Bachelor of Communications

On successful completion of this Course the learner will be able to :

1. evaluate and apply theoretical frameworks to the fields of media and communication
2. exercise initiative and creativity in professional practice
3. develop effective communication and practical skills necessary for digital competence and media literacy
4. utilise knowledge and skills in media and communication to engage with the complexity of global conditions, as well as the social, cultural, political, economic and technological shifts around media
5. develop cultural capabilities to engage respectfully with First Peoples and people of all cultures, and demonstrate respect for Indigenous perspectives and all cultures in their community and professional practice
6. initiate, design, deliver and promote industry-standard outcomes relevant to the two chosen specialisations, and with ethical practices in mind

Incorporating critical thinking skills as well as practical work which models industry practice, the Bachelor of Communications prepares students for a range of different positions in media and communications. The Bachelor of Communications provides training for traditional media and communication roles, but also prepares students for emerging job roles that may not yet exist in these fields. Students specialise in Web Media and Digital Experience Communication.

Bachelor Degrees prepare students to develop broad and coherent knowledge and skills in a discipline for professional work and further learning corresponding to AQF level 7 qualifications.

Recommended study pattern

Students must complete 23 subjects and meet the following requirements:

• Complete 4 core subjects (Level 1)
• Complete 4 elective subjects from the list (Level 1)
• Complete 2 core subjects (Level 2)
• Complete 3 core subjects that belong to the Digital Experience Communication Specialisation (Level 2)
• Complete 3 core subjects that belong to the Web Media Specialisation (Level 2)
• Complete 1 elective subject that belongs to the Digital Experience Communication Specialisation (Level 3)
• Complete 1 elective subject that belongs to the Web Media Specialisation (Level 3)
• Complete 1 core subject worth 0.25 EFTSL (Level 3)
• Complete 4 elective subjects (Level 3) 

Award requirements

To qualify for the Bachelor of Communications, students must complete the following:

• 13 core subjects (12 single EFTSL and 1 double EFTSL subjects)
• 10 elective subjects

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.

• Year Level 1 Subjects

• Year Level 2 Core Subjects

• Year Level 3 Core Subjects

• Year Level 3 - Digital Experience Communication Specialisation

• Year Level 3 - Web Media Specialisation

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

Indicative total fee $42,315

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.

Start your career with Curtin’s globally recognised courses and extensive industry connections. Through OUA, their online courses offer an interactive and collaborative learning experience that gets you the same degree as if you studied on campus. Curtin is a global university with a vibrant culture of innovation and collaboration and is ranked in the top one per cent of universities worldwide.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

13

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

14

This degree has four open enrolment subjects, which students may enrol into without submitting an Application Form. These subjects are:

• APC100 Academic and Professional Communications,
• COM155 Culture to Cultures
• MED104 Engaging Media
• WEB101 Web Communications

Students who successfully complete at least two of these open enrolment subjects will meet the academic entry requirements for admission to the Bachelor of Communications degree. They will still be required to satisfy all other eligibility criteria.

Applicants for a Bachelor Degree are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided athttp://futurestudents.curtin.edu.auand include flexible entry pathways. Any specific course entry and completion requirements must also be met.

Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) 70 or equivalent. Essential TEE Subjects: English, English Literature or English as an Additional Language/Dialect. STAT elements considered are E and either V or Q. While not a formal requirement for entry, students are encouraged to have basic computing skills.

TAFE Requirements: A TAFE certificate IV or a TAFE diploma.

• 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 degree entry
  • Curtin Enabling Program: UniReady - https://www.open.edu.au/degrees/uniready-enabling-subjects-curtin-university-cur-unr-deg
• Enabling degrees completed through other Australian Universities which meet minimum entry requirements for that institution will be accepted as minimum entry requirements for this degree.

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 subjects via Open Universities Australia (OUA) and English proficiency
• Successful completion of two degree level subjects 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 https://study.curtin.edu.au/applying/english-language-requirements/

*** Please Note: If any academic or legal document is not in English, you must provide a colour scan of the non-English documents, including a colour scan of the official English translations of these documents. This is for comparison purposes. ***

Credit for Recognised Learning (CRL) is assessed on individual merit and is awarded for different types of learning, for example, studies you have previously completed or for relevant work experience. Students must be admitted in an award degree of study before lodging their completed CRL application, along with all required supporting documentation for a formal assessment. To apply for CRL, please visit the Curtin University website: https://study.curtin.edu.au/credit/

It is important to note accepted documentation includes scans of the original Transcripts and/or Award Certificate; front and back; in colour; and original size. For further information see the scanned documents and certification requirements and guidelines. More information about the policies and procedures related to CRL assessment and appealing a CRL assessment outcome can be found in the Credit for Recognised Learning Policy (PDF).

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks and other essential study materials.