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.
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:
- Digital and Social Media Storytelling
- Games Design and Production
- Digital Media and Web Design
- Extended Realities Design and Production
- Screen Production
- Screen Studies
- Strategic Communication.
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 78 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Key Concepts in Media and Communication | MARK1003 | 6 |
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Media and Communication Project | MDIA2901 | 6 |
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Digital Platforms | MDIA1001 | 6 |
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Content Creation | MARK2101 | 6 |
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Media Law, Policy and Ethics | MARK2003 | 6 |
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Research Methods | MARK2002 | 6 |
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Promotional Communication | MARK2102 | 6 |
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Media Industries in Transition | CREA3012 | 6 |
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Strategic Planning for Media and Communication | MARK3006 | 6 |
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Advanced Concepts in Media and Communication | CREA3023 | 6 |
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UG Common Core 1 | AUXX1000 | 6 |
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UG Common Core 2 | AUXX2000 | 6 |
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UG Common Core 3 | AUXX3000 | 6 |
Complete 12 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Media and Communication Project | MDIA2901 | 6 |
|
|
Internship or Project | CREA3026 | 6 |
Complete exactly 54 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Elective 1 | AUXX1011 | 6 |
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Elective 2 | AUXX1012 | 6 |
|
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Elective 3 | AUXX1013 | 6 |
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Elective 4 | AUXX1014 | 6 |
|
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Elective 5 | AUXX1015 | 6 |
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Elective 6 | AUXX1016 | 6 |
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Elective 7 | AUXX1017 | 6 |
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Elective 8 | AUXX1018 | 6 |
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Elective 9 | AUXX1019 | 6 |
Complete 48 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
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Popular Media and Society | JOUR1001 | 6 |
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Media Cultures in Context | JOUR1002 | 6 |
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Social Media and Online Personas | MDIA2006 | 6 |
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Media On Demand | MDIA2007 | 6 |
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Media, Politics and Activism | MDIA2008 | 6 |
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Youth, Digital Media and Risk | MDIA3004 | 6 |
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Gamification and Digital Play | CREA3011 | 6 |
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Data Cultures | MDIA3005 | 6 |
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
FAQs
Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
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.
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.
