Undergraduate | 2026

Bachelor of Media and Communication

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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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Campus
Campus
This program is taught across multiple campuses and students may be required to study at more than one campus in order to complete the degree.
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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
BMECO
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Study as
Full time or part time
Fees
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 Media and Communication?

Media and communication professionals are analysers, creators and expert communicators, with skills and understandings that are valuable in a broad range of industries locally, nationally and globally. They understand the issues, trends and technologies shaping our world and how we interact with each other. They use words, images and sound to tell powerful stories and influence audiences.

With our flexible Bachelor of Media and Communication degree, you will learn to create impactful media and communications content for any career context.

Whether you want to work in public relations, social media, design, immersive media, film, gaming or entertainment – or in any other field in which media and communication skills are valued – you will discover how to produce well-informed and targeted media and communication strategies for a wide range of organisations, audiences and platforms to make an impact in your career and on society.

program overview

Overview

Adelaide University’s Bachelor of Media and Communication is designed to develop your writing, content creation and analytical skills.

Designed with flexibility in mind, you’ll study a mix of core and elective courses that will equip you with the knowledge to manage media and communication for a range of organisations and industries. You’ll even have the option to choose a complementary major to elevate your career prospects.

You’ll learn in an environment that’s innovative and aligned with current and emerging industry practices. Study key concepts in media and communication and promotional culture in contemporary society.

Sharpen your professional skills by undertaking an industry internship or research project, focused on a real-world scenario.

All these experiences come together to ensure you’ll graduate ready to launch your media and communication career. Depending on your interests, you could work in a range of sectors from social media and crisis communication to gaming and immersive media.

What you'll learn

From first year on, you’ll learn how to write, plan and evaluate communication strategies and produce media content that effectively engages and informs target audiences across various platforms. You’ll explore the issues, trends and technologies shaping the media and communication industries. Discover media and communication strategies for traditional and online and learn how to utilise emerging trends and apply them to various platforms.

Your second year will introduce you to key elements of law and policy relating to media, with courses examining theoretical and applied approaches to promotional culture. You’ll also choose from a range of common or specialised electives, tailored to your areas of interest.

Designed and developed with industry, you’ll learn relevant and up-to-date curriculum. In your final year, join the fast-paced and rapidly changing industry environment and participate in a professional experience course where you’ll work with award-winning academics and industry professionals, building your critical thinking and creative skills.

Assessments in this degree will bring together hands-on and theoretical learning, providing opportunities for you to put your knowledge into practice. You will work in our state-of-the-art media production facilities, use industry-standard software, and gain valuable real-world experience through industry-engaged opportunities.

Interested in a specific field? This degree gives you the flexibility to choose from a range of popular disciplines to broaden and strengthen your future employability.

Majors

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

  • Digital and Social Media Storytelling
  • Digital Media and Web Design
  • Extended Realities Design and Production
  • Media Cultures
  • 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
course icon Key Concepts in Media and Communication MARK1003 6
course icon Media and Communication Project MDIA2901 6
course icon Digital Platforms MDIA1001 6
course icon Content Creation MARK2101 6
course icon Media Law, Policy and Ethics MARK2003 6
course icon Research Methods MARK2002 6
course icon Promotional Communication MARK2102 6
course icon Media Industries in Transition CREA3012 6
course icon Strategic Planning for Media and Communication MARK3006 6
course icon Advanced Concepts in Media and Communication CREA3023 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 12 units for ALL of the following:

Course name Course code Units
course icon Media and Communication Project MDIA2901 6
course icon Internship or Project CREA3026 6

Complete exactly 54 units from the following:

Course name Course code Units
course icon Elective 1 AUXX1011 6
course icon Elective 2 AUXX1012 6
course icon Elective 3 AUXX1013 6
course icon Elective 4 AUXX1014 6
course icon Elective 5 AUXX1015 6
course icon Elective 6 AUXX1016 6
course icon Elective 7 AUXX1017 6
course icon Elective 8 AUXX1018 6
course icon Elective 9 AUXX1019 6

Complete exactly 48 units from the following:

Course name Course code Units
course icon Digital and Social Media Storytelling DIGSBMECO 48
course icon Digital and Social Media Storytelling DIGSBJOUR 48
course icon Media Cultures MEDCBMECO 48
course icon Digital Media and Web Design DIGMBMECO 48
course icon Screen Studies SCRNBMECO 48
course icon Screen Production SCRPBMECO 48
course icon Games Design and Production GAMEBMECO 48
course icon Strategic Communication STRABMECO 48
course icon Elective 1 AUXX1011 6
course icon Elective 2 AUXX1012 6
course icon Elective 3 AUXX1013 6
course icon Elective 4 AUXX1014 6
course icon Elective 5 AUXX1015 6
course icon Elective 6 AUXX1016 6
course icon Elective 7 AUXX1017 6
course icon Elective 8 AUXX1018 6

Complete one Major from the following:

Course name Course code Units
course icon Digital Media and Web Design DIGMBMECO 48
course icon Digital and Social Media Storytelling DIGSBMECO 48
course icon Extended Realities Design and Production EXTDBMECO 48
course icon Media Cultures MEDCBMECO 48
course icon Screen Production SCRPBMECO 48
course icon Screen Studies SCRNBMECO 48
course icon Strategic Communication STRABMECO 48

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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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