Why study with us?
Ranked 22nd in the world for communication and media studies in the 2021 QS World University Rankings by Subject.
Our graduates are ranked 1st in Australia and 4th in the world for employability by the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020.
In response to COVID-19, the University of Sydney has reviewed the availability of courses to be delivered remotely for students commencing their studies in Semester 1, 2021.
This course will be available to study remotely for students commencing in Semester 1, 2021. Please note that some units of study that are not essential to completing the degree may not be available to be studied remotely.
Note: The University intends to offer as many units of study as possible in a remote as well as face-to-face learning method of delivery in Semester 1, 2021 and subject to ongoing border closures and public health orders impacting attendance on campus, in Semester 2, 2021. However, some units of study and courses require students to study in-person at the relevant University of Sydney campus/es and host locations for placements and will not be available remotely.
About this course
This stream of the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Advanced Studies will provide you with a broad array of skills tailored to meet the needs of the fast-changing media and communications landscape.
Gain real-world experience in media writing, radio, video and digital media production, and media relations as well as a scholarly and critical education in media and communications theory and practice. You will also undertake a second major from a range of disciplines available in the shared pool, and advanced coursework including a substantial final-year project.
You will take a compulsory internship where you will get hands-on experience and make valuable contacts. Internships are available in a variety of areas, including national and international journalism placements, public relations and advertising agencies, national television and radio, and major print and online media.
This practical work experience in your chosen field of interest can give you a definite edge over other graduates as you seek professional employment after graduation.
In the final year of your degree, you have two options, Advanced Coursework OR Honours:
Our majors include:
Minors can be completed in any of the below areas, as well as standalone minors in Australian Literature, Celtic Studies, Criminology, Diversity Studies, Sanskrit, Social Policy or Writing Studies.
Honours subject areas: Only available to students who meet the eligibility criteria for the honours pathway. Minimum WAM and additional entry requirements apply.
Depends on your qualification, citizenship status
Prospective domestic students apply through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) for a Commonwealth supported place . Refer to the UAC website for key dates. Separate scholarship deadlines apply, visit the scholarships website for details.
For other useful information, visit our How to apply page.
Current University of Sydney students applying to transfer from one bachelor's degree to another apply directly to the University. The exact process will depend on the course you are currently in and the course to which you wish to transfer. For more information visit the Change your course page.
Current students applying to transfer from a diploma to a bachelor's degree must apply through UAC.
Refer to the UAC website . Separate scholarship deadlines apply visit the scholarships webpage for details.
Semester 1 (March)
Visit the How to apply page for detailed information on if you need to apply directly to the University or through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). If you are a direct applicant, when you are ready to apply select the `Apply’ button on this course page.
Current University of Sydney students applying to transfer from one bachelor's degree to another apply directly to the University. The exact process will depend on the course you are currently in and the course to which you wish to transfer. For more information visit the Change your course page.
Closing dates
Direct applicants:
Semester 1 - 31 January of the commencing year.
We strongly encourage international applicants to apply as early as possible to allow time for visa and travel arrangements. Separate scholarship deadlines apply - visit the scholarships webpage for details.
UAC Applicants: Refer to the UAC website
Semester 1 (March)
You will:
For full course details see our Handbook.
Mandatory work component = 140 hours.
This mandatory work component must be completed as part of the award requirements for the course.
Under normal progression, a full-time student completes prescribed units of study to the value of 24 credit points per semester. Part-time students may undertake prescribed units of study up to the value of 12 credit points per semester. You are required to attend all lectures, tutorials and other activities prescribed for your units of study.
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Media and Communications (MECO) stream, majors in Media Studies and English)
| Year | Sem | Units of study | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | MECO program | MECO program | Gender Studies elective | English major |
| 2 | MECO program | MECO program | Gender Studies elective | English major | |
| 2 | 1 | MECO program | MECO program | Open Learning Environment | English major |
| 2 | MECO program | MECO program | Gender Studies elective | English major | |
| 3 | 1 | MECO program | MECO program | Open Learning Environment | English major |
| 2 | MECO program | MECO program | Gender Studies elective | English major | |
| 4 | 1 | MECO internship | MECO project | elective | English major |
| 2 | MECO advanced coursework | MECO project | elective | English major |
This is an indicative study plan only, students may choose other electives.
Depends on the areas or units of study. For language studies: pathways are available for applicants with no prior language experience, as well as for those with prior experience in the respective language of study.
You will undertake an internship where you will get hands-on experience and make valuable contacts.
The internship consists of a work placement comprising 140 working hours in a media organisation, assisted and supervised by both the workplace and the department. Placements include print, broadcast, and online, in journalism, public relations and advertising organisations. Students are required to submit a 2,000-word journal reflecting on and analysing their experiences during the internship.(Special conditions may apply to overseas fellowships conducted as part of this unit). The internship and internship journal are assessed on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.
Students have undertaken internships in a variety of areas, including competitive national and international journalism placements, public relations and advertising agencies, national television and radio and major print and online media. This practical work experience in your chosen field of interest can give you a definite edge over other graduates as you seek professional employment after graduation.
Admission to this course is on the basis of the following criteria:
Admission pathways are open to domestic applicants on the basis of equity or other adjustment factors, including for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants. For details, visit admission pathways.
If you’ve already completed university-level or equivalent subjects, you may be able to apply for credit for previous study.
Most subject areas within the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Media and Communications) allow you to take part in an international exchange program.
The degree encompasses a host of diverse and expanding industries that will offer you exciting national and international employment opportunities. You will graduate with the skills required for entry into areas such as print, broadcast and online journalism, international communications, media regulation and public policy, media and public relations.
Our graduates can be found in a broad range of careers and roles, including:
