to develop key skills and knowledge essential to the media and communication industries. Comprehensive coverage will be given, including media research and analysis skills, knowledge of film and media history including broadcasting policy, regulation, content critique, development techniques applicable in journalism, and new media settings.

Recommended Study Pattern

Upon being accepted into Griffith University, you may apply for credit for prior learning which may reduce the time it will take to complete your degree.

This degree is an OUA Pathways degree, which means there is a recommended series of subjects that, once successfully completed, can be credited towards this degree. To commence the Pathway for this degree, simply select subjects from the Pathway stream.

Students who aren't taking part in OUA Pathways are recommended to follow this study pattern:

  • Study four Level 1 core subjects
  • Choose your two Majors and start with the Level 1 major subjects
  • Complete eight subjects from each of your two Majors
  • Complete Level 2 and Level 3 core subjects
  • Choose your electives

Students completing the combination of the Journalism and Public Relations major will need to complete two additional elective subject options due to the inclusion of CJR200 and CMM26 in each of these streams. Please contact Griffith directly for clarification.

Award Requirements

The degree will normally be of three year duration for full-time students. Part time students enrolled prior to 2016 may take up to 10 years to accumulate subjects towards the degree. However part time students commencing from 2016 will have 8 years to accumulate subjects towards the degree. Upon being accepted into Griffith University, you may apply for credit for prior learning which may reduce the time it will take to complete your degree.

To be eligible for the award of the Bachelor of Communication, a student must complete 24 subjects or equivalent as prescribed below:

  • A student must complete four core subjects at Level 1, one core subject at Level 2 and one core subject at Level 3
  • A student must complete the recommended subjects for their chosen majors at Level 1
  • A student must complete two major sequences of eight subjects each from Business Communication, Creative Writing, Journalism, Public Relations or Screen Studies with at least six subjects at third year level
  • The remaining elective subjects for the degree can be made up from a combination of first, second and third year level
  • Complete no more than 10 subjects in the degree at first year level
  • Complete at least 6 subjects in the degree at third year level
  • Note: In accordance with the University's Credit Transfer Policy and notwithstanding the amount of credit which may be given towards the Bachelor of Communication, a student undertaking this program is required to complete a minimum of 8 subjects of second and third year subjects offered through Griffith University which are part of the Bachelor of Communication degree requirements and which have not been credited towards another award.

Choose your subjects

Majors

Bachelor of Communication students select two from these five Majors:

  • Journalism
  • Public Relations
  • Business Communication
  • Creative Writing
  • Screen Studies
Electives

You may select your electives from the list below, or any other Humanities unit in the degree not already listed, providing that any required prerequisites have been met.

Students are required to register with Griffith University for this award by completing a Registration form and paying the required fee. The non-refundable $150 registration fee is payable when the form is submitted. While there is no immediate requirement for potential students to register in the degree degree, students are recommended to register as soon as possible, in order to receive advice on credit and subject selection.