Highlights
- Prepare for communication roles across a broad range of professional settings in small and large organisations.
- Develop skills, knowledge and experience in professional writing, organisational communication such as strategic speech writing and delivery, and persuasive writing, including the role of rhetoric in contemporary communications and important societal debates.
- Your major can be combined with minors within the creative industries, business or across QUT. Double degree options are also available to broaden you interests and career opportunities.
Highlights
- Prepare for communication roles across a broad range of professional settings in small and large organisations.
- Develop skills, knowledge and experience in professional writing, organisational communication such as strategic speech writing and delivery, and persuasive writing, including the role of rhetoric in contemporary communications and important societal debates.
- Your major can be combined with minors within the creative industries, business or across QUT. Double degree options are also available to broaden you interests and career opportunities.
Why choose this course?
Professional communication focuses on written, spoken, digital, and visual communication in the workplace. Professional communicators navigate multimedia platforms and craft persuasive messages for purposeful communication. To be able to get your message across effectively in an ever-changing media landscape is an essential skill that is highly valued by employers. Your skills will open doors to a range of career opportunities such as corporate writer, spokesperson, publisher, media specialist, communications adviser or strategist, in industries, government and community organisations.
Real-world learning
The course is taught by highly experienced communicators and scholars. Visits and lectures from industry, work integrated learning placements and projects, and international study options will provide you with real-world experience and contacts.
You will graduate with skills in advanced writing and communication that are keenly sought by employers, as well as practical industry knowledge and networks. You will also benefit from visits and lectures from industry specialists.
Explore this course
Your studies will cover key concepts of planning, implementing and evaluating effective communication. You will develop a comprehensive understanding of audiences and tailored messages in a multimedia world including social media. You will learn how to strategically plan an oral message as well as high-level writing skills. You will also be equipped with modern persuasion skills to mobilise the power of communication to drive influence and make positive impacts at organisational, professional and social levels. Professional communication skills are required by employers and you will develop knowledge and experience in a range of areas such as organisational communication, interpersonal and intercultural negotiation. You will also advance your understanding of persuasive writing, influencer engagement, and the role of rhetoric in contemporary communications and critical societal debates.
Your studies will be rounded by the choice of either a second major which is a sequence of eight units from another study area, or minors and electives such as work integrated learning, internships or international study tours that allow you to graduate work ready through engagement with the industry.
Double degrees
Combine your communication degree with a second degree to gain a broader range of skills and knowledge, a competitive advantage and enhanced career flexibility. Choose a double degree with:
- business where graduates may find careers as media or entertainment producers, public relations consultants or international business specialists.
- justice to use your skills as a communications manager, in-house writer or public relations specialist for private and public sector organisations.
- nutrition science - to use your combined skills to promote healthy lifestyle choices and prevent diet-related disease through mass communication. Work as a health communications specialist, health and nutrition writer, nutritional health promotion officer and educator, or in nutritional product promotion or marketing.
- public health - where with your public health and communication knowledge, you can implement strategies that promote healthy lifestyle choices, prevent the spread of disease and improve education. Work as a health communications specialist, print and online editor, or in health products promotion and marketing.
- science where your skills in effective visual, speech and written communication will give you an advantage within your chosen science career. You will be equipped for roles across corporate, policy, and government sectors and have the expertise to communicate scientific concepts, research and outcomes.
Careers and outcomes
Effective communication is a critical skill in today’s workplace, in every industry and sector. Expertise in creating powerful and persuasive messages will open the door to a wide range of career opportunities.
Graduates can work as professional communicators in corporate, government, non-government organisations and community sectors, including communication agencies, inhouse communication departments, healthcare and political organisations, or in a freelance capacity. Your skills also support careers in leadership and strategic management positions. Opportunities exist as corporate chief communication officers (CCO), writers and editors, as well as media and communication advisers, officers, managers and consultants.
Graduates find careers with organisations including: Department of Justice; Red Hat software developers, Harper Collins publishers, as well as welfare, community and arts organisations.
Possible careers
- Art Writer
- Chief Digital Officer
- Communication Specialist
- Communication Strategist
- Copywriter
- Corporate Relations Manager
- Corporate Spokesperson
- Editor
- Health Policy Officer
- Ministerial policy adviser
- Producer
- Publicist
- Scriptwriter
- Social Media Manager
To meet the course requirements of the Bachelor of Communication (Professional Communication), you must complete a total of 288 credit points, made up of:
- a professional communication major (144 credit points)
- four core units (48 credit points)
- complementary studies: a second major (96 credit points), two minors (48 credit points each), or one minor (48 credit points) and 48 credit points chosen from unit options (electives).
Study overseas
Study overseas while earning credit towards your QUT creative industries degree with one of our worldwide exchange partners.
Overseas study can be for one or two semesters (or during the semester break) and the units you take can be in a creative or non-creative discipline area, depending on how they match with your QUT course.
To meet the course requirements of the Bachelor of Communication (Professional Communication), you must complete a total of 288 credit points, made up of:
- a professional communication major (144 credit points)
- four core units (48 credit points)
- complementary studies: a second major (96 credit points), two minors (48 credit points each), or one minor (48 credit points) and 48 credit points chosen from unit options (electives).
Study overseas
Study overseas while earning credit towards your QUT creative industries degree with one of our worldwide exchange partners.
Overseas study can be for one or two semesters (or during the semester break) and the units you take can be in a creative or non-creative discipline area, depending on how they match with your QUT course.
- Selection rank
- 70.00
These thresholds are the lowest adjusted scores to which QUT made an offer in Semester 1, 2021.
Don't have a selection rank?
Starting uni in 2021?
There are some changes to subjects and the qualifications we’ll consider for entry to QUT from 2021 and beyond. Make sure you’re prepared to apply.
The selection rank is a good indication of the equivalent ATAR.
- Course code
- KC40
- QTAC code
- 421132
- CRICOS code
- 096577J
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- Kelvin Grove
-
- Kelvin Grove
- 3 years full-time
- 3 years full-time
- February and July
- February and July
Assumed knowledge
Before you start this course, we assume you have sound knowledge of the subject/s listed below. If you don't have the subject knowledge, you can still apply for the course but we encourage you to undertake bridging studies to gain the knowledge:
- English, or Literature, or English and Literature Extension, or English as an Additional Language (Units 3 & 4, C)
Before you start this course, we assume you have sound knowledge of the subject/s listed below. If you don't have the subject knowledge, you can still apply for the course but we encourage you to undertake bridging studies to gain the knowledge:
Offer guarantee
If you achieve an ATAR or selection rank of 87.00 or higher (including any adjustments) and satisfy all other admission requirements, you are guaranteed an offer for this course.
Advanced standing
If you have prior studies or work experience, you may be eligible for advanced standing (credit). You can apply for advanced standing once you've been accepted to QUT. If you're in your first semester of study, you must apply for advanced standing within 10 days of receiving your offer.
Deferment
You can defer your offer and postpone the start of your course for one year.
More about deferring your offer
Adjustments to your ATAR/selection rank
Any adjustments you receive to your ATAR or selection rank will be applied to this course.
Find out if you’re eligible for an adjustment to your ATAR or selection rank
Offers we made to school leavers in Semester 1, 2020
The scores listed in the tables below reflect the offers that were made to recent school leavers. If you are not a school leaver, take a look at the entry thresholds box at the top of this page to see the lowest adjusted scores required overall to receive an offer.
Excluding adjustments | Including adjustments | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
OP | Selection rank | OP | Selection rank | |
Highest OP/selection rank to receive an offer |
OP
6
|
Selection rank
89.00
|
OP
6
|
Selection rank
89.00
|
Median OP/selection rank to receive an offer |
OP
11
|
Selection rank
77.00
|
OP
11
|
Selection rank
77.00
|
Lowest OP/selection rank to receive an offer |
OP
15
|
Selection rank
68.00
|
OP
13
|
Selection rank
72.00
|
You can find out more about your fellow students’ backgrounds with this course’s student profile.
Other admission options
If you are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, you may be eligible for admission through our Centralised Assessment Selection Process (CASP).
Minimum academic requirements
Select the country where you completed your studies to see a guide to the grades you need to apply for this course.
If your country or qualification is not listed, you can still apply for this course and we will assess your eligibility.
I completed secondary school in Australia
- Rank
- 70
Offer guarantee
If you completed secondary school in Australia and achieve an ATAR/selection rank of 87.00 or higher (including any adjustments) and satisfy all other admission requirements, you are guaranteed an offer for this course.
Prerequisites
Satisfactory completion of Year 12 in an Australian school system or equivalent.
Minimum English language requirements
Select the country where you completed your studies to see a guide on meeting QUT’s English language requirements.
Your scores and prior qualifications in English-speaking countries are considered. Approved English-speaking countries are Australia, Canada, England, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, United States of America and Wales.
If your country or qualification is not listed, you can still apply for this course and we will assess your eligibility.
We accept English language proficiency scores from the following tests.
English Test | Overall | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pearson PTE (Academic)
Test must be taken no more than 2 years prior to the QUT course commencement date. |
58 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
Cambridge English Score
Test must be taken no more than 2 years prior to the QUT course commencement. You must provide your Candidate ID and Candidate Secret Number, these are printed on your Cambridge English Confirmation of Entry. |
176 | 169 | 169 | 169 | 169 |
IELTS Academic
Test must be taken no more than 2 years prior to the QUT course commencement date. |
6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
TOEFL iBT
Test must be taken no more than 2 years prior to the QUT course commencement date. |
79 | 16 | 16 | 21 | 18 |
Don't have the English language score you need? We can help!
We offer English language programs to improve your English and help you gain entry to this course.
When you apply for this course, we will recommend which English course you should enrol in.
Haven't completed an English language test? We can help!
If you have not completed an English language test, you can sit the IELTS test at our IELTS test centre
Your actual fees may vary depending on which units you choose. We review fees annually, and they may be subject to increases.
2021 fees
2021: CSP $14,100 per year full-time (96 credit points)
2021 fees
2021: $31,400 per year full-time (96 credit points)
Student services and amenities fees
You may need to pay student services and amenities (SA) fees as part of your course costs.
Find out more about undergraduate course fees
HECS-HELP: loans to help you pay for your course fees
You may not have to pay anything upfront if you're eligible for a HECS-HELP loan.
You can apply for scholarships to help you with study and living costs.
Real success
'As Head of Media and Communications at RACV I’m responsible for setting the media relations, communications and social media strategy to help tell RACV’s story. One day you can be working on a public relations campaign for one part of the business, the next you can be managing a different campaign for another. QUT was a great starting point. It set me up for success in what is a typically hard industry to crack.'
Double your opportunities
'Preventing disease and promoting health to all Australians is much more effective when you know how to connect with your audience. Using the power of social media and interactive communication can certainly improve success. This combination is exactly what my double degree provided.'
Real success
'As Head of Media and Communications at RACV I’m responsible for setting the media relations, communications and social media strategy to help tell RACV’s story. One day you can be working on a public relations campaign for one part of the business, the next you can be managing a different campaign for another. QUT was a great starting point. It set me up for success in what is a typically hard industry to crack.'
Double your opportunities
'Preventing disease and promoting health to all Australians is much more effective when you know how to connect with your audience. Using the power of social media and interactive communication can certainly improve success. This combination is exactly what my double degree provided.'



