Bachelor of Communication

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

1. Gather and analyse media and communication research and practice in local, regional, international and global contexts   
2. Synthesise theoretical perspectives of media and communications issues and apply to changing dynamics in the field   
3. Demonstrate ethical thinking in interpersonal, social and professional contexts   
4. Demonstrate relevant critical, professional and technical skills using traditional and digital media for employment in the relevant discipline   
5. Demonstrate cognitive flexibility by applying creative, technical and critical thinking skills to address complex communication and media issues   
6. Communicate and engage with a range of audiences, stakeholders and publics through media and communication platforms using voice, text, sound and image

You might want to discover and share information, inspire action and investment, introduce new innovations, or even become a voice for those who need our help.

Develop the specialised communication skills you need for online communication, social media, creative production, news media and other contexts in a field you’re passionate about.

3 reasons to study Communication at Murdoch

1. Travel as you complete your degree by studying overseas for a semester or joining our exchange program to get a new perspective on communications.
2. Work with real organisations on real projects as part of our Work Integrated Learning program. Our students intern with a range of organisations like Lifeline WA, RAC Arena and The Salvation Army.
3. Get valuable experience in our on-campus student creative consultancy MESH. Our students have worked on projects with clients including Royal Life Saving Western Australia and the Western Australian Division of the United Nations.

What you’ll learn

Build the knowledge and skills you need to meet your career or study goals. Here are some of the things you’ll learn:

• How to communicate and engage with various stakeholders and audiences strategically
• Applying your theoretical learning in a range of settings
• Ways to think creatively to solve communication challenges 

Recommended study pattern

The Murdoch Degree Framework:

Students will complete subjects earning a total 72 credit points (cp) from all the following elements.

• Core subjects
  • Required subjects (12 cp)
  • Specified Core Electives (9 cp)
• Major subjects (24 cp)
• Discovery Study subjects (3 cp)
• Options subjects (24 cp).

Major subjects (24 cp):

Students will find details under 'Subjects in this degree'.

• Communications and Media Studies.

Options (24 cp):

Students will find details under 'Subjects in this degree'.

• Minor (12 cp), AND/OR
• General Electives.

It's best to progress through your degree steadily by building up your knowledge and skills at each year level before enrolling in the next level. This is required at Murdoch University - students must have completed 12 credit points at Level 1 before enrolling in Level 2 or 3 subjects.

Award requirements

To qualify for the Murdoch University Bachelor of Arts students must complete 72 credit points (24 subjects).

Degree Structures

Murdoch’s degree structures combine all the required elements to make a student knowledgeable, experienced, confident and successful within a chosen career. Each level of an undergraduate degree requires 24 credit points, the equivalent of a year of full-time study.

Choose your subjects

Majors

You can choose from the following majors. You must complete all eight mandatory subjects.

• Communication and Media Studies

Electives

Select from any subjects offered by Murdoch University or OUA, subject to individual subject prerequisites. Students who are considering a second major are advised to consider using Elective points (from Murdoch offerings) to meet the requirements of a second major. For available Murdoch University electives - see 'Electives' under 'Subjects in this degree'.

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.

• Core Subjects

• Specified Electives

• Communications and Media Studies

• Discovery Study

• Indigenous Knowledges and Practices

• General Electives

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

Indicative total fee $54,075

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.

Choose a brighter future and explore your possibilities as a Murdoch University student today.

This research-based university in Perth has a strong interdisciplinary focus and a reputation for outstanding teaching and ground-breaking research.

With more than 25,000 students and 2,400 staff from over 90 countries, and campuses in Dubai and Singapore, Murdoch embraces free thinking, shared ideas and knowledge to make a difference, and Open Universities Australia is certainly part of that.

Learn more about Murdoch University

Explore Murdoch University courses

QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

24

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

26

Transferring from another degree or university

If you have successfully completed university studies equivalent to at least 2 subjects (6 Murdoch credit points) you can apply to transfer to Murdoch University using your previous studies.

For all other minimum entry requirements and pathways, please refer to the course you are interested in on Murdoch University website.

School leavers gain an ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) from four degree subjects completed during Year 12, or OP (Overall Positions) in Queensland.

To apply to Murdoch University after Year 12, you must achieve English competency and have achieved your WA Certificate of Education (WACE) or its interstate equivalent along with the ATAR (or OP) relevant for your chosen degree.

An ATAR of 70.00 or higher (or a Queensland Overall Position of 14 or less) is required for admission to a Commonwealth Support Place in this degree.

If you have successfully completed a Certificate IV or higher you can apply for admission into a Commonwealth Support Place.

At Murdoch University, we value diverse abilities and motivations. If you’re a domestic student without a selection rank of 70 through ATAR, IB scores, AQF qualifications, or enabling programs, our Experience-Based Entry might be for you. This pathway considers your academic, vocational, and life achievements, including employment, volunteering, work experience, sports coaching, and leadership roles. Further information including the point calculation, document requirements, and the application form can be found at here: Experienced based entry.

Other Entry Options:

• Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT): A national test for mature age students assessing aptitude for tertiary learning. Minimum scores: 140 in Written English and 135 in Qualitative or Multiple-Choice sections.
• Completed Secondary Education: If completed more than two years ago.
• Enabling Programs:
  • STAT Preparation Course: Complete the course and sit the STAT.
  • Murdoch University OnTrack Flex: Successfully complete this program to apply for a Commonwealth Support Place.

Additional information

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: Kulbardi Aboriginal Centre
• For further admission information about this degree, please refer to Murdoch Admission Information - Communication.

To demonstrate English language competency you will need a scaled mark of at least 50 in ATAR English, Literature or English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EALD). Or equivalent of an Academic IELTS overall score of 6.0 with no band less than 6.0.

If you’ve previously studied or have professional work experience in a relevant field, you may be eligible to receive credit towards your Murdoch degree. Known as advanced standing, this recognition of prior learning could reduce your overall study load and shorten the length of time before you’re able to graduate. Find out if you are eligible and apply atRecognition of Prior Learning.

Proof of citizenship is not required for admission; however, it is required for access to Higher Education Loan Programs (HELP). Please upload a scanned copy of your birth certificate or Australian passport or citizenship certificate along with your application.