Media Law
UndergraduateGRF-CMM2612027
Previously GRF-CMM26
Course information for 2027 intake View information for 2026 course intake
Enrolments for this course are closed, but you may have other options to start studying now. Book a consultation to learn more.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Media Law
About this subject
On successful completion of this subject, you'll be able to:
- Analyse basic legal constraints on public communication using traditional, digital and social media formats;
- Apply elementary principles of media law (with extra emphasis on defamation and contempt) as they apply to public communication;
- Discuss the relationships between key legal institutions and the media; and
- Synthesise relevant literature to support your argument in the critical analysis of key aspects of media law.
- Media law in the digital age
- Freedom of expression and responsible communication
- Australia's legal and regulatory framework
- Open justice and freedom of information
- Court reporting and contempt of court
- Defamation law and reputation management
- Defences to defamation claims
- Confidentiality and source protection
- National security, anti-terrorism and hate speech laws
- Copyright and intellectual property
- Key communication business laws affecting freelancers
- Privacy and personal information
- Legal issues in public relations, freelancing and digital media
Effective communication requires more than strong writing and storytelling skills, it also requires an understanding of the legal boundaries that govern what can be published, shared and reported.
This subject provides an introduction to the legal environment surrounding journalism, public relations and professional communication in Australia. You'll examine the laws, regulations and principles that influence how information is gathered, created and distributed across traditional media, social media and emerging digital platforms.
Through real scenarios, you'll investigate issues including freedom of expression, defamation, privacy, confidentiality, copyright and access to information. You'll also explore the legal constraints surrounding court reporting, publication of sensitive material and the balance between public interest and individual rights.
Gain insight into the challenges facing communicators in a digital and socially connected media landscape, where information can be published and shared instantly across multiple channels. You'll learn how legal obligations apply to online publishing, social media content, public relations practice and independent media ventures.
You'll gain a practical understanding of the legal considerations that affect professional communication and the confidence to make informed publishing decisions while reducing the risk of legal disputes.
PLEASE NOTE: Media Law is taught in a 12-week teaching mode in Study Session 1 each year. In Study Session 3, the subject is delivered in an intensive six-week teaching mode, with the remaining six weeks dedicated to completion of the final assessment.
- Essay/Law Reform Submission (40%)
- Final Quiz (10%)
- Final Take Home Assignment (50%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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 University courses
- QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:
- 18
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:
- 20
Entry requirements
Equivalent subjects
You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:
GRF-CMM26 (Not currently available)
Others
Level 2 subjects normally assume an introductory level of prior knowledge in this area, e.g. from studying related Level 1 subjects or other relevant experience.
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
Advanced Diploma in Journalism
UndergraduateGRF-JRN-ADP
Advanced Diploma in Strategic Communication
UndergraduateGRF-SCM-ADP
UndergraduateGRF-COM-DEG
UndergraduateGRF-JRN-DIP
Diploma of Strategic Communication
UndergraduateGRF-SCM-DIP
Undergraduate Certificate in Strategic Communication
UndergraduateGRF-SCM-CTF
Advanced Diploma in Creative Writing
UndergraduateGRF-CWR-ADP
UndergraduateGRF-ART-DEG
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