Media Law, Policy and Ethics

Undergraduate | 2026

Course page banner
Mode icon
Mode
Mode
Your studies will be on-campus, and may include some online delivery
On campus
area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
MDIA 2022
Course ID icon
Course ID
207669
Campus icon
Campus
Adelaide City Campus East, Adelaide City Campus West, Magill
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course owner
Course owner
School of Comm, Media and Jour
Course coordinator
Course coordinator
Charlotte Chalklen
Course level icon
Course level
2
Work Integrated Learning course
Work Integrated Learning course
No
Study abroad and student exchange icon
Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
Yes
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes

Course overview

This course will explore the legal, policy, and regulatory frameworks governing media establishments in Australia and internationally, with a focus on freedom of speech and the media. Students will examine how these frameworks influence media operations and the public's ability to communicate, considering both benefits and limitations. Students will analyse and evaluate approaches to media governance by comparing media regulation in different countries. The course will also assess the effectiveness of current media policies in adapting to technological advancements and will explore the role of ethical codes and accountability measures in promoting responsible media practices.

Course learning outcomes

  • Analyse and compare the media laws, policies, and regulatory frameworks in Australia with those of other nations, understanding how they enable or constrain effective media environments
  • Understand the legal obligations, rights, and ethical considerations governing media practitioners in the execution of their professional duties
  • Critically evaluate the challenges and limitations of applying existing media laws and regulations to emerging digital and new media environments
  • Develop critical thinking and case analysis skills to assess the relevance, appropriateness, and complex issues associated with media regulatory frameworks
  • Examine the changing media landscapes and their potential legal and regulatory implications, demonstrating research and evaluation abilities related to media laws and policies
  • Analyse and apply ethical principles, codes of conduct, and decision-making frameworks to navigate ethical dilemmas and promote responsible media practices

Availability

Census date Icon
Census date
Fri 27/03/2026
Enrol by date
Enrol by date
Fri 13/03/2026
Last day to W
Last day to W
Fri 10/04/2026
Last day to WF
Last day to WF
Fri 08/05/2026

Class details

Adelaide City Campus East

Class number
Class number 24061
Section
Section TU01
Size
Size 20
Available
Available 14
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
26 Feb - 16 Apr Thursday 10:10am - 1pm Adelaide City Campus East Helen Mayo South, S118
7 May - 4 Jun Thursday 10:10am - 1pm Adelaide City Campus East Helen Mayo South, S118
Class number
Class number 24060
Section
Section TU02
Size
Size 20
Available
Available 9
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
24 Feb - 14 Apr Tuesday 2:10pm - 5pm Adelaide City Campus East Helen Mayo South, S118
5 May - 2 Jun Tuesday 2:10pm - 5pm Adelaide City Campus East Helen Mayo South, S118
Class number
Class number 24059
Section
Section TU03
Size
Size 20
Available
Available 16
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
25 Feb - 15 Apr Wednesday 2:10pm - 5pm Adelaide City Campus East Schulz, 408
6 May - 3 Jun Wednesday 2:10pm - 5pm Adelaide City Campus East Schulz, 408
Class number
Class number 24058
Section
Section TU04
Size
Size 20
Available
Available 12
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
26 Feb - 16 Apr Thursday 2:10pm - 5pm Adelaide City Campus East Schulz, 408
7 May - 4 Jun Thursday 2:10pm - 5pm Adelaide City Campus East Schulz, 408
Class number
Class number 24057
Section
Section TU05
Size
Size 20
Available
Available 12
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
25 Feb - 15 Apr Wednesday 10:10am - 1pm Adelaide City Campus East Schulz, 408
6 May - 3 Jun Wednesday 10:10am - 1pm Adelaide City Campus East Schulz, 408
Class number
Class number 23772
Section
Section TU06
Size
Size 24
Available
Available 22
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
27 Feb - 17 Apr Friday 9:10am - 12pm Adelaide City Campus East Helen Mayo South, S118
8 May - 5 Jun Friday 9:10am - 12pm Adelaide City Campus East Helen Mayo South, S118

Magill

Class number
Class number 24054
Section
Section TU01
Size
Size 20
Available
Available 17
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
24 Feb - 14 Apr Tuesday 9:10am - 12pm Magill Building C, C2-42
5 May - 2 Jun Tuesday 9:10am - 12pm Magill Building C, C2-42
Class number
Class number 23767
Section
Section TU02
Size
Size 20
Available
Available 12
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
24 Feb - 14 Apr Tuesday 1:10pm - 4pm Magill Building C, C2-43
5 May - 2 Jun Tuesday 1:10pm - 4pm Magill Building C, C2-43
Class number
Class number 23768
Section
Section TU03
Size
Size 20
Available
Available 14
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
25 Feb - 15 Apr Wednesday 1:10pm - 4pm Magill Building C, C2-43
6 May - 3 Jun Wednesday 1:10pm - 4pm Magill Building C, C2-43
Class number
Class number 23769
Section
Section TU04
Size
Size 20
Available
Available 14
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
26 Feb - 16 Apr Thursday 9:10am - 12pm Magill Building C, C2-43
7 May - 4 Jun Thursday 9:10am - 12pm Magill Building C, C2-43
Class number
Class number 23770
Section
Section TU05
Size
Size 20
Available
Available 16
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
26 Feb - 16 Apr Thursday 1:10pm - 4pm Magill Building C, C2-43
7 May - 4 Jun Thursday 1:10pm - 4pm Magill Building C, C2-43
Class number
Class number 23771
Section
Section TU06
Size
Size 20
Available
Available 20
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
27 Feb - 17 Apr Friday 9:10am - 12pm Magill Building C, C2-43
8 May - 5 Jun Friday 9:10am - 12pm Magill Building C, C2-43

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A

Fee calculator

To display course fees, please select your status and program below:

We’re updating this Fee Calculator. It currently shows fees for programs only. Please check the relevant program for full fee details.

Study Abroad student tuition fees are available here.

Only some Postgraduate Coursework programs are available as Commonwealth Supported. Please check your program for specific fee information.

The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.