compare
search SEARCH
Apply Now

100% Online

Bachelor of Media and Communication – Advertising

Create. Communicate. Captivate.

  • Become an expert in an innovative industry
  • Sharpen your digital and traditional copywriting
  • Become a guru at planning and executing advertising campaigns
  • Explore the dynamic details of communication strategies
apply Apply Now | Enrolments close in 2 days icon
Icon Learning Mode

100% Online

Learning Mode tooltip

Icon Qualification

Undergraduate

Qualification

Icon Duration

3 years full-time

Duration tooltip

Icon Start Dates

Mar, Jul, Nov

Start Dates

Icon Units

24

Units

Icon Fees

$2,174*

Fees Per Unit tooltip

apply Apply Now | Enrolments close in 2 days icon

OVERVIEW

Craft campaigns that connect and convert.

As one of the very few universities to offer an online advertising degree, Swinburne gives you the opportunity to learn from industry leaders. You will understand how to design, create and deliver content and campaigns with impact and gain the practical skills you need to excel in a range of roles in the dynamic and ever-changing advertising industry.

The Bachelor of Media and Communication with a major in Advertising has a special focus on digital advertising and will equip you with the tools to excel in digital and traditional copywriting, online advertising trends, planning online and traditional campaigns, and communication strategy.

Our graduates are ready to work in a diverse range of settings, including agencies, large corporate organisations, small businesses, not-for-profit and government departments.

Key Learnings Include

  • Copywriting: Apply appropriate communication and persuasion theories to advertising copywriting.
  • Campaign Planning: Understand advanced advertising practice, applied to the development and implementation of advertising campaigns.
  • Client & Agency Management: Develop a high level of proficiency in professional oral and written communication skills in order to manage clients and agency projects.
  • Professional Communication: Develop your interpersonal skills to establish and manage both inter and intra agency relationships, and also relationships with clients.

Professional accreditations

Sharon-BW

‘The support from Swinburne Online services and teachers helped me immensely, offering student study support, extensions and checking systems that all helped me gain confidence in my abilities and to keep going.’

Sharyn, Swinburne Online graduate

11.4% ▴

Dreaming of a career in Advertising? Advertising roles are expected to increase by 11.4% in the next 5 years. (SEEK 2026)

Our Media and Communications courses have ranked in the Top 250 by the QS Top Universities Rankings for 2025.

‘The support from Swinburne Online services and teachers helped me immensely, offering student study support, extensions and checking systems that all helped me gain confidence in my abilities and to keep going.’

Sharyn, Swinburne Online graduate

11.4% ▴

Dreaming of a career in Advertising? Advertising roles are expected to increase by 11.4% in the next 5 years. (SEEK 2026)

Our Media and Communications courses have ranked in the Top 250 by the QS Top Universities Rankings for 2025.

Swinburne Online

Your Pathway to the career of your dreams

apply Apply Now | Enrolments close in 2 days icon
Female creative explaining a campaign to her colleagues

Structure

Your course breakdown:

To be awarded the Bachelor of Media and Communication with a major in Advertising you must complete 24 units in total made up of:

  • 5 Core Units
  • 8 Advertising Major Units
  • 11 Elective Units

Each year is split into 3 Teaching Periods (13 weeks per Teaching Period). You can choose to study full-time or part-time depending on your preference.

What you'll study:

 

Introduction to Media Studies

Communicating with Data

Media Content Creation

Global Media Industries

Learning and Communicating Online

Principles of Advertising

Digital Advertising

Advertising Issues: Regulations, Ethics and Cultural Considerations

Creativity and Ideation

Search, Social Media and Video Marketing

Digital Advertising Media Strategy

Emerging Advertising Technologies

Advertising Campaign Project

Have a look at our available electives to make your course your own.

Entry Requirements

Entry Criteria

Applicants are required to meet one of the following minimum entry requirements:

  • A completed or partially completed tertiary qualification (e.g. relevant Certificate IVs, Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Associate Degree, incomplete or complete Bachelor’s degree); or
  • 4+ years of relevant work experience; or
  • Recent Year 12 Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or equivalent completion, with the required English study score.

Want to discuss your eligibility for the Bachelor of Media and Communication with a major in Advertising? Get in touch with our course consultant team on 1300 069 765 to discuss more today!

Credit for Prior Learning

If you have completed recent prior studies you may be eligible to request course credit or subject exemptions to reduce the duration and cost of your program.

Credit for prior learning evaluates your previous studies related to your chosen subjects.

This is assessed on a case by case basis, where every applicant is assessed individually.

To learn more and explore your potential credit for prior learning, get in touch with our Course Consultant team on 1300 069 765 to discuss your options!

Need more info?

We have plenty of resources to help you! Visit our Applying and Enrolling FAQs or chat with a Course Consultant for advice on your specific situation.

Fees & Scholarship

  • The estimated fee per unit is $2,174*.
  • There are 24 units in this course, each unit is worth 12.5 credit point units.

*Note: Unit fees may change each year.

There are several ways to help manage your course fees:

  • Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP): Available to Australian Citizens and eligible Permanent Residents, and this will help reduce your course fees.
  • HECS – HELP Loans: Available to Australian Citizens, which will help you defer your fees.
  • Learn more about HELP Loans

Please contact our Course Consultant to find out if you’re eligible for financial support.

There are a variety of Swinburne Scholarships to help reduce your costs.

  • University-funded scholarships
  • Government-funded scholarships
  • Private scholarships and prizes

Scholarships are available for both new and current students.

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student Scholarships

There are a range of scholarships available to support Indigenous students in minimising the costs of study materials, accommodation, relocation and more.

How it works:
1. Check eligibility
2. Gather the relevant documentation
3. Produce a personal statement
4. Obtain your references
5. Apply online here

Please contact our Course Consultant to find out if you’re eligible for Swinburne Scholarships.

Credit for prior study:

  • Good news — if you’re awarded academic credit for prior study, your course fees could be lower! This means a cheaper degree!

Services & amenities fee:

For more details on scholarships and financial support, visit the Swinburne website or speak with our Course Consultant team today!

Career Outcomes

Career Opportunities

Let’s take a look at the wide range of roles you can pursue with a Bachelor of Media and Communication with a major in Advertising (average annual salaries via Seek):

$55,000 to $75,000 Average Salary

Coordinate the creation, production, and placement of advertising materials across various media, both online and offline. Work with internal teams and external clients, ensuring campaigns are executed effectively and meet deadlines.

Coordinate the creation, production, and placement of advertising materials across various media, both online and offline. Work with internal teams and external clients, ensuring campaigns are executed effectively and meet deadlines.

$75,000 to $118,000 Average Salary

Develop and execute advertising campaigns that effectively promote products, services, or brands. Generate creative ideas, craft compelling messages, and oversee the production process across various media channels.

Develop and execute advertising campaigns that effectively promote products, services, or brands. Generate creative ideas, craft compelling messages, and oversee the production process across various media channels.

$90,000 to $120,000 Average Salary

Develop and implement communication strategies for organisations, aiming to enhance their reputation and build positive relationships with stakeholders. This role involves developing communication plans, creating content, managing media relations, and sometimes handling crisis communication.

Develop and implement communication strategies for organisations, aiming to enhance their reputation and build positive relationships with stakeholders. This role involves developing communication plans, creating content, managing media relations, and sometimes handling crisis communication.

Young man with glasses working on his laptop with a strategy board behind him

Your pathway to a successful career in Advertising!

This bachelor’s degree offers a flexible, industry-connected education with a strong practical focus, designed to prepare you for a successful career in advertising and communications..

  • Projects: Gain experience working on real campaigns and projects.
  • Skills: Equip yourself with practical, industry-relevant skills in both digital and traditional advertising.
  • Skill Development: Develop key skills in copywriting, campaign planning, client and agency management, and professional communication.
  • Learn from the Best: Your learning advisors are professionals themselves, keeping your education aligned and connected to career opportunities.

Online Study

An online study experience designed for you

Each degree is thoughtfully designed for online learning, ensuring your experience is fulfilling and supported. At Swinburne Online, we want to ensure that your journey with us is a success. Our team of academic and online experts have developed engaging, media-rich course materials using cutting-edge digital technology and advanced teaching resources.

Your online study journey

 

Award icon

Here’s what you can expect

  • Personalise your study journey with full-time or part-time options — 100% online, no travel needed.
  • Start when it suits you with multiple intake dates.
  • Study on your terms, balancing life, family, and work — anytime, anywhere.
  • Stay connected with students and industry experts through discussion boards and virtual classrooms.
  • Get support 7 days a week for general help whenever you need it.
  • Learn with confidence with dedicated online tutors for each unit, ready to answer all your academic questions.

Learning Mode icon

Your online classroom - Canvas

Canvas is where all your classwork will take place. You’ll experience engaging lectures, tackle assignments, and connect with others on lively discussion boards. All within an easy-to-use platform. Stay on top of your progress, plan your studies with ease, and set your own pace — whether you want to fast-track your degree with up to 12 units a year or take it slow with part-time study. It’s all about balancing your studies with the rest of your life!

FLEXIBLE STUDY AT SWINBURNE ONLINE

Entry Criteria icon

Your Online Campus: The Student Hub

  • The Student Hub is your one-stop online university campus where you’ll have access to course management tools, technical support, library resources, and more!
  • Find everything you need to manage your studies and university services.
  • Stay connected and empowered throughout your learning journey all from one easy to use location.
Asking a Question icon

Dedicated student support

You are supported at every stage of your journey with Swinburne Online, from enrolment and your first day through to graduation. Our dedicated teams are here to help you stay on track, feel confident, and succeed in your studies.

Support tailored to you:

    • Our Student Advisors are your go to guides, available 7 days a week to support you with course planning, technical support, and other any questions you may have along the way.
    • Our Online Learning Advisors (OLAs) will support you in every unit with unit information, learning materials, assessments, and referencing.
    • Our Student Coaches will help you build motivation, set goals, and develop effective study habits so you can stay focused and succeed.

With ongoing access to support, tools, and resources, you are never studying alone with Swinburne Online.

Indigenous Student Services

Access opportunities. Get tailored support with your studies. Thrive as an Indigenous student with the team at the Moondani Toombadool Centre.

Moondani Toombadool means ‘embracing teaching and learning’ in the Woiwurrung language of the Wurundjeri People. Established in 2018, the Moondani Toombadool Centre (MTC) handles all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander matters at Swinburne. This includes governance, student services, teaching and learning, research, staff, culture and engagement. Student services include but are not limited to:

    • Dedicated student support services
    • Indigenous Academic Support Program (IASP)
    • Cultural and engagement programs
    • Networking opportunities, career support and much more

Learn more about units, fees, entry criteria, career outcomes and more.

Download a course guide

The Swinburne Online-SEEK connection

The suite of Swinburne Online Business degrees provides students with the opportunity to forge connections within the industry. Students hear from industry leaders and work with real-life clients with demonstrated experience within their respective fields, such as SEEK.