Bachelor of Media and Communication majoring in Media Cultures

Undergraduate | 2026

Mode

On Campus

Start date

February, July

Campus

Adelaide City, Magill

Duration

3 year(s) full-time

Program code

BMECO

Study as

Full-time

Indicative annual fees

$41,300

Non-tuition fees

Prerequisite

None

Assumed knowledge

None

English language requirements

IELTS Overall 6.5 IELTS Reading 6.0 IELTS Listening 6.0 IELTS Speaking 6.0 IELTS Writing 6.0 Equivalent English qualifications

CRICOS code

115730K

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

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) in a higher education award program.

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at Adelaide University. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

IELTS Overall 6.5
IELTS Reading 6.0
IELTS Listening 6.0
IELTS Speaking 6.0
IELTS Writing 6.0

Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by Adelaide University and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:

Equivalent English qualifications

International admissions by country

Country	Requirement	Score
Australia	ATAR	75
Bangladesh	Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)	4.85
China	Gaokao	65%
China	Maple Leaf Education Systems World School Program	67%
Global	International Baccalaureate	26
Hong Kong	Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)	17
India	CBSE and CISCE	75
India	State Board Examinations	85
Indonesia	SMA III	78%
Kenya	Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE)	B+
Malaysia	Matrikulasi	2.78
Malaysia	Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM)	2.78
Malaysia	United Entrance Certificate (UEC)	20
Nepal	National Examinations Board (NEB)	3.01
Phillippines	High School Diploma (Grade 12) (Academic Track) K12	87%
Singapore	Singapore GCE Advanced Levels	8
Sri Lanka	GCE A Levels	9
Taiwan	GSAT %	65%
Thailand	Matayom 6	3.40
UK / Global	GCE Advanced Levels	8
UK / Global	NCUK	8
USA / Global	Advanced Placement (AP)	8
USA / Global	America College Test (ACT)	22
USA / Global	Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)	1130
Vietnam	Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Trung Học Phổ Thôxwng (Vietnamese Year 12)	8

Why Bachelor of Media and Communication?

Media cultures reflect and shape the way we see the world and interact with each other. With the complexities of today’s media, literacy in media cultures has become a crucial component of the critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are needed for a diverse range of future careers.

In our Bachelor of Media and Communication majoring in Media Cultures, you will engage with cutting-edge research and researchers to address emergent issues that use media and are mediatised, such as the climate crisis, First Nations rights, labour automation and insecurity, populism and social movements. Through critical analysis of TV, social media, video games, and other case studies, you’ll tackle disinformation, media illiteracy and dataveillance – the monopolies that effect our daily lives - to analyse and make sense of the growing digitised and mediatised world.

Graduate with the capacity to not just work in the media industries, but also transform them. Equipped with the critical thinking, problem-solving and media literacy skills, you’ll be ready to change the world.

Overview

Our Bachelor of Media and Communication majoring in Media Cultures delves into how media circulates, generates meaning and shapes our everyday lives.

Study the challenges that arise when serious issues are mediatised and misinterpreted. You’ll learn the expectations of professional media and communication roles using a research-informed approach to shape your future in the industry.

Build your capacity to not only work in the media industry, but also transform how we understand the function and purpose of media. Focus on developing your problem-solving, critical thinking and media literacy skills, crucial for living and working in an increasingly digitised world.

Graduate ready to work in a range of sectors and explore various jobs that use media and communication to power public perception.

Key features

Examine the challenges facing the media and take a research-informed approach to emerging social and cultural problems.
Uncover the relationship between media industries and society, democracy and citizenship.
Explore how cultural politics plays a part in social media, identity and digital culture.
Think critically about how young people engage with digital cultures in everyday life.
Develop strategic approaches to social and cultural problems that use media and are mediated.
Complete a third-year professional experience putting your skills into practice in industry.

What you'll learn

In your first year, you’ll explore the systems, processes and history of digital media and communication theories and concepts. This will build transferable skills that can be used across your degree and when you graduate. You’ll also analyse popular media and its effects on society and culture.

Your major in media cultures will explore:

The relationship between social media and cultural politics.
Case studies in how technology shapes audience practices.
Contemporary political issues that inspire media activism.
Critical thinking in how young people engage with digital cultures.

Practical, real-world experience is a foundation of this degree. You’ll undertake professional experience working on a project in collaboration with industry, applying your skills to a real-world project.

This degree offers flexible hybrid delivery, which includes a mix of on-campus and online study.

Majors

The Bachelor of Media and Communication is also available with majors in the following:

What courses you'll study

Complete 144 units comprising:

84 units for Core courses, and
Either:
48 units for one Major from Majors, or
48 units from Discipline courses, and
6 units for all Work integrated learning, and
6 to 54 units for Electives

Complete 84 units comprising:

18 units from Common core, and
66 units for all Program core

	Course code	Units
Course name UG Common Core 1	Course code AUXX1000	Units 6
Course name UG Common Core 2	Course code AUXX2000	Units 6
Course name UG Common Core 3	Course code AUXX3000	Units 6

	Course code	Units
Course name Digital Platforms	Course code MDIA1001	Units 6
Course name Key Concepts in Media and Communication	Course code MDIA1018	Units 6
Course name Media and Communication Professional Identities	Course code MDIA1016	Units 6
Course name Creating Content for Media	Course code MDIA2101	Units 6
Course name Media Law, Policy and Ethics	Course code MDIA2022	Units 6
Course name Research Methods in Media and Communication	Course code MDIA2021	Units 6
Course name Promotional Culture	Course code MDIA2102	Units 6
Course name Media Industries in Transition	Course code MDIA3015	Units 6
Course name Media and Communication Professional Experience	Course code MDIA3905	Units 6
Course name Strategic Planning for Media and Communication	Course code MDIA3017	Units 6
Course name Advanced Concepts in Media and Communication	Course code MDIA3023	Units 6

Complete 48 units for ALL of the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Social Media and Online Personas	Course code MDIA2006	Units 6
Course name Media On Demand	Course code MDIA2007	Units 6
Course name Media, Politics and Activism	Course code MDIA2008	Units 6
Course name Digital Youth Cultures	Course code MDIA3004	Units 6
Course name Data Cultures	Course code MDIA3005	Units 6
Course name Media Cultures in Context	Course code MDIA1015	Units 6
Course name Popular Media and Society	Course code MDIA1014	Units 6
Course name Superheroes: Cinema and Comics	Course code MDIA2020	Units 6

Complete 6 units for ALL of the following:

Course name		Course code	Units
	Course name Media and Communication Project	Course code MDIA2901	Units 6

Complete 6 to 54 units comprising:

6 to 54 units from Free electives

Career outcomes

Media culture specialists leverage their understanding of media's role in society and culture to identify diverse opportunities to influence and engage with the media landscape. They analyse, create, manage, and critique media content and its cultural impact.

Career paths are available in a variety of organisations including media industries, governmental institutions and educational and cultural institutions.

Perhaps you’ll conduct research on digital trends and audience behaviour for businesses, managing internal and external communications. You could work in a research organisation, predicting public opinion and advising media organisations on how to connect with audience. You might even help streaming services improve the quality of the shows and movies they produce, aligning content to different viewers.

Career opportunities include:

Media analyst
Cultural critic
Archivist
Digital strategist
Cultural policy adviser
Media trends forecaster
Content curator or programmer.

Industry trends

The Australian Government has set out a strategy to ‘deliver simple, secure and connected public services for all people and business through world class data and digital capabilities’ by 2030. This means the public will have access to more digitised and mediatised stories than ever before. With this degree, you will develop a skillset that can separate truth from fiction and put you in a position to ensure the public are not misdirected by the media.

How to apply

Check your eligibility

Before you begin, find the degree you wish to study and check you meet the academic entry requirements and English language requirements.

Entry requirements

Gather your relevant documents

Ensure you have all supporting documentation needed at the time of application to avoid delays.

How to apply

Complete and send your application

Apply through one of the University’s official agency partners, or via our online application system.

Apply now

How to apply

Applications for international students are open now, to begin your studies in 2026.

Apply through one of the University’s official Education Agents, or via our International Application System.

Find an Education Agent

Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be required to apply through one of our Education Agents.

Find an education agent in your country

FAQs

Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

Applications for Australian students to study at Adelaide University will open in August 2025. Applications will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs.

Applications to study a 100% online degree will open in July 2025 via a direct application process.

In the meantime, you could start your studies at UniSA or the University of Adelaide in 2025 and continue on to Adelaide University in 2026.

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, spanning 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 to discuss acute and preventative health care matters.
Information and advice for international students regarding accommodation, student life, 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 the Academic calendar. 

View all FAQs

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: