Course code F35
Bachelor of Communication
Why study at ECU?
Toggle between study options for Domestic or International students
About this Course
This course will prepare you for an ever-changing communication sector.
In a crowded media landscape, your challenge is to help organisations build credibility, trust and awareness of their brand with their target audiences.
You’ll develop the knowledge and skills for a diverse range of communication fields, including advertising, public relations, digital communication, public affairs and community relations/engagement.
You’ll also gain an awareness of strategic communication theories and practices, with a focus on designing advertising and public relations campaigns. And you’ll explore contemporary communication planning and practices with an emphasis on ethics, environmental issues, diversity and digital communication.
In your final capstone’ unit, you’ll engage in a comprehensive, hands-on creative agency experience producing portfolios of industry standard work for real clients.
Course code F35
Entry requirements
70 Indicative ATAR
ECU admission and English language requirements apply.
See Course Entry for further information.
Admissions
Fees
See Fees and Scholarships for further information.
Availability & Campus
Location | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
---|---|---|
Joondalup | ||
Mount Lawley | FT PT | FT PT |
South West | ||
Online | FT PT | FT PT |
About this Course
This course will prepare you for an ever-changing communication sector.
In a crowded media landscape, your challenge is to help organisations build credibility, trust and awareness of their brand with their target audiences.
You’ll develop the knowledge and skills for a diverse range of communication fields, including advertising, public relations, digital communication, public affairs and community relations/engagement.
You’ll also gain an awareness of strategic communication theories and practices, with a focus on designing advertising and public relations campaigns. And you’ll explore contemporary communication planning and practices with an emphasis on ethics, environmental issues, diversity and digital communication.
In your final capstone’ unit, you’ll engage in a comprehensive, hands-on creative agency experience producing portfolios of industry standard work for real clients.
Course code F35
CRICOS code 115039G
Entry requirements
ECU admission and English language requirements apply.
See Course Entry for further information.
Fees
See Fees and Scholarships for further information.
Availability & Campus
Location | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
---|---|---|
Joondalup | ||
Mount Lawley | FT | FT |
South West | ||
Online | FT PT | FT PT |
Course Entry
Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.
-
All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course. The indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published (where applicable) or academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- AQF Cert IV;
- Successfully completed 0.25 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
- Undergraduate Certificate;
- Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
- University Preparation Course;*
- Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
- Aboriginal University Readiness Assessment; or*
- Experience Based Entry Scheme.*
* Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.
For international students, requirements include your secondary school results.
-
English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent;
- Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
- IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.0 (no individual band less than 6.0);
- Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada;
- University Preparation Course;
- Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
- Aboriginal University Readiness Assessment;*
- AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree;
- Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent); or
- Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.
* Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.
Course Entry
Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.
-
All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course. The indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published (where applicable) or academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- AQF Cert IV;
- Successfully completed 0.25 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
- Undergraduate Certificate;
- Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
- University Preparation Course;*
- Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
- Aboriginal University Readiness Assessment; or*
- Experience Based Entry Scheme.*
* Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.
For international students, requirements include your secondary school results.
-
English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent;
- Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
- IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.0 (no individual band less than 6.0);
- Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada;
- University Preparation Course;
- Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
- Aboriginal University Readiness Assessment;*
- AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree;
- Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent); or
- Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.
* Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.
Course Details
Semester availability
Semester 1: Study full-time at Mount Lawley or Online
Semester 1: Study part-time at Mount Lawley or Online
Semester 2: Study full-time at Mount Lawley or Online
Semester 2: Study part-time at Mount Lawley or Online
Course Structure
Students are required to complete 15 core units and 8 elective units. Students that complete a 4-unit, subject-based Elective Sequence may nominate to have this recorded on their transcript as a minor in the subject area. Alternatively, students may complete any other combination of major, minors, or elective units from the School of Arts and Humanities or other Schools with the approval of the Course Coordinator.
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
CMM1600 | Foundations of Advertising | 15 |
CMM1605 | Communication Campaigns | 15 |
Core Unit | Choose 1 unit from list of 5 core options | 15 |
Elective Unit | Unit from elective sequence, recommended electives or alternative elective option | 15 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
CMM1610 | Understanding Audiences | 15 |
CMM1615 | Media Content Strategy | 15 |
JBM1615 | Media Law and Ethics | 15 |
Elective Unit | Unit from elective sequence, recommended electives or alternative elective option | 15 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
CMM2600 | Digital Content Creation | 15 |
CMM2605 | Principles of Inclusive Communication | 15 |
JBM2600 | Storytelling and Social Media Influence | 15 |
Core Unit | Choose 1 unit from list of 5 core options | 15 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
CMM2610 | Strategic Branding | 15 |
CMM2615 | Strategic Social Media | 15 |
Elective Unit | Unit from elective sequence, recommended electives or alternative elective option | 15 |
Elective Unit | Unit from elective sequence, recommended electives or alternative elective option | 15 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
CMM3650 | Communication Agency | 30 |
Elective Unit | Unit from elective sequence, recommended electives or alternative elective option | 15 |
Elective Unit | Unit from elective sequence, recommended electives or alternative elective option | 15 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
CMM3600 | Corporate Communication | 15 |
CMM3605 | Global Communication | 15 |
Elective Unit | Unit from elective sequence, recommended electives or alternative elective option | 15 |
Elective Unit | Unit from elective sequence, recommended electives or alternative elective option | 15 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
JBM1600 ^ | Radio and Podcast Production | 15 |
JBM1605 ^ | Fundamentals of Journalism | 15 |
WRT2110 ^ | Introduction to Editing | 15 |
WRT3605 ^ | Creative Writing and the Market | 15 |
IAS2340 ^ | BlaK Matters: Indigenous Sci-fi and Futurisms, Ancient Knowledge for an Exciting Future | 15 |
Students can choose any combination of electives from any of the recommended elective lists or any other combination of major, minors, or elective units from the School of Arts and Humanities or other schools where available with the approval of the Course Coordinator. Students that complete a 4 unit subject-based Elective Sequence may nominate to have this recorded on their transcript as a minor in the subject area.
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
WRT1600 | Creative Writing | 15 |
WRT1605 | Writing Craft and Practice | 15 |
WRT1610 | Writing Short Stories | 15 |
WRT2605 | Writing Creative Non-Fiction | 15 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
PHO1125 | Camera Work and Lighting | 15 |
PHO1130 | Studio Work | 15 |
PHO2105 | Photo Work | 15 |
PHO3201 | Photojournalism and Editorial Practice | 15 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
NOTE: Acceptance into SAH2650, SAH3650 and SAH3660 is by application only | ||
JBM1610 | Journalism, TV and Streaming | 15 |
JBM1620 | Editing for TV and Streaming | 15 |
JBM2605 | Introduction to Radio Newsroom | 15 |
JBM2610 | Sport and Entertainment Reporting | 15 |
SPR1615 | Introduction to Studio Production | 15 |
SPR3600 | Contemporary Screen Audiences | 15 |
SPR2605 | Experiments in Screen | 15 |
DES1600 | Design Foundations | 15 |
DES1605 | Design Prototyping | 15 |
SBL1100 | Foundations of Business | 15 |
SBL1200 | Accounting and Finance Essentials | 15 |
MKT1600 | Marketing Principles & Practices | 15 |
MKT2608 | Consumer Behaviour | 15 |
TSM2202 | Introduction to Event Management | 15 |
MAN2172 | Planning the Project | 15 |
SAH2650 | Professional Experience: Internship or Project | 15 |
SAH3650 | Professional Placement 1 | 30 |
SAH3660 | Professional Placement 2 | 30 |
^ Core Option
F35|1
For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.
Student handbookCourse notes
Important course notes
-
In SAH2650 Professional Experience: Internship or Project, students will be able to select workplace-based or project-based environments. In the workplace-based track, students will embark on a minimum of 100 hours of professional placement work experience within a public, private or not-for-profit organisation relevant to their academic studies. In the project-based track, students will engage in a project for a public, private or not-for-profit organisation that tackles a real-world challenge in collaboration or consultation with an industry partner.
In SAH3650 Professional Placement 1 and SAH3660 Professional Placement 2, students will gain relevant work experience by undertaking a minimum of 225 hours (per unit) of professional placement with a public, private or not-for-profit host organisation which is relevant to their academic studies.
Course learning outcomes
- Apply broad knowledge of communication concepts, including knowledge of legal, ethical and regulatory requirements, to a range of practical communication situations.
- Think critically to analyse, interpret and strategise complex communication scenarios.
- Think creatively to anticipate challenges, implement strategic responses and generate communication materials.
- Use digital technologies to access, evaluate, synthesise and communicate relevant information from multiple sources and function as a contemporary communication professional.
- Apply communication techniques to create clear, coherent,compelling and inclusive communication materials that meet the expectations and needs of society and organisations.
- Demonstrate a global outlook with respect for cultural diversity, inclusivity and Indigenous cultural responsiveness.
- Work collaboratively and demonstrate initiative and ethical values in relation to communication contexts.
- Demonstrate autonomy, accountability and judgement for own learning and professional practice.
Course Details
Semester availability
Semester 1: Study full-time at Mount Lawley or Online
Semester 1: Study part-time Online
Semester 2: Study full-time at Mount Lawley or Online
Semester 2: Study part-time Online
Course Structure
Students are required to complete 15 core units and 8 elective units. Students that complete a 4-unit, subject-based Elective Sequence may nominate to have this recorded on their transcript as a minor in the subject area. Alternatively, students may complete any other combination of major, minors, or elective units from the School of Arts and Humanities or other Schools with the approval of the Course Coordinator.
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
CMM1600 | Foundations of Advertising | 15 |
CMM1605 | Communication Campaigns | 15 |
Core Unit | Choose 1 unit from list of 5 core options | 15 |
Elective Unit | Unit from elective sequence, recommended electives or alternative elective option | 15 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
CMM1610 | Understanding Audiences | 15 |
CMM1615 | Media Content Strategy | 15 |
JBM1615 | Media Law and Ethics | 15 |
Elective Unit | Unit from elective sequence, recommended electives or alternative elective option | 15 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
CMM2600 | Digital Content Creation | 15 |
CMM2605 | Principles of Inclusive Communication | 15 |
JBM2600 | Storytelling and Social Media Influence | 15 |
Core Unit | Choose 1 unit from list of 5 core options | 15 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
CMM2610 | Strategic Branding | 15 |
CMM2615 | Strategic Social Media | 15 |
Elective Unit | Unit from elective sequence, recommended electives or alternative elective option | 15 |
Elective Unit | Unit from elective sequence, recommended electives or alternative elective option | 15 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
CMM3650 | Communication Agency | 30 |
Elective Unit | Unit from elective sequence, recommended electives or alternative elective option | 15 |
Elective Unit | Unit from elective sequence, recommended electives or alternative elective option | 15 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
CMM3600 | Corporate Communication | 15 |
CMM3605 | Global Communication | 15 |
Elective Unit | Unit from elective sequence, recommended electives or alternative elective option | 15 |
Elective Unit | Unit from elective sequence, recommended electives or alternative elective option | 15 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
JBM1600 ^ | Radio and Podcast Production | 15 |
JBM1605 ^ | Fundamentals of Journalism | 15 |
WRT2110 ^ | Introduction to Editing | 15 |
WRT3605 ^ | Creative Writing and the Market | 15 |
IAS2340 ^ | BlaK Matters: Indigenous Sci-fi and Futurisms, Ancient Knowledge for an Exciting Future | 15 |
Students can choose any combination of electives from any of the recommended elective lists or any other combination of major, minors, or elective units from the School of Arts and Humanities or other schools where available with the approval of the Course Coordinator. Students that complete a 4 unit subject-based Elective Sequence may nominate to have this recorded on their transcript as a minor in the subject area.
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
WRT1600 | Creative Writing | 15 |
WRT1605 | Writing Craft and Practice | 15 |
WRT1610 | Writing Short Stories | 15 |
WRT2605 | Writing Creative Non-Fiction | 15 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
PHO1125 | Camera Work and Lighting | 15 |
PHO1130 | Studio Work | 15 |
PHO2105 | Photo Work | 15 |
PHO3201 | Photojournalism and Editorial Practice | 15 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
NOTE: Acceptance into SAH2650, SAH3650 and SAH3660 is by application only | ||
JBM1610 | Journalism, TV and Streaming | 15 |
JBM1620 | Editing for TV and Streaming | 15 |
JBM2605 | Introduction to Radio Newsroom | 15 |
JBM2610 | Sport and Entertainment Reporting | 15 |
SPR1615 | Introduction to Studio Production | 15 |
SPR3600 | Contemporary Screen Audiences | 15 |
SPR2605 | Experiments in Screen | 15 |
DES1600 | Design Foundations | 15 |
DES1605 | Design Prototyping | 15 |
SBL1100 | Foundations of Business | 15 |
SBL1200 | Accounting and Finance Essentials | 15 |
MKT1600 | Marketing Principles & Practices | 15 |
MKT2608 | Consumer Behaviour | 15 |
TSM2202 | Introduction to Event Management | 15 |
MAN2172 | Planning the Project | 15 |
SAH2650 | Professional Experience: Internship or Project | 15 |
SAH3650 | Professional Placement 1 | 30 |
SAH3660 | Professional Placement 2 | 30 |
^ Core Option
F35|1
For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.
Student handbookCourse notes
Important course notes
-
In SAH2650 Professional Experience: Internship or Project, students will be able to select workplace-based or project-based environments. In the workplace-based track, students will embark on a minimum of 100 hours of professional placement work experience within a public, private or not-for-profit organisation relevant to their academic studies. In the project-based track, students will engage in a project for a public, private or not-for-profit organisation that tackles a real-world challenge in collaboration or consultation with an industry partner.
In SAH3650 Professional Placement 1 and SAH3660 Professional Placement 2, students will gain relevant work experience by undertaking a minimum of 225 hours (per unit) of professional placement with a public, private or not-for-profit host organisation which is relevant to their academic studies.
Course learning outcomes
- Apply broad knowledge of communication concepts, including knowledge of legal, ethical and regulatory requirements, to a range of practical communication situations.
- Think critically to analyse, interpret and strategise complex communication scenarios.
- Think creatively to anticipate challenges, implement strategic responses and generate communication materials.
- Use digital technologies to access, evaluate, synthesise and communicate relevant information from multiple sources and function as a contemporary communication professional.
- Apply communication techniques to create clear, coherent,compelling and inclusive communication materials that meet the expectations and needs of society and organisations.
- Demonstrate a global outlook with respect for cultural diversity, inclusivity and Indigenous cultural responsiveness.
- Work collaboratively and demonstrate initiative and ethical values in relation to communication contexts.
- Demonstrate autonomy, accountability and judgement for own learning and professional practice.
Fees and Scholarships
Fees
Fees for this course have yet to be confirmed for the next calendar year and are scheduled to be available on the Course Fee Calculator from October.
Scholarships
ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.
Find a scholarshipCareer Opportunities
The employment outlook for roles as a communication professional, including in advertising and public relations is growing fast. Throughout this course you’ll develop strategic communication skills and practice and learn about roles in fields related to advertising and public relations, such as Advertising Creative, Communication Officer, Media Advisor and Creative Content Producer.
Possible future job titles
Communication Officer, Digital Communication Manager, Advertising Executive, Advertising Creative Corporate Communication Specialist, Social Media Manager, Reputation Manager, Stakeholder Relationship Manager, Public Relations Professional, Professional Communicator, Content Creator
Courses you can consider if you are interested in progressing further in this area.
Fees and Scholarships
Fees
Fees for this course have yet to be confirmed for the next calendar year and are scheduled to be available on the Course Fee Calculator from October.
Scholarships
ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.
Find a scholarshipCareer Opportunities
The employment outlook for roles as a communication professional, including in advertising and public relations is growing fast. Throughout this course you’ll develop strategic communication skills and practice and learn about roles in fields related to advertising and public relations, such as Advertising Creative, Communication Officer, Media Advisor and Creative Content Producer.
Possible future job titles
Communication Officer, Digital Communication Manager, Advertising Executive, Advertising Creative Corporate Communication Specialist, Social Media Manager, Reputation Manager, Stakeholder Relationship Manager, Public Relations Professional, Professional Communicator, Content Creator
Courses you can consider if you are interested in progressing further in this area.
Need some help deciding what to study?
Our future student events include a mix of on-campus and online sessions designed to help you decide what to study at ECU.
Creative thinkers start here
Creative thinkers start here
Student stories
Hania Owsinski
ECU Communications graduate & Account Executive, Financial Times (New York)
Had I not studied at ECU, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to go to New York after graduating
The study tour and industry links gave me a window into my future. And unlike many university courses, you gain first-hand insight into every aspect of the advertising industry from media planning, to art direction, copywriting and branding.
Quick guide to uni-speak
-
-
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.
-
ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.
-
CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.
-
A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.
-
Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.
-
If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.
-
-
-
If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.
Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.
-
Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.
-
A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.
-
We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.
-
These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.
-
An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.
-
Quick guide to uni-speak
-
-
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.
-
ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.
-
CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.
-
A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.
-
Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.
-
If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.
-
-
-
If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.
Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.
-
Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.
-
A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.
-
We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.
-
These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.
-
An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.
-