Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies | 2017

Overview

The Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies degree is an interdisciplinary degree that offers students a broad introduction to the changing fields of communication and media. This degree has a strong international focus, and places emphasis on students developing independent research skills that are appropriate to a wide range of professional settings. Students are introduced to core concepts in the academic study of media and communication practice, as well as to flexible and transferable skills that will prepare graduates for informed engagement with global media culture across a range of careers.

Entry Requirements

Academic requirements and English requirements are available from the Course Finder.

Course Learning Outcomes

Students graduating from the Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies will be able to:

1. Analyse media and communication research and practice in national and international contexts;
2. Synthesise theoretical and practical knowledge of media and communications issues and apply it to the changing dynamics of the field;
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical dimension of media and communication issues and how to address these in different contexts;
4. Develop and apply a set of relevant critical, professional and technical skills in at least one of the following areas: Journalism, Marketing, Digital Media or International Media;
5. Design possible solutions to unpredictable and complex communication and media issues, by applying creative, technical and critical thinking skills;
6. Communicate effectively to a range of audiences through a range of media. 

Course Structure

To qualify for the award of the degree of Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies (BCMS), a student must complete a total of at least 144 credit points including:

    a)  LHA 101 Introduction to Arts and the Humanities 6cp;

    b) 42 credit points of core BCMS subjects;

    c) At least one of the four majors in this degree:       

        • Digital Media and Communication
        • Global Media and Communication
        • Journalism and Professional Writing
        • Marketing Communication and Advertising;

    d) Electives to bring the total number of credit points completed to 144.

Note: No more than 60 credit points at 100 level. 

Introduction to Arts and the Humanities

Introduction to Arts and the Humanities (LHA 101) is a compulsory 6 credit point subject that must be undertaken by each student during their first year, and ideally during their first session. Students will be introduced to key concepts including critical thinking, digital literacy, academic integrity, effective communication and degree and career planning. This subject is designed to orient and support students during their first session of university and to provide students with the academic skills necessary to succeed in their first year. The subject will also assist students to understand the structure of their degree, to plan their study pathway and to plan for post-university careers.

BCMS Core Subjects

 A number of 300 level subjects have “First offered 2018” recorded in the session of offer. This note means that these 300 level subjects have been reviewed and that the first time these new versions may be offered is 2018.

Key:

• # Compulsory for students taking the Journalism and Professional Writing major
• * Compulsory for students taking the Global Media and Communication major or minor
• ^ Compulsory for students taking the Digital Media and Communication major or minor
• † Compulsory for students taking the Marketing Communication and Advertising major 

Majors

Majors are available in the following. Please see relevant pages for information.

• Digital Media and Communication
• Global Media and Communication
• Journalism and Professional Writing
• Marketing Communication and Advertising  

Minors

Minors are available in the following. Please see relevant pages for information.

• Digital Media and Communication
• Global Media and Communication
• Journalism and Professional Writing
• Marketing Communication and Advertising  

The Faculty of Law, Humanities and the Arts (LHA) also offers a large number of other minors.

Minor studies consist of a minimum of 24 credit points of which 12 credit points must be at 200 level or higher. Minors appear on the transcript (i.e. academic record), but do not appear on the testamur. To have a minor study recorded on their transcript, students need to declare their minor study by submitting an Application to Declare or Change Intended Major/Minor.

Internship and International Subjects

The Faculty of Law, Humanities and the Arts (LHA) internship program provides students with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in their degree in a workplace setting. The Politics internship subject POL 305 presents interested students with the opportunity to be an intern at Washington, New York or Canberra. Read more about the Faculty Internship Program on our website.

One of the Faculty's aims is to encourage students to study in an overseas university. Students can study abroad for a full session taking three to four subjects, or can study abroad for a shorter period of time by taking a study tour. The Faculty's study tour subjects currently focus on War History and incorporate visits to Gallipoli and the Western Front. Both subjects are listed below:

Dean's Scholar Degrees or Dean's Scholar Double Degrees

In January of each year, the Faculty invites applications from high achieving students to apply to transfer into the Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies (Dean's Scholar) degree, or Dean's Scholar double degrees.

Selection Criteria

To be eligible to apply for a place in the Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies (Dean's Scholar) degree, or Dean's Scholar double degrees, applicants would normally meet the following criteria:

• Currently enrolled in the BCMS (978) or any other degree;
• Full-time student;
• Have successfully completed two full sessions of study or 8 subjects;
• Have a WAM (weighted average mark) of at least 82.

For more information including the full list of Dean's Scholar Degrees and how to apply online visit the LHA Dean Scholar website.

Honours

Students can do an Honours degree in the Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies. This requires additional study (one year full-time, or two years part-time).

Honours may be undertaken by students who meet the requirements for enrolment.

Further information can be accessed at UOW Honours.

Credit Arrangements

Credit and articulation arrangements are available from the Course Finder. Refer to UOW's credit arrangements for information on how to apply for credit.

Other Information

Further information is available at:
UOW Course Finder
Email: lha-enquiries@uow.edu.au