Build skills to secure a career in the everchanging global media landscape
Media studies examines the media and its impact on society, culture and politics. With global communication rapidly changing due to artificial intelligence and other emerging technology, professionals who can embrace change and adapt quickly will be successful in the industry.
UNE offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in media studies designed to provide you with creative, critical thinking and analytical skills required for a career in the media. As the industry evolves to one of 24-hour accessibility via personal devices, those with a detailed understanding of what underpins the news cycle and the advertising that financially supports it will secure their future success. UNE has a long history of helping adults ready themselves for changes in the workplace. Our media studies experts will teach you how the media shapes our perceptions of the world and how media content is produced, distributed, and consumed, ensuring you are future fit to adapt to work in the field.
Most of our students opt for online education, where they become part of a community of adults who pool their life and work experiences to form strong networks for the future. Those who study on-campus enjoy accommodation, athletics facilities and support services. Whether online or on campus, you can choose to study full-time or part-time over three trimesters.
Our long-standing commitment to preparing adults for the ever-evolving job market means that by choosing UNE, you’ll be studying with an industry leader in the provision of online lifelong learning. Year after year, students award us the maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide.
Explore the media studies courses and specialisations on offer at UNE.
Courses by study level
We live in a rapidly changing world, and none more so than the world of media and communications. The rise of digital media, social media and streaming services has seen the landscape change like no other, but the fundamentals of effective communication and storytelling remain constant.
At the heart of effective communication is both the ability to tell an engaging story and to ensure it reaches and resonates with its target audience. UNE's Bachelor of Media and Communications will equip you with the necessary tools to achieve both objectives, and help you forge a career in the media and communications industry, no matter how the landscape changes in the future.
- 3 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
- Online
- On Campus
One of our longest-standing degrees, the Bachelor of Arts (BA) is increasingly relevant in today's agile, dynamic world. It equips you with the creative, critical and analytical skills in demand by employers, and is transferable across a range of workplaces. When you study a BA at UNE, you have the freedom to become a specialist in the discipline of your choice.
- 3 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
- Online
- On Campus
UNE’s Bachelor of Media and Communications/Bachelor of Laws offers you the opportunity to combine your law studies with a highly sought-after understanding of our rapidly changing global media culture.
This unique dual degree broadens your career prospects, providing you access to fulfilling roles in not only legal and media sectors, but to diverse prospects in a variety of sectors. Graduate from this course future-fit to think laterally and problem-solve — qualities that are in demand by employers navigating the dynamically shifting landscape of work.
- 5 years full-time
- Up to 12 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
- Online
- On Campus
The UNE Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws provides you with the opportunity to combine your study of law with an area of interest drawn from a wide variety of the arts, humanities and social sciences. As a double degree for the future, it has been developed in response to the needs of today’s rapidly changing workplaces and a growing employer demand for double degree graduates.
Your choice of arts major allows you to become an expert in a discipline of your choice. The legal knowledge and practical skills will also enable you to pursue many pathways in law, benefiting from UNE’s deep expertise in regional, rural and remote legal issues.
- 5 years full-time
- Up to 12 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
- On Campus
- Online
Do you dream of a career where you’re helping to address the big issues facing humanity? Or perhaps you crave the excitement of being at the forefront of scientific discovery? Maybe you wish to instil your passion for the environment into future generations? Our Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science is uniquely positioned to help you reach your goals, with wide-spanning knowledge and a diverse set of skills to be adaptable in a rapidly changing world. This combined degree will help lay the foundation for you to acquire the ability to innovate and problem-solve — attributes that are in demand more than ever by employers in Australia and internationally.
- 4 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
- Online
- On Campus
Workplaces value employees who have a broad range of real-world skills, and this combined degree will equip you to excel in today’s dynamic working environment. In our Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business, you’ll gain business knowledge and learn to think like an entrepreneur. You’ll develop creative and socio-cultural knowledge, and vital skills in critical thinking and communication.
Our degree fosters the accumulation of knowledge and the acquisition of a diverse set of skills, essential to helping you be an independent thinker, and empowering you to create a new future, new career prospects and the ability to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing modern workplace.
- 4 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
- On Campus
- Online
Add an area of expertise to your CV and gain an undergraduate qualification — without committing to a full bachelor's degree. You will develop research, critical thinking, and writing skills in the core units. With the minor and elective units, you tailor the course to your specific interests and career objectives by choosing from an extensive selection of arts, humanities and social science units.
With our Advanced Diploma in Arts you have the freedom to explore related subjects, or a range of different topics. With this flexibility, your advanced diploma can be customised to your aspirational and practical needs. It will also qualify you to go on to a Bachelor of Arts if you're keen to continue your studies. Become future fit with these advanced studies.
- 1.5 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
- Online
- On Campus
Are you looking to add an additional area of expertise to your CV to enhance your career prospects without committing to a full degree? Perhaps you just want to dip a toe into university study, with the option of continuing on to an advanced diploma or even a bachelor's degree? Well, our Diploma in Arts is the perfect way to achieve both goals. This course will equip you with a variety of fundamental skills and knowledge in a range of subjects in the arts, humanities and social sciences.
- 1 year full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
- Online
- On Campus
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.
- 1 year full-time
- 2 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
- Online
- On Campus
Did your arts degree prompt a burning question or a passion for independent research? If so, consider applying for an honours year. A capstone to your formal education, honours is an opportunity to drill deeper into a specialised area, to extend your intellectual range, and sharpen your research capabilities. It will enable 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 provide a solid foundation for postgraduate study, give you a competitive edge in the job market, and help future proof your career in a rapidly changing world.
- 1 year full-time
- 2 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
- On Campus
- Online
UNE’s Master of Arts is designed to equip you with specialised knowledge as well as a wide range of transferrable skills that employers highly value, such as communication and critical thinking. This course is also a focused pathway to higher degree research.
With a master's degree, you can make a switch to a new career field or gain additional expertise to enhance your existing path. At UNE, you can select a major from 17 specialty areas, dive into research and tailor the program to your interests and career goals. Explore history, linguistics, theatre and digital performance, philosophy, sociology and more.
- 1 or 1.5 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
- On Campus
- Online
Design a bespoke course and prepare for a rapidly evolving workplace with the UNE Graduate Diploma in Professional Practice. Whether you want to advance your career, hone your skills or embark on a new career direction, we'll work with you to design a course to match your skills and aspirations.
You will have the freedom to assemble your course from a full breadth of subjects, play to your strengths and draw from your experience to achieve your goals. Learn in a way that suits your timeframe and do it all with the support of an expert academic success advisor — with one-on-one guidance from start to finish. You'll be paving your pathway to the next stage of your career.
- 1 year full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
- Online
Are you a graduate looking to add new skills to your CV to reinforce or redirect your career? Perhaps you are keen to pursue a personal interest in the arts or humanities. Or maybe you are interested in completing a master's but aren't sure if you can commit to a full degree. If any of the above fits your situation, the Graduate Certificate in Arts is the perfect course for you.
Your choice of majors include, but are not limited to, history, philosophy, media and communications, English literature, classical languages, writing, and a range of modern cultural studies. In addition, you will be trained to discover and process information, think independently, and communicate effectively.
- Up to 4 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
- On Campus
- Online
Adapt to an evolving workplace and open the door to new career opportunities with UNE's Graduate Certificate in Professional Practice. Whether you want to create more career choices, hone your specialist skills, or take a new career direction, we will work with you to customise a course to match your skills and aspirations.
Choose from a full breadth of subjects. Avoid getting bogged down in a lengthy, traditional course, and instead, play to your natural strengths, refine your skills and draw on your experience to prepare for the future. And do it all with the support of an expert academic success advisor with 1:1 guidance from start to finish.
- 0.5 years full-time
- 2 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
- Online
A Doctor of Philosophy is the pinnacle of academic study. Using rigorous and systematic research, combined with critical analysis, you will add to society's understanding of complex issues at the cutting-edge of your discipline or profession.
When you complete your PhD at UNE, you will be recognised as an expert in your area of study. Your original discoveries and innovations will be applied to benefit society and industry in Australia and worldwide.
- 4 years full-time
- 8 years part-time
- Research Period 1
- Research Period 2
- Online
- On Campus
Practice-based research drives better decisions, stronger services and measurable outcomes. UNE’s Professional Doctorate provides foundational research training with a research thesis, supporting experienced professionals to contribute to the development of original knowledge that improves professional practice in their fields.
Co-design a workplace-embedded project with your UNE supervision team and your organisation, aligning rigorous methods with real-world challenges. Your examinable output is tailored to your discipline — for example, a thesis, a dissertation with artefacts, or an exegesis with a portfolio of creative, technical or performance works.
- 4 years full-time
- 8 years part-time
- Research Period 1
- Research Period 2
- On Campus
- Online
High quality research and analysis allows us to better understand the complex issues we face in industry and society. With UNE's Master of Philosophy by research, your original findings and insights will add to the body of knowledge and inform decision-making in your specialist area.
You will work independently, with personalised support from recognised experts in your area of study every step of the way. Expand your expertise, hone your research skills, and immediately apply your knowledge in a research topic of your choice.
- 2 years full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
- Research Period 1
- Research Period 2
- On Campus
- Online
The world is full of possibilities, with so much to discover and learn. There are endless opportunities to enrich your knowledge to prepare for the future, but what if you don’t want to undertake a full degree? And how can you zero-in on the subjects that matter most to you? That’s what a Non-Award unit with UNE will help you to achieve.
Non-Award study means you can learn without the need to complete entire course requirements or take on a full course load. Whether it’s a language you want to learn, a business unit to enhance your career, an improvement of your IT skills, an update on education principles or developing your management style, Non-Award study gives you the flexibility and control to explore what matters to you.
- 1 trimester full-time
- 1 trimester part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
- On Campus
- Online
If you are enrolled at another university, you can choose to study subjects at UNE that will count towards your course. Apply as a cross-institutional student directly and complete one or several individual subjects (units) from the full scope of UNE's discipline areas.
- 1 trimester full-time
- 1 trimester part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
- On Campus
- Online
Why study with us?

The most enjoyable part of my studies is the sense of achievement and being part of something bigger than myself.
Greg KemmettFind the right major or specialisation for your studies in Media Studies
With our 24-hour global media cycle in a constant state of flux, UNE’s courses and majors will help you build the essential skills to keep up in print, online or in broadcast media. Hone your skills and learn to be adaptive for an exciting career. Explore the options in media studies now.
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Hone your communication strategies and public speaking ability with the experts at UNE. Communication and collaboration skills are essential for the successful entrepreneur, and are in demand in the growing variety of industries that require a…
Hone your communication strategies and public speaking ability with the experts at UNE. Communication and collaboration skills are essential for the successful entrepreneur, and are in demand in the growing variety of industries that require a bridge between technical experts and the public.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts | Minor | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business | Minor | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws | Minor | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science | Minor | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
UNE's experts will help you develop clear communication skills to confidently express yourself in the arena of scientific research that is forecast to see many changes, including the use of storytelling and multimedia when interacting with…
UNE's experts will help you develop clear communication skills to confidently express yourself in the arena of scientific research that is forecast to see many changes, including the use of storytelling and multimedia when interacting with peers, students, readers, media and potential investors.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science | Minor | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Digital Humanities includes skillsets in digital storytelling, media, and research to thrive in a tech-driven cultural sector. As museums, archives, and media go digital, the experts at UNE will prepare you to innovate and lead in preserving and…
Digital Humanities includes skillsets in digital storytelling, media, and research to thrive in a tech-driven cultural sector. As museums, archives, and media go digital, the experts at UNE will prepare you to innovate and lead in preserving and sharing knowledge in new, engaging ways.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts | Minor | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business | Minor | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws | Minor | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science | Minor | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Explore storytelling traditions from Hollywood to international cinema with the experts at UNE. Develop critical thinking skills, cultural competence, and adaptability while exploring diverse cultural landscapes. Position yourself as a flexible…
Explore storytelling traditions from Hollywood to international cinema with the experts at UNE. Develop critical thinking skills, cultural competence, and adaptability while exploring diverse cultural landscapes. Position yourself as a flexible problem-solver in a rapidly globalised world.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Media and Communications | Minor | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Prepare for your future by building a versatile skillset in analysing consumer aspirations and needs, creating marketing strategies and executing campaigns. At UNE we'll help you meet the demands of an increasingly complex business environment…
Prepare for your future by building a versatile skillset in analysing consumer aspirations and needs, creating marketing strategies and executing campaigns. At UNE we'll help you meet the demands of an increasingly complex business environment where confident, competent professionals will excel.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Agriculture/Bachelor of Business | Major | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business | Major | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Business | Major | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Economics | Major | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Laws | Major | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Digital Marketing | Specialist Course | Undergraduate |
| Diploma in Digital Marketing | Specialist Course | Undergraduate |
| Advanced Diploma in Digital Marketing | Specialist Course | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Future-proof your career in this fast-paced field by developing effective communication skills and good storytelling techniques using digital media, social media and traditional journalism. Work with current technology and experienced industry…
Future-proof your career in this fast-paced field by developing effective communication skills and good storytelling techniques using digital media, social media and traditional journalism. Work with current technology and experienced industry professionals to secure your career in communications.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Media and Communications | Specialist Course | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Arts with Honours | Major | Bachelor Honours |
| Bachelor of Media and Communications with Honours | Specialist Course | Bachelor Honours |
| Master of Arts | Major | Postgraduate |
| Graduate Certificate in Arts | Major | Postgraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Develop your print and digital media and communication skills with UNE's experienced industry professionals. Work with current and emerging technology and protect your career as digital media, news and pop culture, as well as data and analytics, …
Develop your print and digital media and communication skills with UNE's experienced industry professionals. Work with current and emerging technology and protect your career as digital media, news and pop culture, as well as data and analytics, become more important for media outlets.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Media and Communications | Major | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Media and Communications/Bachelor of Laws | Major | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Technological advancements and shifting consumer habits are rapidly changing the landscape of the media industry. With UNE's experts, you will develop the critical analysis, communication and research skills needed to succeed in a dynamic,…
Technological advancements and shifting consumer habits are rapidly changing the landscape of the media industry. With UNE's experts, you will develop the critical analysis, communication and research skills needed to succeed in a dynamic, globalised and digitally transformed field.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts | Major | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business | Major | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws | Major | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science | Major | Undergraduate |
| Advanced Diploma in Arts | Minor | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
UNE's writing and communications experts will help you develop skills in business and creative writing; including research and critical thinking. Safeguard your spot in the globally connected world that is forecast to see further tech…
UNE's writing and communications experts will help you develop skills in business and creative writing; including research and critical thinking. Safeguard your spot in the globally connected world that is forecast to see further tech developments and ensure you are future-fit for professional life.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts | Major | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business | Major | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws | Major | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science | Major | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Arts with Honours | Major | Bachelor Honours |
| Master of Arts | Major | Postgraduate |
| Graduate Certificate in Arts | Major | Postgraduate |
| Advanced Diploma in Arts | Minor | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
UNE's highly regarded educators, published authors and experienced media professionals will help you develop your writing, editing and pitching skills. Prepare to succeed in the rapidly evolving world of writing and publishing that will see a…
UNE's highly regarded educators, published authors and experienced media professionals will help you develop your writing, editing and pitching skills. Prepare to succeed in the rapidly evolving world of writing and publishing that will see a rise in digital platforms and self publishing.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Media and Communications | Major | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Media and Communications/Bachelor of Laws | Major | Undergraduate |
Why study with us?
Australian Universities
Public NSW Universities
NSW Universities
Careers in Media Studies
By studying with UNE, you will develop the future-proof skillset to secure positions across the media industry. With the need for content creators with technical expertise strong and rising, professionals with skillsets in media studies can find work in a variety of settings.
- Journalist
Report news, write articles, and conduct interviews for print, broadcast, or online media outlets. - Content creator
Develop and create content for various media platforms, including video, audio, and written content. - Public relations specialist
Manage an organisation's public image, handle media relations, and create press releases and promotional materials. - Social media manager
Oversee an organisation's social media presence, create engaging content, and interact with followers. - Film and video editor
Edit and assemble raw footage into finished video content for film, television, or online platforms. - Radio producer
Plan and produce radio programs, including music shows, talk shows, and news broadcasts. - Digital marketing specialist
Focus on online marketing channels, including social media, email marketing, and content creation. - Media analyst
Conduct research to gather data on media consumption, audience behaviour, and industry trends, providing insights for media strategies.
A career in Media Studies
Media graduates are in high demand in a range of employment settings. A course in media, communications or arts at UNE will pave a pathway for a range of career opportunities.
Work integrated learning was by far my most rewarding experience while studying at UNE. I completed two internships – so I got real world experience, and it also counted toward my degree!
I'm grateful to UNE for the opportunities studying has given me, but above all, for making me realise I could actually do it, and giving me a sense of accomplishment.
Whilst studying my Honours, I worked in the UNE social media team - a great experience.
According to the Australian Government’s Employment Projections, the Information Media and Telecommunications industry can expect growth of 15.3% by 2033, translating to an estimated 29,200 new media and communications roles for experts like UNE graduates to fill.
Excellence in experience, equity and employability
Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.
Good Universities Guide 2007-2026Five Stars for
Social Equity
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.
Good Universities Guide 2026Five Stars for
Graduate Employment
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.
Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate)Diamond-Rated Digital Learning
UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.
ASCILITE TELAS 2025Browse other disciplines within Humanities and Arts
What happens next?
Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.
2026 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.