Key facts
Domestic students course information.
Entry is based on a relevant bachelor qualification in Media and Communications from UNE or Arts, or equivalent and meet specific GPA and credit point requirements.
Entry is based on a relevant bachelor qualification in Media and Communications from UNE or Arts, or equivalent, and meet specific GPA and credit point requirements. English language requirements must also be met.
- 1 year full-time
- 2 years part-time
- 061317G
| Start Dates and Campus | Trimester 1 – February 2024 | Trimester 2 – June 2024 | Trimester 3 – October 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Online | Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
Course information
Download course brochure
In a highly-competitive employment landscape, to stand out from other applicants is a big advantage, and an honours degree is a point of difference that can capture the attention of employers. An honours year at the end of your three-year Bachelor of Media and Communications degree is a 'capstone' to your formal education, and an opportunity to drill deep into your specialist areas, to extend your intellectual range, and sharpen your research capabilities.
Honours will allow you to develop advanced communication techniques and deep subject knowledge, to hone your analytical abilities, and gain high-level personal and professional skills. These are valuable attributes that will provide a solid foundation for postgraduate study, give you a competitive edge in the job market, or help future proof your career in a rapidly changing world.
Why study the Bachelor of Media and Communications with Honours with UNE?
Honours is designed for graduates who have excelled in their undergraduate studies to improve career prospects, or to proceed to higher-degree studies.
When you undertake the Bachelor of Media and Communications with Honours you will gain up-to-date knowledge of the rapidly changing field of media and communications. You will explore areas such as film and television, screen adaptations, media convergence, changing print genres, digital communications and writing practices, to name a few. You will also have the opportunity to hone your research, communication and writing skills by producing a dissertation of original ideas, integrated and positioned within the current body of knowledge of your chosen discipline.
On graduation, you will have the skills to independently research, write about and discuss critical issues — invaluable skills for a successful career, and essential to lifelong learning. Your honours year also provides ideal preparation for higher-degree research if you choose to study further.
What makes our course different?
UNE's Bachelor of Media and Communication with Honours prepares you for positions in a range of media careers. You will have the opportunity to:
- Learn from supervisors and tutors who have years of industry and/or research experience in the field.
- Undertake an industry placement as part of your degree.
- Choose to study either on campus or completely online, at home in your own time.
- Choose from three different teaching periods to start your degree — in March, June or September.
UNE is Australia's oldest regional university and a pioneer in the delivery of distance education. We are proud that students consistently award us the maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support, so no matter whether you choose to study online or on campus, you are in very good hands.
Study online
Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together at UNE in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.
Study on campus
Many of our students choose to take advantage of the on-campus lifestyle in Armidale, in the beautiful New England region, with access to unparalleled support, accommodation and sporting facilities. These students are often starting their first degree and have left school recently. Through access to academic and career support they get a fantastic start to their careers.
* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.
Entry requirements
Select the option that best describes you.
If you are an international applicant who wants to study on campus in Australia:
You will need to meet both the Academic and English Language Requirements to gain admission into this course. Meeting academic requirements means we review what you have already studied to see if you have the results needed for admission to your preferred course.
You can apply for this course if you meet all of the following entry requirements:
- You have completed one of the following UNE qualifications, or an equivalent relevant qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent):
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Media and Communication
- You have achieved a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.5 in your relevant qualification.
- You have achieved a minimum result of Distinction for at least 18 credit points of 300-level units in the subject you want to study.
- You have completed a minimum of 48 credit points of study in the subject you want to study.
-
Students must submit a research proposal of 1000 words, containing a written, cogent, proposal of the topic, which must include a thesis statement, and/or a problem to be solved, and/or a question to be answered, and/or a line of argument to be explored. The candidate shall pursue a topic for which the University can provide adequate supervision.
-
Students must have the support of a suitably qualified supervisor who is a member of the relevant discipline or approved by the discipline and Head of School (or delegate).
Please note: Admission to this course is determined by the Head of School (or delegate) on the recommendation of the discipline convenor.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
On-Campus study
If you would like to study full-time in Australia at one of UNE's campuses, you will need to have a visa that allows you to study. For most international students this visa will need to be a Student Visa. The Australian Department of Home Affairs has further information about visa eligibility and conditions.
If you are an international applicant who wants to study online (overseas or in Australia):
You will need to meet both the Academic and English Language Requirements to gain admission into this course. Meeting academic requirements means we review what you have already studied to see if you have the results needed for admission to your preferred course.
You can apply for this course if you meet all of the following entry requirements:
- You have completed one of the following UNE qualifications, or an equivalent relevant qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent):
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Media and Communication
- You have achieved a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.5 in your relevant qualification.
- You have achieved a minimum result of Distinction for at least 18 credit points of 300-level units in the subject you want to study.
- You have completed a minimum of 48 credit points of study in the subject you want to study.
-
Students must submit a research proposal of 1000 words, containing a written, cogent, proposal of the topic, which must include a thesis statement, and/or a problem to be solved, and/or a question to be answered, and/or a line of argument to be explored. The candidate shall pursue a topic for which the University can provide adequate supervision.
-
Students must have the support of a suitably qualified supervisor who is a member of the relevant discipline or approved by the discipline and Head of School (or delegate).
Please note: Admission to this course is determined by the Head of School (or delegate) on the recommendation of the discipline convenor.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
Online study in your own country
If you would like to study online with UNE while you reside outside of Australia you do not need a Student Visa. If your course requires you to visit Australia to attend any mandatory study requirements, you would need to explore Visitor Visa options for a short-term stay.
Online study in Australia
If you would like to study online with UNE while you are residing in Australia, you will need to hold a visa (other than a Student Visa) that allows you to study. If you are unsure if your visa allows you to study, you can check with UNE's International Admissions team. If you hold a Student Visa you cannot study completely online; you must be enrolled as an on-campus student (although you can study a limited number of online units).
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
- A certified academic transcript of your completed qualification.
- A completed Honours Application form. This must be included in your online application.
- A research proposal. Please see the Honours application form linked above for instructions on how to develop your research proposal.
- Proof of identity and citizenship. This can be a certified/notarised copy of the photo page of your passport, or another form of official photo identification that lists your full personal details including name and date of birth; for example, a foreign government identity card.
- Evidence of English Language Requirements satisfied. If you have completed a UNE-approved formal English test within the last two years, you must provide a copy of the test results with your application. Please see UNE’s English Language Requirements above for further information.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.
Please note: Advanced Standing cannot be granted for the dissertation component of this course.
You can apply for this course if you meet all of the following entry requirements:
- You have completed one of the following UNE qualifications, or an equivalent relevant qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent):
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Media and Communication
- You have achieved a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.5 in your relevant qualification.
- You have achieved a minimum result of Distinction for at least 18 credit points of 300-level units in the subject you want to study.
- You have completed a minimum of 48 credit points of study in the subject you want to study.
-
Students must submit a research proposal of 1000 words, containing a written, cogent, proposal of the topic, which must include a thesis statement, and/or a problem to be solved, and/or a question to be answered, and/or a line of argument to be explored. The candidate shall pursue a topic for which the University can provide adequate supervision.
-
Students must have the support of a suitably qualified supervisor who is a member of the relevant discipline or approved by the discipline and Head of School (or delegate).
Please note: Admission to this course is determined by the Head of School (or delegate) on the recommendation of the discipline convenor.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
- A certified academic transcript of your completed qualification.
- A completed Honours Application form. This must be included in your online application.
- A research proposal. Please see the Honours application form linked above for instructions on how to develop your research proposal.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.
Please note: Advanced Standing cannot be granted for the dissertation component of this course.
Course structure
This unit includes a range of pedagogic approaches central to the disciplines of Media and Communication Studies.
HASS400H (Media and Communications) focuses on the techniques, principles and practices of Communication Studies, including Media Studies, Writing and related fields as well as approaches used in the thesis which are determined by the student in consultation with her or his supervisor.
1. To qualify for the award a candidate must pass a single unit to the value of 48 credit points comprising an advanced course work component and a dissertation component in the relevant subject.
2. Each Bachelor of Media and Communications (Honours) candidate will be required to consult with their supervisor(s). The nature and extent of such consultation will be determined by the supervisor(s) and Head of School after consultation with the candidate prior to commencement of each year of candidature and may require face-to-face consultation.
3. A candidate may not enrol concurrently for other units at this University or at another institution, except that, upon the recommendation of the Head of School, the course coordinator may grant permission to do so.
48 credit points
Complete the following unit:- Honours in Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS400H) – 48 credit points
See UNE Handbook for more details. The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course plans, exit awards, intensive schools, and work placement requirements.
Fees and scholarships
How much will it cost?
Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:
| Fee type | Cost |
|---|---|
| International | $28,762* |
| Commonwealth Supported Place | $16,320* |
| Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time | $351 |
*Annual course fees only cover the cost of tuition. They do not include other expenses associated with university study such as text books, accommodation and living expenses. If you are successful in gaining admission to study at UNE, the Offer of Admission will list the exact tuition fees you need to pay for your course. Fees quoted cover full-time tuition for two full-time trimesters only. For more information, please see fees and costs.
What are the course fee payment options?
A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a government subsidised place in a university course. The government pays part of your tuition fees, and you pay the remainder.
If you have a CSP in either an undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) degree, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP Loan, which allows you to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.
UNE scholarships are open for all to apply and offer financial help while you are studying. There are scholarships for students with high academic achievement, from rural areas, studying specific degrees, in disadvantaged groups, experiencing financial hardship, who excel at sport or want to live in a UNE residential college.
UNE scholarship applications are free and confidential. You may apply for more than one scholarship.
Scholarships
UNE offers bursaries and scholarships that can help you with the costs of studying and living in Australia.
The UNE International Bursary reduces the published annual tuition fees for international students by up to 20%. These bursaries are available for international students commencing coursework studies at UNE in 2024. View detailed Bursary information.
UNE also offers a number of substantial research scholarships to postgraduate students studying research-based degrees.
Your career
Graduate with knowledge of how the media works and has evolved. You'll have diverse communication and analytical skills to prepare you to adapt to a rapidly changing jobs landscape.
Career options for graduates include:
- journalism
- radio and television
- public relations, marketing and advertising
- social media
- corporate writing
- public sector research and administration
- communications strategy.
While an honours degree in media and communications will give you an advantage as you pursue your chosen career, it is also an ideal stepping stone to higher-degree research. If you complete your honours year to a high standard (Class II Division 1 or better), you will gain automatic entry as a candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.
Course outcomes
- demonstrate coherent and advanced knowledge of the disciplinary field of media and communications across local and global contexts, including the practices, languages, forms, materials, technologies and techniques studied in the field;
- demonstrate advanced knowledge and applied understanding of the disciplinary methods of media and communications, including its rationales, themes, concepts, theories, methods and interdisciplinary dimensions;
- identify and apply appropriate research methods for gathering, interpreting, critically analysing, evaluating and transforming ideas and information from a variety of sources, and for developing and synthesising knowledge;
- select and use appropriate communication technologies, forms, styles and techniques, at an advanced level, to investigate complex problems and present ideas and arguments coherently for specific purposes and types of intended audience;
- adapt and apply advanced knowledge and skills with initiative and autonomy to plan and develop projects, present possible solutions to complex problems and research questions and make decisions in scholarship and/or professional practice, demonstrating the potential to make original contributions to knowledge in that particular discipline; and
- work independently and collaboratively with intellectual honesty, demonstrating adaptability and understanding of social, cultural and ethical contexts in further learning and professional practice related to media and communications.
- Knowledge of a Discipline
The course develops advanced knowledge of forms, practices, technologies, techniques and contexts of media and communications, and advanced knowledge of disciplinary concepts, approaches and methods used in studying the field, through theoretical and/or practical styles of learning and assessment.A global perspective is taught, practised and assessed in the study of diverse media forms and cultural contexts of communication, including debates about globalisation.
- Communication Skills
Written communication skills are taught, practised and assessed, through the study of media and communications. Further skills of representation may be enhanced according to the options of genre and medium for theoretical and practical work in the coursework and/or dissertation.
- Problem Solving
Techniques and methods for defining and investigating problems are taught, practised and assessed, with guidance towards increasingly independent study of issues and debates in media and communications.
- Information Literacy
Information Literacy is taught, practised and assessed through the development of skills for researching media and communications and evaluating diverse sources and types of information.
- Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility
Ethical conduct and responsibility are developed by consideration - in teaching, supervision, learning and assessment - of the social relations, and cultural and ethical frameworks of media and communications.
- Lifelong Learning
Lifelong learning is embedded in the development of skills of research, analysis, argument and communication.
- Independence and Collaboration
Principles of team work are taught through analysis and/or practice of media and communications, but are not assessed. Independence is developed through research practices in developing the dissertation.
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience Survey
Five Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024 No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience Survey Five Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024 Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian University.
As an international student you can take advantage of flexible online study from overseas or while you are studying in Australia on a visa other than a student visa. You can’t study fully online on a Student Visa.
To study online from overseas you need to consider that you may need to travel to Australia to attend a UNE campus for some mandatory intensive schools.
Studying on Campus
Whether you are an undergraduate student coming to study in Australia for the first time, a PhD student coming to live here with your family, or you only need short-stay accommodation whilst in Armidale for Intensive Schools, we have the perfect accommodation option for you.
Stay connected
Register your interest and we'll keep you updated
Why study with us?
What’s more is that being able to advance my skills and understanding within my field alongside like-minded individuals was incredibly rewarding.
Why study with us?
The current and well-designed curriculum with a good combination of theory, management and practical components in each unit is excellent and what I really need to enhance my career in the future.
How to apply
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Important Dates
Different application methods and courses can have different closing dates. To find your correct application method click the Apply Now button below. Please check the appropriate application website for opening and closing dates.
If you are applying online direct to UNE please see below for application dates.
| Intake | Application Closing Date | Trimester Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | 16 February 2024* | 26 February 2024 |
*Early closing date
Important Notice for Prospective Students
For accurate, up-to-date details on entry requirements, course structure, and other essential information, please consult the UNE Student Handbook before applying or enrolling. The Handbook provides comprehensive guidance to assist in your decision-making process. We apologise for any inconvenience.
