Undergraduate | 2026

Bachelor of Business majoring in Marketing and Communications

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Start date
Start date
The month you will commence your studies. Exact start date is outlined in the course timetable.
February, July
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Duration
Duration
Duration is approximate and based on a full-time study load.
3 year(s) full-time
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Mode
Mode
Your study will be a mix of online and on-campus classes.
Hybrid
Program code
Program code
BBUSI
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Study as
Full time or part time
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Indicative fees
Indicative fees
Commonwealth Supported students are charged a portion of the cost of their higher education through a student contribution. Fee-Paying programs require the full tuition fees of your study, which can be deferred partly or in full to a FEE-HELP loan. This is based on the total number of units studied for this program on an annual full-time basis.
Commonwealth Supported
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Prerequisite
Prerequisite
A prerequisite is a required course or/subject that you must have successfully completed before you can enrol into this program.
None
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Assumed knowledge
Assumed knowledge
Assumed knowledge, while not essential, is where you have a minimum level of understanding in the relevant course area.
None
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Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible for admission, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate that they fulfill any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission:

Recent secondary education (Year 12)

  • Completion of a secondary education qualification equivalent to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

  • Completion of an award from a registered training organisation (RTO) at Certificate IV (AQF level 4) or higher.

Higher education study

  • Successful completion of at least 6 months full-time study (or equivalent part-time) of an undergraduate certificate (AQF level 5) or higher qualification at an Australian higher education institution.

Overseas qualifications considered by Adelaide University as equivalent to the above Australian qualifications may be accepted.

Work and life experience

  • Completion of an Adelaide University approved enabling, pathway or bridging program; OR
  • Achieved a pass result in the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT); OR
  • Passed an Adelaide University online literacy and numeracy test AND have relevant work experience; OR
  • Qualify for special entry
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Note:

Applications for Australian students to study at Adelaide University will open in August 2025, to commence study in 2026.  

Please note that entry requirements for this degree are provisional and subject to change.

Why Bachelor of Business?

In an image obsessed world, marketing and communication have never been more important to the success of brands, businesses and individuals. Blend marketing theories with communication strategies to assist organisations in achieving their corporate goals. 

Develop knowledge of marketing principles and brand development. Learn expertise required to excel as a marketing and communication specialist. Study courses like strategic communication and consumer insights, and gain a solid grounding in general business principles. Build the power skills sought after by employers and graduate ready to enter the workforce as a marketing professional.

program overview

Overview

Adelaide University’s Bachelor of Business majoring in Marketing and Communication merges marketing practices with communication theories to help organisations achieve corporate goals. Build the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the field of marketing, media and communication. Develop a deep understanding of marketing principles, consumer insights, brand development and advertising. Your studies will also explore specialised courses in media, communication and public relations. 

Build power skills needed to succeed in the future of business. Examine concepts of identity, diversity, equity and inclusion to foster cross-cultural skills and explore bias and power dynamics.  

Contemporary learning experiences across the degree are underpinned by community and industry engagement. Engage in an industry internship or placement and explore professional pathways in sectors aligned with your interests.

What you'll learn

You’ll focus on building key business knowledge including an understanding of the underpinning principles of marketing, financial and managerial accounting, and self-marketing. 

Explore concepts surrounding consumer behaviour and delve into advertising from the perspective of consumers, advertisers, and agencies. Examine the role of market research and the purpose of analytics in marketing.  

Be equipped with the key concepts and skills of brand management and develop the ability to analyse and conceptualise strategic issues in marketing planning. Build an understanding of the principles of public relations and public communication. Develop knowledge of the legal and ethical considerations in media. 

Expand your skills in writing, creating and managing the content used by organisations to communicate. Examine the complexity of the development, purpose and use of promotional activities within society. Your new entrepreneurial mindset will be fostered through embracing innovation and connecting with industry.  

Develop negotiation and effective collaboration skills through group work. Professional placement and internship opportunities are embedded within your second and third year. Develop a practical understanding of marketing, media and communication to explore career options and pathways. 

Majors  

Did you know that you can also choose a Bachelor of Business with a major in one of the following:   

  • Design and Marketing 
  • Human Resource Management  
  • International Business  
  • Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Strategy  
  • Marketing  
  • Project Management  
  • Real Estate  
  • Sport Management  
  • Tourism, Events and Hospitality Management.

What courses you'll study

You're required to complete 144 units to complete your degree, across a mix of core courses, elective and work integrated learning. A list of indicative courses is provided below.

Complete exactly 36 units from the following:

Course name Course code Units
course icon Accounting for Decision Makers ACCT1000 6
course icon Marketing Principles MARK1000 6
course icon Emerging Technologies, Data and Business Analytics BAFI2000 6
course icon UG Common Core 1 AUXX1000 6
course icon UG Common Core 2 AUXX2000 6
course icon UG Common Core 3 AUXX3000 6

Complete 6 units for ALL of the following:

Course name Course code Units
course icon Integrated Marketing (CAPSTONE, WIL II) MARK3900 6

Complete 102 units for ALL of the following:

Course name Course code Units
course icon Consumer Behaviour MARK1001 6
course icon Social Media Audiences and Algorithmic Cultures MARK1002 6
course icon Key Concepts in Media and Communication MARK1003 6
course icon Marketing Analytics MARK2000 6
course icon Advertising MARK2001 6
course icon Research Methods MARK2002 6
course icon Media Law, Policy and Ethics MARK2003 6
course icon Content Creation MARK2101 6
course icon Promotional Communication MARK2102 6
course icon Branding MARK3001 6
course icon Digital Marketing MARK3003 6
course icon Strategic Communication in Practice MARK3004 6
course icon Marketing Planning MARK3005 6
course icon Strategic Planning for Media and Communication MARK3006 6
course icon Media Relations MDIA2009 6
course icon Elective 1 AUXX1011 6
course icon Elective 2 AUXX1012 6

How to apply

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How to apply

Applications for Australian students to study at Adelaide University will open in August 2025, to commence study in 2026.  

Please note that entry requirements for this degree are provisional and subject to change.  

If you want to start your studies earlier, consider applying to the University of Adelaide or UniSA now, and continue onto Adelaide University in 2026. Register your interest to stay informed. 

FAQs

Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.


From August 2025 you can apply as a domestic student for entry to Adelaide University in 2026.
Applications for 2026 will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs. A direct application process will be available for 100% online degrees at a later date. In the meantime, you could start your degree at UniSA or the University of Adelaide and continue at Adelaide University.

Adelaide University is South Australia’s largest university with seven campuses across the state. Adelaide City Campus is in the heart of the central business district (including eastern and western precincts), while our Magill, Mawson Lakes and Waite campuses are located within the inner suburbs of Adelaide. Our Mount Gambier, Roseworthy and Whyalla campuses are set in the regions of South Australia. Building on our digital and online learning successes, we aim to also deliver online education to more students than any other Australian university. 

Each of our campuses is equipped with cutting-edge, discipline specific facilities, contemporary study spaces and well-resourced libraries. Our city and suburban campuses also feature on-site gyms and eateries, and health services on, or nearby, campus. 

You will be well supported academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually with access to on-campus facilities and services such as counselling, learning support, childcare, prayer rooms and more.

You will be well supported through a range of services at Adelaide University to ensure you get the most out of your student experience. Support services include:

  • Academic learning support, including after-hours support provided via Studiosity through live online chat assistance with writing, referencing, mathematics and more.
  • Advice and advocacy regarding access, adjustments and inclusivity if you have a disability, impairment, chronic health condition or significant caring responsibilities. 
  • Libraries providing flexible study spaces, access to books, computer suites and online resources – as well as referencing support, search tips and more.
  • Career development hub, including extensive self-help resources, online learning programs, on-campus events, workshops and networking, one-on-one advice, and job search support.
  • Qualified counsellors who can provide confidential support to manage your mental health and wellbeing.
  • On-campus medical clinics on-site where you can make an appointment with a General Practitioner (GP) to discuss acute and preventative health care matters.
  • Information and advice for international students regarding accommodation, student life, visa and work rights and academic policies and procedures.
  • An active and visible LGBTIQA+ Ally Network that ensures the University provides a supportive environment where all staff and students can safely work and study free of harassment or discrimination.
  • Prayer rooms on campus, including gender specific spaces for worship purposes.
  • Campus security available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure all students feel safe on campus.
  • A range of scholarships offered to commencing and continuing students each year to make university life a little easier.
  • A number of social outlets including student lounges, gyms, student-led clubs, sports teams and free events throughout the year.

Your tuition fees will depend on your program of study and enrolment load. You can find the annual fees relevant to your program on the specific degree page under the ‘fees’ section. The annual fee payable for your chosen program will also be outlined in your Offer of Admission. 

Adelaide University will open in January 2026. Your studies will start at different times depending on what study period you’ve applied for. Adelaide University is currently using a semester model, which means most degrees start in Semester 1. Some degrees are also available to start in mid-year, sometimes with a different degree structure. 

Studies at Adelaide University typically commence in:  

  • February for Semester 1  
  • July for Semester 2. 

Some degrees, such as the Bachelor of Medical Studies and Master of Business Administration, will have different starting dates. View the relevant degree page for more detail. 

For other key dates, including census dates and exam periods, you can view our Academic calendar. 

Your study experience and support

Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.

You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.

Student services

We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:

  • Career advice and mentoring services
  • Personal counselling
  • LGBTQIA+ support
  • Academic support
  • Fees and finance help
  • Security services
  • Accommodation services
  • Common rooms
  • Prayer rooms.

You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.

Your campus

You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.

This degree is offered at the following campus(es)

Study hours

Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week. 

 

Assessment

During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include: 

  • Case studies  
  • Essays and assignments  
  • Examinations  
  • Group projects  
  • Internships and placements  
  • Practicals  
  • Presentations  
  • Reports and project documentations 
  • Research projects 
  • Workplace and classroom contributions. 
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