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.
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. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.
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 from a recognised higher education institution.
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 qualificationsInternational admissions by country
Country | Score |
---|---|
Australia – ATAR | 75 |
Bangladesh – Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) | 4.85 |
China – Gaokao | 65% |
Hong Kong – Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) | 17 |
India – CBSE and CISCE | 75 |
India – State Board Examinations | 85 |
Kenya – Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) | B+ |
Malaysia – Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) | 2.78 |
Malaysia – United Entrance Certificate (UEC) | 20 |
Malaysia – Matrikulasi | 2.78 |
Singapore - Singapore GCE Advanced Levels | 8 |
Sri Lanka – GCE A Levels | 9 |
Vietnam – Year 12 - Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Trung Học Phổ Thông | 8.00 |
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.
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.
Key features
- Hone and adapt your writing and production skills for different platforms and audiences.
- Explore global perspectives and understand how global issues affect demand for content.
- Develop high-level communication and digital skills.
- Study courses in content creation, strategic media and communication, professional writing and media law.
- Learn from award-winning academics and industry professionals.
- Gain real-world experience through third-year professional experience.
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
- Immersive Media
- Media Cultures
- Screen Production
- Screen Studies
- Strategic Communication.
What courses you'll study
Complete 144 units comprising:
- 78 units from Core courses, and
- Either:
- 48 units for one Major from Majors, or
- 48 units from Discipline courses, and
- 12 units for all Work integrated learning, and
- 54 units from Electives
Complete exactly 78 units from the following:
Course name | Course code | Units | |
---|---|---|---|
Course name
Key Concepts in Media and Communication
|
Course code
MARK1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Media and Communication Project
|
Course code
MDIA2901
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Digital Platforms
|
Course code
MDIA1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Creating Content for Media
|
Course code
MARK2101
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Media Law, Policy and Ethics
|
Course code
MARK2003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Research Methods in Media and Communication
|
Course code
MARK2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Promotional Culture
|
Course code
MARK2102
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Media Industries in Transition
|
Course code
CREA3012
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Strategic Planning for Media and Communication
|
Course code
MARK3006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Advanced Concepts in Media and Communication
|
Course code
CREA3023
|
Units
6
|
|
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
|
Complete exactly 48 units from the following:
Course name | Course code | Units | |
---|---|---|---|
Course name
Digital and Social Media Storytelling
|
Course code
DIGSBMECO
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
Digital and Social Media Storytelling
|
Course code
DIGSBJOUR
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
Media Cultures
|
Course code
MEDCBMECO
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
Digital Media and Web Design
|
Course code
DIGMBMECO
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
Screen Studies
|
Course code
SCRNBMECO
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
Screen Production
|
Course code
SCRPBMECO
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
Games Design and Production
|
Course code
GAMEBMECO
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
Strategic Communication
|
Course code
STRABMECO
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
Elective 1
|
Course code
AUXX1011
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Elective 2
|
Course code
AUXX1012
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Elective 3
|
Course code
AUXX1013
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Elective 4
|
Course code
AUXX1014
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Elective 5
|
Course code
AUXX1015
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Elective 6
|
Course code
AUXX1016
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Elective 7
|
Course code
AUXX1017
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Elective 8
|
Course code
AUXX1018
|
Units
6
|
Complete one Major from the following:
Major name | |
---|---|
Major
Digital Media and Web Design
|
|
Major
Digital and Social Media Storytelling
|
|
Major
Immersive Media
|
|
Major
Media Cultures
|
|
Major
Screen Production
|
|
Major
Screen Studies
|
|
Major
Strategic Communication
|
Complete 12 units for ALL of the following:
Course name | Course code | Units | |
---|---|---|---|
Course name
Media and Communication Project
|
Course code
MDIA2901
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Internship or Project
|
Course code
CREA3026
|
Units
6
|
Complete exactly 54 units from the following:
Course name | Course code | Units | |
---|---|---|---|
Course name
Elective 1
|
Course code
AUXX1011
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Elective 2
|
Course code
AUXX1012
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Elective 3
|
Course code
AUXX1013
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Elective 4
|
Course code
AUXX1014
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Elective 5
|
Course code
AUXX1015
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Elective 6
|
Course code
AUXX1016
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Elective 7
|
Course code
AUXX1017
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Elective 8
|
Course code
AUXX1018
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Elective 9
|
Course code
AUXX1019
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
Media and communication professionals are highly sought after in established and emerging creative industries; communication and social media roles; events and entertainment industries; as well as government, private sector, and not-for-profit roles.
Our innovative and industry-informed curriculum will help ensure that you graduate in high demand globally, with strong critical thinking and professional competencies.
Media and communication skills are highly transferable. People who can analyse, create and communicate, those who understand people, technology and culture, those who can create impactful stories and influence audiences are highly valued in almost any career context.
You might become a public relations expert, managing the public image and media interactions of celebrities and high-profile individuals. Or you could be a social media content creator developing innovative and engaging campaigns for brands, start-ups, global advocacy organisations and products.
Careers to consider include:
- Communication officer
- Social media manager
- Public relations consultant
- Content creator
- Digital communication specialist
- Immersive media specialist
- Corporate communication manager.
Industry trends
The Australian media and entertainment market size is expected to grow by 4.6% and reach approximately $84.4 billion by 2032. As a professional communicator, you will be engaged with the world around you and be equipped with the skills to pursue all communicative aspects of political, economic and social issues (Expert Market Research, 2024).
How to apply
FAQs
Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
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.
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.