Bachelor of Media and Communication with a major in Advertising
UndergraduateSWI-MCA-DEG2027
Course information for 2027 intake View information for 2026 course intake
Use your creativity to engage and influence today’s crowded marketplace
With a focus on digital advertising, this degree prepares you for roles in today’s dynamic advertising industry. Learn how to create content and plan campaigns. Access industry leaders to model their professional conduct and learn how agencies work.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 25
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
- CSP available
- Yes
Bachelor of Media and Communication with a major in Advertising
About this degree
Key Learnings Include:
- Copywriting: Apply appropriate communication and persuasion theories to advertising copywriting.
- Campaign Planning: Understand advanced advertising practice, applied to the development and implementation of advertising campaigns.
- Client & Agency Management: Develop a high level of proficiency in professional oral and written communication skills in order to manage clients and agency projects.
- Professional Communication: Develop your interpersonal skills to establish and manage both inter and intra agency relationships, and also relationships with clients.
Craft campaigns that connect and convert.
As one of the very few universities to offer an online advertising degree, Swinburne gives you the opportunity to learn from industry leaders. You will understand how to design, create and deliver content and campaigns with impact and gain the practical skills you need to excel in a range of roles in the dynamic and ever-changing advertising industry.
The Bachelor of Media and Communication with a major in Advertising has a special focus on digital advertising and will equip you with the tools to excel in digital and traditional copywriting, online advertising trends, planning online and traditional campaigns, and communication strategy.
Our graduates are ready to work in a diverse range of settings, including agencies, large corporate organisations, small businesses, not-for-profit and government departments.
Recommended study pattern
To be awarded the Bachelor of Media and Communication with a major in Advertising you must complete 24 units in total made up of:
Core Units
Introduction to Media Studies (MDA10001)
Learning and Communicating Online (COM10003)
Global Media Industries (MDA10008)
Communicating with Data (MDA10012)
Content Creator Lab (MDA10018)
Advertising Major Units
Principles of Advertising (ADV10001)
Digital Advertising (ADV10002)
Advertising Issues and Impact (ADV20004)
Creativity and Ideation (ADV20005)
Business of Media (DA20001)
Advertising, Media Planning and Purchasing (DV30001)
Emerging Advertising Technologies (ADV30003)
Advertising Management and Campaigns Project (ADV30002)
Electives
Complete eleven (11) electives to round out your degree. Tailor your course to suit your strengths, interests, and career goals by choosing elective units.
Award requirements
To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Media and Communication students must complete 300 credit points comprising of: Introductory Studies:
- Four (4) Core Units of Study (50cp)
- One (1) online core unit of study (12.5cp)*
- Eight (8) units of study from one of the following Media and Communication majors: Advertising, Media Studies and Public Relations (100cp)
- Eleven (11) units of study (150 credit points) comprising of a second major, co-major, advanced minor, minor/s, and/or electives.
Students may not complete more than 125 cps (normally 10 units) at Introductory Level. A unit of study can only be counted once, where units are shared between majors and/or minors, students must choose an approved alternate.
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative first year fee
$17,399
Indicative total fee $52,197
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.
Study on your own terms with this forward-thinking university.
It offers a wide range of study options, from pre-apprenticeships, undergraduate, postgraduate and PhDs, including online degrees with Open Universities Australia. Swinburne is known for career-oriented education and encouraging lifelong learning.
Learn more about Swinburne University of Technology
Explore Swinburne University of Technology courses
- QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:
- 19
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:
- 15
How to apply
Swinburne University of Technology manages enquiries and applications for this degree.
Complete your details and we'll make sure your enquiry is sent to Swinburne University of Technology who will contact you to discuss this degree.
Don't worry, we're still here to help you - you'll receive a personalised follow-up from an Open Universities Australia student advisor to make sure you have found the right degree for you.
Entry requirements
Applicants are required to meet one of the following minimum entry requirements:
- A completed or partially completed tertiary qualification (e.g. relevant Certificate IVs, Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Associate Degree, incomplete or complete Bachelor’s degree); or
- 4+ years of relevant work experience; or
- Recent Year 12 Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or equivalent completion, with the required English study score.
International students are required to demonstrate their English proficiency before enrolling into a Swinburne Online degree by undertaking one of the following English language tests:
- The International English Language Test Score (IELTS), OR
- The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score.
Credit for Prior Learning
If you have completed recent prior studies you may be eligible to request course credit or subject exemptions to reduce the duration and cost of your program.
Credit for prior learning evaluates your previous studies related to your chosen subjects.
This is assessed on a case by case basis, where every applicant is assessed individually.
Career opportunities
Let’s take a look at the wide range of roles you can pursue with a Bachelor of Media and Communication with a major in Advertising:
Advertising Manager Plan, direct, and coordinate advertising campaigns and promotional activities to drive brand awareness and sales. Advertising Managers work in-house or with agencies, managing budgets and creative teams to execute campaigns across multiple media platforms.
Digital Marketing Specialist Execute digital marketing campaigns designed to target users on multiple platforms. Measure campaign success and use technical and creative skills to implement campaigns which drive sales and brand awareness.
Advertising Coordinator Coordinate the creation, production, and placement of advertising materials across various media, both online and offline. Work with internal teams and external clients, ensuring campaigns are executed effectively and meet deadlines.
Advertising Creative Develop and execute advertising campaigns that effectively promote products, services, or brands. Generate creative ideas, craft compelling messages, and oversee the production process across various media channels.
Communications Consultant Develop and implement communication strategies for organisations, aiming to enhance their reputation and build positive relationships with stakeholders. This role involves developing communication plans, creating content, managing media relations, and sometimes handling crisis communication.
Social Media Specialist Create and execute social strategies to boost brand awareness, engagement, and traffic across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn. Social Media Specialists are also involved in content creation, scheduling, reporting, and paid advertising management.
Australian job snapshots
Data sourced from Australian Jobs 2024.
| Role | Earnings | Employment change |
|---|---|---|
| Advertising and Marketing Professionals | $80K to $99K | Up 21.3% |
| Advertising Managers | N/A^ | N/A^ |
| Advertising Specialists | N/A^ | N/A^ |
| Advertising, Public Relations and Sales Managers | Over $128K | Up 18.5% |