Communication courses

A degree in communication will help you deliver the right message at the right time on the right platform

Help me choose a course

Introduction to Communication

Are you ready to start your career in communications—or take your current role even further? There’s an online communications course out there to suit your needs, and we’re here to help you find it.

Understand how modern communication has evolved, hone your writing skills, engage with emerging technologies, and explore different media forms. These flexible study options could be your launching pad into the exciting world of media and marketing, or a powerful way to sharpen your professional edge.

Explore communication courses
Emma_Journlism
Emma studied a Bachelor of Communication with Griffith University, through Open Universities Australia

Discover communication courses

Online communication subjects and short courses

Curtin University
Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 1 Sep 2025, 1 Dec 2025
University of South Australia

Intercultural Communication

UndergraduateUSA-LANG1064

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 22 Sep 2025
Griffith University
Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 3 Nov 2025
La Trobe University

Imagining Language

UndergraduateLTU-LIN1IML

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 28 Jul 2025
View all subjects

Online communication degrees

University of Canberra

Master of Communication

PostgraduateUOC-COM-MAS

Take the lead in communication

Study method
100% online
Duration
2 years full time or part time equivalent
University of New England

Bachelor of Media and Communications

UndergraduateUNE-MCM-DEG

Creative communications for the digital era

Study method
100% online
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
Griffith University

Prepare for a strategic communications role or further study

Study method
100% online
Flinders University

Diploma in Digital Content Creation

UndergraduateFLI-DCC-DIP

Your love for posting content can materialise into a career

Study method
100% online
Duration
1 year full time or part time equivalent
View all bachelor degrees

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Communication study FAQs

What will I learn in a communications course?

It depends on what you study, and whether you choose to explore communications in general or focus on a major.

The online communication courses available through Open Universities Australia cover topics like:

  • Business communication: Learn how companies engage with staff and customers.

  • Communication strategies: Connect your organisation, message, and audience in meaningful and creative ways.

  • New media: Explore mass communication across the internet using digital technology.

  • Writing: Add composition to your communications toolkit, as well as publishing and editing on various platforms.

A communication course typically won’t cover writing for current affairs. If this is your passion, consider a journalism course instead.

What's the difference between communications and media studies?

Communication courses and media studies are similar, but there are several key differences.

A media studies course explores how mass media shapes our world through social media, news, film, and TV.

On the other hand, a communication course more broadly examines the purpose and form of communication for settings like business and government, and dives deeper into subjects like writing and strategising.

Media studies is an excellent option for those wanting to work in mass media, but if you want to be part of Australia’s art and film scene, a course specifically in film and TV could be a better fit.

What are the entry requirements for studying communications?

Entry requirements differ by course and university, so you should carefully read the eligibility criteria of the courses you’re interested in before applying.

If you don’t meet the entry requirements, don’t panic. Our friendly team may be able to help you find a pathway into study, for instance, through open-entry single subjects. Book a consultation to find out more.

How long does it take to complete a communications course?

It depends on the course and whether you choose something short or long-term. Here’s a general guide:

Course

Duration

Single subject

10-18 weeks

Short course

10-18 weeks

Undergraduate certificate

6 months (if full time)

Diploma

1 year (if full time)

Associate degree

2 years (if full time)

Bachelor degree

3 years (if full time)

Graduate certificate

6 months (if full time)

Graduate diploma

1 year (if full time)

Masters degree

2 years (if full time)

If you study a degree in communication through Open Universities Australia, you have the flexibility to choose how many subjects you take per term. This means you can complete your qualification at a faster or slower pace than you would on campus.

Can I study communications online while working part- or full-time?

Yes, absolutely. When you enrol in online study through Open Universities Australia, you’re able to study as much or little per term as you like. Got a big work project coming up? Drop down to one subject or pause your studies altogether for a term. You can also complete any online communication degrees available through Open Universities Australia part-time.

Will I have the chance to work on practical projects and build a portfolio of work?

Depending on your chosen course, you may be able to complete work experience or an industry project. However, this is not the case for every communication degree, so if it’s important to you to work on practical projects, you should ensure you choose one of the online communication courses that offers this.

Remember that you can always seek internship and work experience opportunities while studying.

What careers can I explore after studying communications?

There is an abundance of careers out there for passionate communicators. As a graduate of one of the online communication courses offered through Open Universities Australia, you’ll be able to find work in many different fields.

Graduates take on roles in:

  • Advertising and marketing

  • Business writing

  • Copywriting

  • Creative writing

  • Media and journalism

  • Public relations

  • Publishing and editing

  • Technical writing

  • Travel writing

  • TV and film production

How do I enrol?

Enrolling online is simple. Here’s how it works:

1. Find your course

2. Start your enrolment

  • When you’re ready, click ‘Start studying now’ on the course page.

  • Follow the prompts to begin your enrolment.

  • You’ll need to provide supporting documents, such as:

3. Wait for confirmation

Your chosen university will email you to confirm if your enrolment has been successful.

Note: Some courses have enquiries and applications handled directly by the university. If this applies, it will be clearly stated on the course listing page.

For more details, check our online self-service enrolment guide. And if you need help at any stage, contact us and we’ll talk you through it.

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