Bachelor of Media and Communication

Overview

• Study the distribution of creative content on new media, television, radio, print, Internet, mobile technologies, movies, advertising, public relations and music.

• Investigate and map the local media sector for the industry-acclaimed Brisbane Media Map project.

• Gain experience through internships and work placements with government departments, media, advertising and public relations organisations.

Details

Have you ever wondered who decides what kind of content you can download to your mobile phone, or the style of Google ads that display on your friends’ blog sites? Are you interested in media technologies or exploring the many ways in which we communicate, both organisationally or individually?

This course is centred on the distribution of creative content, including an emphasis on new media, television, radio, print, the Internet, mobile technologies, movies, advertising, public relations and music. It also encompasses media research and media policy, so you will understand how the media works, its impacts on society, and the issues which shape public debate about the media.

Why choose this course?

You will graduate with specialist skills in a growth area, and understand the practicalities and influence of the media industry. You will gain an appreciation of the many jobs which exist, including the transferability of your skills across a range of industries.

In your third year you will investigate and map the local media sector for the industry-acclaimed Brisbane Media Map project. You will interview key media people and build your professional networks.

Brisbane Media Map project

You will also gain industry exposure through internships and work placements in government departments and agencies as well as media, advertising and public relations organisations. Students have completed placements with Network Ten, Brisbane Festival, Hyperplex Cinemas and BBSPR.

QUT boasts a genuine mix of real-world applications and an established academic reputation. Practical skills are taught within an informed theoretical context by staff who are actively engaged in leading-edge research.

Career outcomes

Graduates use their skills for a variety of professional functions across all industry sectors. Many work in marketing communications, public relations or corporate communications. Others apply their broad media knowledge in the media function of advertising, either as sales executives for media outlets or as media planners and buyers for advertising agencies.

Careers exist in audience and market research, collating and analysing audience data to help media outlets better understand who their audiences are and how they are interacting with their product. Graduates find employment in media policy development in the public sector and private enterprise. Some gain employment as digital content managers; there is a need for people who understand the industry, audiences, technology and policy and can use their knowledge to communicate content to the right people in the best possible manner. Pathways exist to prepare you for further study including honours.

Units

Your course

Year 1

You will establish a base knowledge in communication practices, media research and audience analysis and gain a strong contextual understanding of media and communication industries, products and policies in Australia and internationally. You will develop written, spoken and visual communication skills that are essential to professional employment in the creative industries. Your understanding of the social and cultural impact of emerging media technologies, media regulation and ownership will be advanced through the use of case studies, practical work and independent research.

Year 2

Using abilities developed in your first year you will continue to hone your communication skills and undertake practical activities to explore virtual communities and consumer cultures from global and multicultural perspectives. You will use new technologies and online communication channels to investigate online identities and Web-based hubs, while actively engaging in your own content creation and contributing to a variety of Web productions. Electives increase this course’s flexibility and provide options to diversify your professional portfolio. You can expand your focus to other areas that complement or contrast your studies, enhancing your skills and erudition.

Year 3

In your third year you will have further opportunities to practically apply your knowledge and gain industry experience to boost your employability. Working in a team environment with industry professionals you will gain real-world experience through internships, service learning or creative industries projects. You will be a major player in the Brisbane Media Map project and form industry contacts while using your research skills to investigate Australian media outlets and audiences. Your professional skills will continue to be advanced and broadened to include areas of political communication, media management and the development and design of communication resources.

Entry requirements

Minimum academic requirements

Did you complete secondary school in Australia?

Course fees

Your actual fees may vary depending on which units you choose. All fees are based on current fixed fee prices. We review fees annually.

Scholarships and financial support

You can apply for scholarships to help you with study and living costs.

View all scholarships