Why Bachelor of Media and Communication?
Lights, camera, action! From the magic of silent films to the era of streaming services, this degree explores how screens have shaped our culture and influenced society. Unravel the mysteries behind your favourite films, whether you’re a cinephile or a binge-watcher and discover the rich history and exciting future of screen media.
This degree will introduce you to key concepts in media and communication theories. You’ll gain the skills needed to critically evaluate film texts and industries, guided by industry experts. Understand how pop culture, world events and trending topics influence what we see on the screen.
Study our Bachelor of Media and Communication majoring in Screen Studies and start building a foundation in film and media history, readying yourself for professional practice.
Overview
Our Bachelor of Media and Communication majoring in Screen Studies examines the rich history of moving pictures and their evolution into today’s rapidly changing screen cultures - covering everything from silent films to streaming services.
You’ll explore Asian cinema, film genres and global art cinemas, broadening your scope to all aspects of the diverse field. Learn a range of techniques used in screen mediums that influence audience reaction and viewership.
Core courses will help you build a strong foundation in theoretical, historical and critical approaches to analysing screen texts. Use pop culture references, world events and trending topics to shape your analysis and predict the future of our screens. Couple this major with advanced concepts in media and communication to build a well-rounded background for future career opportunities.
Pursue work in the media and entertainment industry equipped with effective communication skills and knowledge in traditional and emerging media landscapes.
Key features
Learn the skills to adapt your writing abilities for different platforms and audiences. - Become a critical thinker when evaluating film texts and industries.
- Build a strong understanding of theoretical, historical and critical approaches used in analysing screen texts.
- Discover global art cinemas including Hollywood, German expressionism and French New Wave.
- Uncover the force that is Asian cinema – examining themes of nationalism and globalisation.
- Go behind the scenes of the Adelaide Film Festival and investigate the curation and exhibition of films.
What you'll learn
In your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation in how to effectively engage with a range of audiences through courses in media and communication theories. Explore content creation concepts and the systems, processes and history of digital media. Your major will then take you into the world of cinema and its significance in our everyday lives.
Begin your major with courses exploring the impact of Hollywood on the history of traditional cinema. You’ll also study European film movements, uncovering the contemporary trends they employ and their contribution to global art cinema production. Discover the driving force of Asian cinema, marked by its reflection of themes in localisation, nationalism and globalisation. Encounter a range of contemporary approaches to screen studies including genre, gender and sexuality and key movements in Australian history.
Throughout your degree, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake collaborative projects with industry. You’ll complete a media and communication project with a real client, to build your future employability and professional development skills.
Assessments in this degree are designed with a practical approach, to showcase the breadth of your knowledge. You’ll demonstrate your skills through a variety of media presentations as well as essays and reports.
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 units for Electives
Complete 84 units comprising:
- 18 units from Common core, and
- 66 units for all Program core
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
An Ethically Rich Life
|
Course code
COREX001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Fact or Fiction: Data for Everyone
|
Course code
COREX002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Igniting Change: Ideas to Action
|
Course code
COREX003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Proppa Ways, Future Practice
|
Course code
COREX004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Responsible AI: Bridging Ethics, Education and Industry
|
Course code
COREX005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Ways of Being, Ways of Seeing
|
Course code
COREX006
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | 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
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
 |
Course name
Key Concepts in Media and Communication
|
Course code
MDIA1018
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Digital Platforms
|
Course code
MDIA1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Cinema of Hollywood
|
Course code
MDIA1003
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
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
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Global Art Cinemas
|
Course code
MDIA1011
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
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
Film Genres
|
Course code
MDIA2010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Asian Cinemas
|
Course code
MDIA2011
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Promotional Culture
|
Course code
MDIA2102
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Media and Communication Project
|
Course code
MDIA2901
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Screening Gender and Sexuality
|
Course code
MDIA2018
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Media Industries in Transition
|
Course code
MDIA3015
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Strategic Planning for Media and Communication
|
Course code
MDIA3017
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Contemporary Approaches to Screen Studies
|
Course code
MDIA3008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Australia on Screen
|
Course code
SOCI3002
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Advanced Concepts in Media and Communication
|
Course code
MDIA3023
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Media and Communication Professional Experience
|
Course code
MDIA3905
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Film Festival Cultures
|
Course code
SOCI3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Complete 48 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Cinema of Hollywood
|
Course code
MDIA1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Global Art Cinemas
|
Course code
MDIA1011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Film Genres
|
Course code
MDIA2010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Asian Cinemas
|
Course code
MDIA2011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Screening Gender and Sexuality
|
Course code
MDIA2018
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Contemporary Approaches to Screen Studies
|
Course code
MDIA3008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Film Festival Cultures
|
Course code
SOCI3001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Australia on Screen
|
Course code
SOCI3002
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Key Concepts in Media and Communication
|
Course code
MDIA1018
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Digital Platforms
|
Course code
MDIA1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Cinema of Hollywood
|
Course code
MDIA1003
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
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
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Global Art Cinemas
|
Course code
MDIA1011
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
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
Film Genres
|
Course code
MDIA2010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Asian Cinemas
|
Course code
MDIA2011
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Promotional Culture
|
Course code
MDIA2102
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Media and Communication Project
|
Course code
MDIA2901
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Screening Gender and Sexuality
|
Course code
MDIA2018
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Media Industries in Transition
|
Course code
MDIA3015
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Strategic Planning for Media and Communication
|
Course code
MDIA3017
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Contemporary Approaches to Screen Studies
|
Course code
MDIA3008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Australia on Screen
|
Course code
SOCI3002
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Advanced Concepts in Media and Communication
|
Course code
MDIA3023
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Media and Communication Professional Experience
|
Course code
MDIA3905
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Film Festival Cultures
|
Course code
SOCI3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
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
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Key Concepts in Media and Communication
|
Course code
MDIA1018
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Digital Platforms
|
Course code
MDIA1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Cinema of Hollywood
|
Course code
MDIA1003
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
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
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Global Art Cinemas
|
Course code
MDIA1011
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
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
Film Genres
|
Course code
MDIA2010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Asian Cinemas
|
Course code
MDIA2011
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Promotional Culture
|
Course code
MDIA2102
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Media and Communication Project
|
Course code
MDIA2901
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Screening Gender and Sexuality
|
Course code
MDIA2018
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Media Industries in Transition
|
Course code
MDIA3015
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Strategic Planning for Media and Communication
|
Course code
MDIA3017
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Contemporary Approaches to Screen Studies
|
Course code
MDIA3008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Australia on Screen
|
Course code
SOCI3002
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Advanced Concepts in Media and Communication
|
Course code
MDIA3023
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Media and Communication Professional Experience
|
Course code
MDIA3905
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Film Festival Cultures
|
Course code
SOCI3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Complete 6 units comprising:
- 6 units from University-wide electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Key Concepts in Media and Communication
|
Course code
MDIA1018
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Digital Platforms
|
Course code
MDIA1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Cinema of Hollywood
|
Course code
MDIA1003
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
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
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Global Art Cinemas
|
Course code
MDIA1011
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
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
Film Genres
|
Course code
MDIA2010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Asian Cinemas
|
Course code
MDIA2011
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Promotional Culture
|
Course code
MDIA2102
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Media and Communication Project
|
Course code
MDIA2901
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Screening Gender and Sexuality
|
Course code
MDIA2018
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Media Industries in Transition
|
Course code
MDIA3015
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Strategic Planning for Media and Communication
|
Course code
MDIA3017
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Contemporary Approaches to Screen Studies
|
Course code
MDIA3008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Australia on Screen
|
Course code
SOCI3002
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Advanced Concepts in Media and Communication
|
Course code
MDIA3023
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Media and Communication Professional Experience
|
Course code
MDIA3905
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Film Festival Cultures
|
Course code
SOCI3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
As an Adelaide University graduate, you’ll be well prepared to take advantage of local and global opportunities in screen studies. The relationships you build through internships and projects will mean you will be connected to industry from the moment you graduate.
You might find yourself writing for large publications and online news sources as a film critic, dissecting and evaluating new films. You could become an influential cultural critic shaping the way audiences understand and engage with media. You may even work as a production assistant, playing a crucial role in the smooth running of a production by performing a wide range of tasks to support the cast, crew, and production team.
Careers you might wish to pursue also include:
- Writer
- Film festival curator
- Film archivist
- Entertainment journalist
- Production manager
- Production assistant.
There are also many other industries where your communication skills and screen knowledge are highly valued. These include arts and cultural institutions, government, non-profit sector and advertising and marketing.
Industry trends
The Australian cinema industry is one of the largest in the world in terms of revenue. The Australian Government has recently announced that streaming giants - such as Netflix, Disney and Amazon Prime - will be required to invest in making at least 20% more local Australian content from mid-2024 (ABC News, 2023). With the rise of content portraying more meaningful stories and the resurgence of reboots, your skills in critical evaluation and audience reaction will make you an asset to film and media companies.
Ready to apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
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.
