Bachelor of Communication
UndergraduateGRF-COM-DEG2025
Develop communication skills for the digital age
Research and analyse media history, government regulation and broadcasting policy. Explore communications content and techniques. Graduates find work in the journalism, public relations, film, television, business and digital sectors.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Applications close
- 19 Oct 2025
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 24
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
- CSP available
- Yes
Bachelor of Communication
About this degree
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, 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, 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.
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.
Students 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 one foundation subject for each of your two majors
- Complete six level 2 and 3 subjects for each of your two majors, with at least two level 3 subjects per major
- Complete one level 2 core subject
- Complete one level 3 core double subject
- Choose your electives
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 22 subjects plus 1 double subject or equivalent as prescribed below:
- four core subjects at level 1, one core subject at level 2 and one core double subject at level 3
- the recommended level 1 foundation subjects subjects for their chosen majors
- two major sequences of six level 2 and 3 subjects each from Business Communication, Creative Writing, Journalism, Public Relations or Screen and Media Studies, with at least two subjects at level 3 for each major
- three elective subjects
Other Award Requirements
- 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 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 and Media Studies
Electives
You may select your electives from the list below, or any other undergraduate unit offered by Open Universities Australia, providing that any required prerequisites have been met.
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.
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.
Transition arrangements are changes that occur when courses are updated or phased out. This happens regularly as part of continuous improvement. It may affect you if you are currently enrolled in this course, or if you plan to use credit from previous study towards it.
No courses have been withdrawn from offer. New course, LHS258 Media Innovation and Entrepreneurship is now available to all Public Relations students, including those who commenced prior to 2023.
A large number of courses have been given new codes. Students who have completed a course under the old code are not required to complete the new code. Recoding as follows:
- COM10 is now COM101 Academic Writing
- COM12 is now COM121 Business Communication
- COM14 is now COM141 Creative And Professional Writing
- COM15 is now COM151 Developing Research and Analytical Skills
- COM19 is now COM191 Image, Text and Culture
- COM21 is now COM211 Management Communication
- COM22 is now COM221 Issues in Contemporary Communication
- COM31 is now COM311 Organisational Communication
- CMM10 is now CMM101 Cinema History
- CMM17 is now CMM171 Introduction to Screen Analysis
- CMM26 is now CMM261 Media Law
- CMM28 is now CMM281 Hollywood Cinema
- CMM31 is now CMM311 Media Audiences
- CMM37 is now CMM371 Documentary Scriptwriting
- CMM38 is now CMM381 Drama Screenwriting
- LCS31 is now LCS311 Australian Literature and History 1890 to 1929
- LCS32 is now LCS321 Australian Literature and History 1930 to 1990
- LHS34 is now LHS341 Advanced Project
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative first year fee
$17,000
Indicative total fee $51,000
The amounts shown here are 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.
With a network of campuses spanning three cities in South East Queensland, Griffith University is committed to progressive multidisciplinary teaching and research and a valuable online provider with Open Universities Australia. Already attracting students from over one hundred countries, Griffith's dedication to academic excellence is available across Australia through OUA.
Learn more about Griffith University.
Explore Griffith courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 18
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 21
Entry requirements
Start small with no entry requirements
Yes, you can get into this degree!
Gain entry through single subjects, regardless of your ATAR or study history. Here’s how:
Single subjects
Start with subjects
Enrol and pass subjects from this degree. You can get access to HELP loans if you’re eligible. This enrolment option is only available through Open Universities Australia.
We’ll recommend starting subjects for you when you enrol.
Enrol in single subjectsContinue to the Bachelor of Communication
Enter the degree with full credits from your subjects. You’ll study for the same amount of time as students who go straight into the degree.
At least 2 OUA undergraduate units or equivalent with a minimum GPA of 4.0, completed in the last 12 months at the time of application for admission
A Rank of 65.00 or an ATAR Score of 65.00
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 website:
Career opportunities
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.
Australian job snapshots
Data sourced from Australian Jobs 2023.
| Role | Earnings | Employment change |
|---|---|---|
| Advertising and Marketing Professionals | $75K to $93K | Up 21.3% |
| Journalists and Other Writers | $75K to $93K | Up 0.9% |
| Marketing specialists | N/A^ | N/A^ |
| Public Relations Professionals | $93K to $120K | Up 20.8% |
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Degree FAQs
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There are some degrees that are stricter about when you can take breaks, and about how many years you can take to complete your degree. Please always check with your uni what the limits are.
As a general guide, Commonwealth supported place students have 10 years to finish their undergraduate degree through OUA, However, if you're studying with Griffith University, there's a limit of 8 years to complete your studies. If you want to take a break that lasts more than two study terms, you'll need to apply for a leave of absence. You can apply for a leave of absence for up to 12 months, as long as you complete your studies within the maximum time allowed for your degree.
If you're studying with Macquarie University, with the exception of certain degrees, there's no limit to how long you can take. But, please check with Macquarie Student Administration to be sure.
If you're studying with the University of Adelaide, you have up to 9 years to complete your undergraduate degree and graduate.
If you're studying with La Trobe University and want to take a break of minimum 1 study term, you must apply for leave of absence to avoid being inadvertently withdrawn from your degree.
Through OUA, you can study all year round, so it's possible to fast-track and finish up sooner than studying at a traditional uni would allow. That said, you need to spend around 12 hours a week on each undergraduate subject you do, so taking on extra work to finish ahead of time can be challenging.
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