We are at an age - the information age – where the role of the media is increasingly becoming a potent force that impacts us in so many ways. Today, with the advent of new media and the cellular phone, the face of news reporting and presenting has changed dramatically, one has to be creative and innovative to please an ever-demanding audience and to keep them on the edge of their seats.

The Bachelor of Communication (with majors in Public Relations and Journalism), is designed to provide you a solid understanding of the theory and the practice of communication in a global environment that is both complex and rapidly changing. You will learn to work creatively and analytically in the communication and cultural industries, and for further study and research in the discipline.

The University's Accolades

• 60th University in the Asia-Pacific (Shanghai Jiao Tong University Academic Rankings 2011)
• One of the only 4 Universities in Australia to be awarded a top rating of 5 stars 
  (QS World University Rankings 2011)
• Five Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning
  (Australian Learning and Teaching Council 2009)
• Top 10 University for Research Output and Annual Research Income
• Over 2,000 University of Newcastle students currently enrolled in PSB Academy

Your Career Opportunities

As a graduate of the programme, you will be equipped to take advantage of career opportunities in the following professions:

• Public Relations
• Media Research and Analysis
• Journalism
• Audience Research and Analysis
• Corporate Communication
• Radio Broadcasting and Journalism
• Marketing Communication
• Research and Policy Development
• Professional and Creative Writing

Programme Structure

• This programme consists of 32 courses
• 2 semesters in Year 1; 3 trimesters in Year 2 and 3
• 4 courses are taught in each semester / trimester by both University faculty and local lecturers

This programme is specially designed with the objective of giving students with GCE 'O' Levels or its equivalent a head start to an undergraduate degree programme. Year 1 consists of bridging components which are meant to prepare students for further undergraduate work. Year 2 and 3 represent an accelerated programme which allows a typical 3-year programme to be completed in 2 years.

Students may also enjoy the benefit of transferring or completing their studies on campus in Australia.

Programme Outline

Delivery of modules may not follow the sequence as shown and are subject to change.

Duration

The programme can be completed within 3 years. For those granted with exemptions, this programme may be completed within 2 years.

Honours Programme

An Honours programme is available for studies who have achieved excellent results in a relevant undergraduate degree with an opportunity to undertake in-depth research in communication and or media arts. The one year programme is designed to enable students to produce a thesis or creative project theoretically, methodically and technically sophisticated. The programme offers a foundation for higher entry-level employment and further graduate studies.

Assessment and Examination

Assessments may include assignments, tests, projects, and final examinations.

Entry Requirements

Undergraduate Degree Programme

The entry requirements for local students are:

• A minimum of 5 GCE 'O' level credits including English (Second languages are excluded).

An applicant for a place at the University of Newcastle who does not speak English as a first language must demonstrate that they meet the University's English proficiency requirement. Details of this policy can be found here.

Applicants without the required average grades may also apply but will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by the University.

Honours Degree Programme

The minimum admission requirement for the Honours Degree Programme is a University of Newcastle Bachelor of Communication or an equivalent programme with a minimum GPA of 5.0 (credit grade average) calculated from the following:

• Across that entire degree programme; or
• Across a major in the proposed discipline of study, if that degree programme includes such a major; or
• Across at least 60 units of 3000 level course (which must include at least 40 units of 3000 level courses in the major where a major exists).

In exceptional circumstances, the above requirements may be varied with permission of the Head of School and Pro Vice-Chancellor. No more than two years must have elapsed since completion of the undergraduate degree.

Exemptions

Applicants who meet the minimum entry requirements of this degree and possess the following qualifications may be exempted from Year 1:

• GCE 'A' levels (minimum 3 'A' level passes including Mathematics, excluding General Paper) and meeting the minimum entry requirement of the programme; or
• Diploma from a local polytechnic or other recognised institutions; or
• Higher NITEC

Applicants with Diplomas or Advanced Diplomas in related studies from polytechnics or other recognised institutions may be considered for advance standing into the Year 2 courses.

Graduation Requirements

For more information on graduation requirements for the Bachelor of Communication, please click here: http://www.newcastle.edu.au/program/11496.html.

For more information on graduation requirements for the Bachelor of Communication (Honours), please click here: http://www.newcastle.edu.au/program/11584.html.

Availability

Programme Fees

Graduates of PSB Academy can enjoy fee rebates for subsequent courses. Please contact your Admissions Officer for further details.

* All fees are inclusive of 7% GST and subject to change annually
* Course fee excludes textbooks
* Click here to view other charges for students

- updated on January 2012