Overview 2021
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- What is an ATAR
- CRICOS: 102912M
The counsellor looked at my subjects, and she said, ‘these are all different forms of communication – you’ve got an idea, and you want to share it,' and she was right.
Read more about Bridget Hickey's journey to master the art of storytelling
Our island campus of Tasmania is the start of your journey. The Media School is uniquely co-located with leading media organisations in Hobart. You will bump shoulders and share facilities with practitioners from news, communications and other screen organisations. Outside, you’re a short walk from Parliament House, the courts, museums, galleries and performance spaces, and Hobart’s docks, which are the world’s scientific gateway to Antarctica.
From day one, you will begin building a professional portfolio. You will get your hands on industry-standard equipment and be encouraged to take risks and learn from experience with the support of industry practitioners and lecturers. Our degree provides several units to design and produce projects, such as documentaries, podcasts or brand communication so you graduate with a portfolio of work to show future employers.
Behind-the-scenes, our teaching staff are pursuing world-leading research in areas, including environmental communication, and working as award-winning broadcasters, journalists and filmmakers. Through these connections, you can meet with visiting thought-leaders through The Media School Seminar Series or find the perfect industry placement.
Through access to exclusive creative collaborations with Fine Arts, Music, and Theatre and Performance students you will build close creative networks, test working relationships, and leverage your accomplishments to generate future opportunities. Find yourself working with Tasmania’s unique festival scene, creatively solving real client briefs, or soaking up inspiration together on a field trip overseas.
Media and communications graduates are sought by many industries looking for people to tell their stories and communicate their ideas. Your degree has the added flexibility to choose units from across the University, so you can develop complementary skills in creative writing, music, photography, design, and marketing or explore enhance your understanding in international relations and politics, or the blue and green sciences.
Course objectives
The degree offers 6 first-year units that use practice-based and vocationally oriented learning as a way to introduce students to the various approaches, genres, and professional applications of media and communication. Students will identify and explore the key theoretical problems and complexities, and encounter challenges and opportunities in contemporary media and communication studies.
Later-year study deepens practice-led learning across four Portfolios as well as a combination of units that combines theoretical knowledge and analysis, with some practice components.
From the outset students are encouraged to build a portfolio of their work that showcases wide-ranging skills and endeavour.
Learning outcomes
Graduates of the Bachelor of Media and Communications will be able to:
- Explain key concepts and debates in media and communication studies.
- Analyse and evaluate media texts, industries, and audiences theoretically from local and global perspectives.
- Employ a range of communication skills in the production of media content and in workplace practices including the appraisal of your own and others’ work.
- Synthesise analytical and research skills in media and communication studies to identify and address problems in relation to the impact of media and communication on society and culture in diverse local and global contexts.
Practical experience
Media Internships
Our Media program offers exciting opportunities for students to engage in workplace experience and to build a professional portfolio, while being mentored by seasoned practitioners.
Placements and internships provide students with the opportunity to critically reflect on the skills and knowledge they have developed throughout their studies. The experience also enables students to build a network of peers and industry contacts, and assists in the transition from university to industry and career preparation.
The program has connections with a range of local and interstate industry providers, including print and broadcast media, PR agencies, government departments, and private and not-for-profit organisations.
Study overseas at one of our partner institutions
Our international exchange program offers opportunities to study at universities around the world, and it counts towards your degree. Exchange can allow you to have an affordable educational and cultural experience in a foreign country for a semester, or a full year. To facilitate this, we offer a range of scholarships and financial assistance. You may also be eligible for OS-HELP Loans or scholarship funding to assist with their airfares, accommodation and other expenses.
UPDATE (MARCH) 2021: Please note, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Face-to-Face Study Abroad & Exchange programs have been postponed until 2022.
Alternative Virtual Exchange Opportunities can be found on our Virtual Overseas Experiences tab. For more information please contact Global.Mobility@utas.edu.au
Find out more about Student Exchange.
Become a Student Ambassador
Improve your communication, teamwork and leadership skills, meet new people, inspire and help others, and developing lasting friendships and networks as a student ambassador. Our ambassadors proudly represent the University throughout Tasmania in schools, at University and community events, and support a range of recruitment and engagement activities. Through the Student Ambassador Program you will have many opportunities for training and professional development, experience in real-world community engagement and outreach, networking, and public speaking, plus end up with a key point of distinction on your CV.
Work placement
The University of Tasmania is integrated into all areas of industry locally, nationally and internationally be it through research or work placement programs. Talk to your course coordinator about finding an opportunity to take part in a work experience, placement, or extracurricular activities during your degree.
Career outcomes
Uni really taught me how to work hard. It taught me how to study, how to knuckle down and work your way through a problem that you don’t know the answer to.
The ability to make, analyse and research media opens doors to a wide range of creative and exciting occupations across all industries. These are some of the top careers projected to grow in the next five years.
9.2% Multimedia specialists
21.7% Advertising and Marketing professionals
15.8% Public Relations professionals
ABS Labour Force Survey, National Skills Commission trend data to May 2019 and projections to 2024.
Postgraduate study
If you successfully complete this course, you may be also be eligible to apply for a range of other postgraduate courses including Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas and Masters by coursework and research.
Course structure
The Bachelor of Media and Communication requires the completion of 300 credit points, including:
- 200 credit points of media and communication core units and;
- 100 credit points of Elective units or a 100 credit major from the schedule.
In your media and communication core you will complete 75 credit points at Introductory level, 75 credit points at Intermediate level, and 50 credit points at Advanced level.
In your Elective component you are able to choose from any units which you meet the pre-requisites for, at any level, from across the university. To explore the units available, go to the Course and Unit Handbook - unit search.
You can also complete a major in your elective space from other courses in the University. A major is an area of focus in your degree. During your studies, you’ll choose an area that interests you, and then study a group of units related to that area. Find out more at What is a Major?
Media and Communication Core
Introductory units
You will need to complete all 75 credit points of Introductory core units. Normally, you would complete your introductory units before attempting Intermediate units
This unit introduces you to the principles, practices and theories of public relations and places the profession in its societal and media contexts. You will become familiar with public relations writing and develop skills in gathering, organizing and presenting information.…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
This unit introduces students to formal and industrial approaches of understanding cinematic, televisual and online screen cultures. It draws upon key theoretical concepts from screen studies – such as film aesthetics, narrative and genre theory – and there is a…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
The shift from mass communication to mass self-communication is one of the most important shifts in recent human society. Mobile communication networks allow us to produce and share content like never before which is challenging and changing our notions of…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
From the newsroom to the live stream, the news industry combines top-level communication skills with the ability to evaluate and synthesise knowledge for large audiences. In this unit, students are introduced to both the theoretical and practical dimensions of the…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
We often hear that media industries are in decline. However, as this unit will demonstrate, what we are actually seeing is a profound reshaping of new and old media industries in response to shifts in the media landscape. In this…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
The ability to produce screen content is becoming increasingly valued in today's media environment. This unit introduces you to the key concepts, methods and practices of screen production. You will gain hands-on experience in filming and recording sound, editing, and…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
View all details for HEJ140 Making Media: Filming, Editing and Design
Intermediate units
You will need to complete all 75 credit points of Intermediate core units. Normally, you would complete your intermediate units ibefore attempting Advanced units.
Collaborative work is integral to working in and with the creative and cultural industries. This unit encourages you to take supported creative risks and introduces you to work-integrated learning methods and practices. Students and staff will propose creative projects that…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
The connection between technology and culture has never been greater. Screen, digital media, and networking platforms are changing the practices and forms of expression that represent and reflect culture and society. By investigating the production, use and circulation of various…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
This unit examines the storytelling tactics and strategies associated with the design and communication of brand narratives. The unit addresses the ways in which, in the changing media environment, brand narratives are now communicated via social networks and key ‘influencers’…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for HEJ247 Communicating Brand and Identity
This unit introduces you to the essential elements of writing for film, television and digital media. You will be taken through the process of developing a script from conception through to pre-production. You will learn about working with structure, developing…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
In this unit you will develop your media production skills, gain hands-on experience with media equipment, and produce work that will contribute to a portfolio completed over the course of the Media Projects Minor. With technical support, industry mentorship, and…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
In this unit you will develop your media production skills, gain hands-on experience with media equipment, and produce work that will contribute to a portfolio completed over the course of the Media Projects Minor. With technical support, industry mentorship, and…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
Advanced units
In your advanced units you will complete all 37.5 credit points of Core units and choose 12.5 credit points from the available Creative Curriculum units.
Core
Power describes the capacity of an individual or group to influence the opinions, decisions and actions of others. This unit explores the role of media in the communication of power in society and, importantly, the counter-movements that challenge power. In…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
In this unit you will develop your media production skills, gain hands-on experience with media equipment, and produce work that will contribute to a portfolio completed over the course of the Media Projects Minor. With technical support, industry mentorship, and…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
In this unit you will develop your media production skills, gain hands-on experience with media equipment, and produce work that will contribute to a portfolio completed over the course of the Media Projects Minor. With technical support, industry mentorship, and…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
Creative Curriculum
This work-integrated learning unit will provide you with an opportunity to be guided and supported in undertaking a public creative work. As a member of a team, you will be provided with a brief. Your team’s response will be guided…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Winter school | ||||
Responding innovatively to a client-initiated briefs is a critical part of working in the creative and cultural industries. This unit fosters collaborative, responsive interaction with internal and external partners and your peers. Introducing a range of interdisciplinary frameworks, this unit…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
Note: Entry to the unit is competitive, and is subject to approval by the unit coordinator. To apply for entry into the unit and relevant grant consideration where appropriate, please email the unit coordinator.This unit offers you the opportunity to…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
View all details for HEJ351 Field trip in Creative Industries, Practices and Cultures B
You will be assigned to a work placement in a government, private, or not-for-profit organisation approved by the University. As part of your internship you will, where opportunity allows, contribute to the production, publication and presentation of creative content, while…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Hobart | Winter school | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Winter school | ||||
Electives
You will complete 100 credit points of Elective units in the Bachelor of Media and Communication.
Your electives can be used to add breadth to your degree, by exploring a variety of different subject areas from across the University in areas such as Health, Business, Science and the Creative Arts. Alternatively, you can deepen your engagement with specific subject areas, for example, by completing additional Creative Curriculum units or related fields.
You can also use your Electives to complete a major from other courses, such as the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Business or Bachelor of Science.
To search for possible Elective units, use the Unit Search tool to search by the discipline that you are interested in. You can complete any units marked as "Student Electives" which you meet the pre-requisites for.
Help finding electives and enrolling
We want your study experience with us to be as smooth as possible and we know that choosing from lists and lists of electives can sometimes be overwhelming!
The guides and links below are presented to help you navigate all of these options and find the electives that are best for you.
Find the answer to your question - ASK US
Other help and guides
UConnect
Need help choosing your first year units? Try the Unit Selection Guide.
Entry requirements
Eligibility
We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you’re not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, the admissions team will work with you to find the best pathway option.
Enquire online for advice on the application process and the available pathways to study.
Domestic Applicants
Domestic Applicants who have recently completed secondary education
Applicants are ranked by ATAR and offers made based on the number of places available. This is a new course for 2021. We anticipate that the lowest ATAR that will receive an offer for this course in 2021 will be 50.
Applicants who have recently completed senior secondary studies but have not received an ATAR may still be eligible for admission. We will consider your individual subject results on a case-by-case basis when we assess your application.
For all other majors, please refer to Alternative entry pathways below.
Domestic applicants with higher education study
To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have:
- Partially completed an undergraduate course at Diploma level or higher (or equivalent). Applicants must have completed at least two units of study (equivalent to 25 UTAS credit points). If an applicant has failed any units the application may be subject to further review before an offer is made; or
- Completed the UTAS University Preparation Program (or an equivalent qualification offered by an Australian University).
Domestic applicants with VET / TAFE study
To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have completed a Certificate IV (or equivalent) in any discipline.
Domestic applicants with work and life experience
Applicants without senior secondary, tertiary or VET / TAFE study can complete a personal competency statement.
Applicants may be eligible for an offer if they have relevant work and / or life experiences which demonstrate a capacity to succeed in this course.
Special consideration
If your ability to access or participate in education has been affected by circumstances beyond your control, you can apply for special consideration as part of your application. We will consider a range of factors, including economic hardship, serious medical condition or disability.
We can only approve applications for special consideration where we are confident that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in your studies. If your application is not approved, the UTAS admissions team will work with you to find the best alternative pathway to your chosen course. Special consideration is not available for international applicants.
International applicants
Admissions information for international applicants, including English language requirements, is available from the International Future Students site. You can also enquire online to check your eligibility.
Credit transfer
Applications for credit can be made in your course application. Find out more information about how to apply for a credit transfer/advanced standing at Recognition of Prior Learning.
Talk to us on 1300 363 864 or enquire online about your credit transfer.
Articulation to
If you successfully complete this course, you may be also be eligible to apply for a range of other postgraduate courses including Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas and Masters by coursework and research.
Alternative entry pathways
If you do not meet the General Entrance Requirements or course-specific requirements, there are alternate entry pathways to the Bachelor of Arts:
Talk to us on 1300 363 864 or enquire online about your alternative entry pathway.
Detailed Admissions Information
Detailed admissions information and advice for all undergraduate courses, including comprehensive, course-level student profiles, is available from UTAS Admissions.
Fees & scholarships
Domestic students
Domestic students enrolled in a full fee paying place are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the fees you pay for each unit you enrol in. Full fee paying domestic students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.
Detailed tuition fee information for domestic students is available at the Domestic Student Fees website, including additional information in relation to a compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
International students
2021 Total Course Fee (international students): $99,244 AUD*.
Course cost based on a rate of $31,950 AUD per standard, full-time year of study (100 credit points).
* Please note that this is an indicative fee only.
International students
International students are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the annual rate. International students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.
Scholarships
For information on general scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships website.
How can we help?
Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.
- Domestic
- 1300 363 864
- International
- +61 3 6226 6200
- Course.Info@utas.edu.au
- Online
- Online enquiries