100% Online

Bachelor of Media and Communication – Media Studies

Develop the skills to analyse and create multi-media across diverse platforms.

  • Craft creative content for a range of audiences
  • Develop storytelling skills for digital, print and multi–media campaigns
  • Learn to present ideas and project to teams and stakeholders
  • Understand the policies that shape local and global media landscapes
apply Apply Now 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 icon

OVERVIEW

What is the Bachelor of Media and Communication – Media Studies?

Swinburne Online’s Bachelor of Media and Communication with a major in Media Studies is an undergraduate degree that will equip you with the skills to create engaging cross–platform content.

Throughout the course, you’ll build practical skills in managing social media accounts, producing media projects, and writing for print, broadcast and digital media.

In your final year, you’ll complete an internship in a professional media role or take on a major project of your own, gaining real-world experience before you graduate.

Who is this course for?

This course is for people who want to build practical skills in media, storytelling, and communication. It’s suited to those interested in creating content that truly engages, exploring how media shapes society and learning how to communicate with purpose across different audiences.

How you’ll study

  • Three Teaching Periods per year – with 13 weeks per Teaching Period
  • 8–10 hours per week, per unit expected study load – a manageable study load you can plan around
  • Set your own study pace by taking one or more units per Teaching Period
  • 24/7 access to your online classroom, discussion boards and learning content
  • Interactive learning materials – including videos, quizzes, podcasts, diagrams and written content

Course Highlights

  • Social Media Strategy and Audience Engagement: Learn how to manage social media channels, plan content strategies, and connect with online audiences in meaningful ways.
  • Digital Content Creation and Storytelling: Build practical skills in video, audio, and visual content for digital platforms and multi-channel campaigns.
  • Media Analytics, Data and Visual Communication: Work with data in a way that makes sense – spot patterns, understand audiences and communicate what you find in a clear, useful way.
  • Global Media, Communication and Industry Practice: Explore how global media industries work, how communication changes across countries and cultures, and how professionals connect with different audiences.
Kate-Graduation-BW

‘The benefit of studying online with Swinburne Online has allowed me to schedule my time efficiently and effectively around [my life]. I have been provided with a world-class education led by industry leaders and professionals.’

Kate, Swinburne Online graduate

4/5 Stars

Digital platforms are changing how media is created, shared, and understood. Roles such as social media manager have a 4-star career satisfaction rating (data via SEEK.com).

Our Media and Communications courses have ranked in the Top 250 by the QS Top Universities Rankings for 2026.

‘The benefit of studying online with Swinburne Online has allowed me to schedule my time efficiently and effectively around [my life]. I have been provided with a world-class education led by industry leaders and professionals.’

Kate, Swinburne Online graduate

4/5 Stars

Digital platforms are changing how media is created, shared, and understood. Roles such as social media manager have a 4-star career satisfaction rating (data via SEEK.com).

Our Media and Communications courses have ranked in the Top 250 by the QS Top Universities Rankings for 2026.

Swinburne Online

Your pathway to the career of your dreams

apply Apply Now 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 Media Studies you must complete 24 units in total made up of:

  • 5 Core Units
  • 8 Media Studies Major Units
  • 11 Elective Units

Each year is split into three 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:

 

Learning and Communicating Online

Introduction to Media Studies

Communicating with Data

Global Media Industries

Content Creator Lab

Social Media Cultures

Social Media Strategy

Screen Franchising and Innovation

Business of Media and Entrepreneurship

Media Analytics and Visualisation

Media and Communication Industry Project

Global Screen Studies: Beyond Hollywood

Researching Social Media Publics

Complete eleven (11) electives to round out your degree. Tailor your course to suit your strengths, interests, and career goals by choosing elective units. View our list of available Electives.

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 Media Studies? 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 & Scholarships

Estimated Fee Per Unit
  • 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 Consultants 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 Consultants 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, speak with our Course Consultant team today!

Career Outcomes

Career opportunities with a Bachelor of Media and Communication – Media Studies

A degree in media and communication prepares you for roles across journalism, advertising, government communications, the arts, and the not-for-profit sector. Below are examples of what you can pursue and what you might earn after graduating (average annual salaries via SEEK):

$85,000 to $105,000 Average Salary

Assist with an organisation's communication activities, including developing and implementing communication strategies, creating content, and managing communication channels. Play a crucial role in promoting brands, products, or projects by crafting and distributing engaging content.

Assist with an organisation's communication activities, including developing and implementing communication strategies, creating content, and managing communication channels. Play a crucial role in promoting brands, products, or projects by crafting and distributing engaging content.

$75,000 to $90,000 Average Salary

Develop and curate engaging content for various social media platforms. You will create a variety of content types, including images, videos, written posts, and interactive content, all tailored to specific platforms and audiences.

Develop and curate engaging content for various social media platforms. You will create a variety of content types, including images, videos, written posts, and interactive content, all tailored to specific platforms and audiences.

$85,000 to $105,000 Average Salary

Manage the public image and reputation of individuals, brands, or organisations. Publicists work to create and maintain a positive public perception through various media channels, including press releases, social media, and public appearances.

Manage the public image and reputation of individuals, brands, or organisations. Publicists work to create and maintain a positive public perception through various media channels, including press releases, social media, and public appearances.

$80,000 to $95,000 Average Salary

Create social media plans for clients, from individuals to big organisations. You'll oversee content, monitor channels, track trends, and format changes, and use analytics to drive strategy.

Create social media plans for clients, from individuals to big organisations. You'll oversee content, monitor channels, track trends, and format changes, and use analytics to drive strategy.

$100,000 to $120,000 Average Salary

Develop media strategies that help organisations communicate clearly and connect with the right audience. As a Media Specialist, you may plan campaigns, coordinate content, analyse performance, and identify new opportunities to strengthen engagement across media channels.

Develop media strategies that help organisations communicate clearly and connect with the right audience. As a Media Specialist, you may plan campaigns, coordinate content, analyse performance, and identify new opportunities to strengthen engagement across media channels.

Female creative standing at her desk with graphs on her laptop and papers on her desk

Why choose to major in media studies with Swinburne Online?

  • Industry connected advisors: Your Online Learning Advisors are professionals themselves, keeping your education aligned and connected to career opportunities.
  • Shape your degree around your interests: With 11 elective units, you can tailor your studies toward the areas of media, communication, or digital content that best support your goals.
  • Graduate with practical experience: In your final year, you’ll complete an internship in a professional media role or take on a major project of your own, helping you apply your skills before you graduate.

Online Study

What's it like to study with Swinburne Online?

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 Swinburne’s online platform where all your classwork will take place. You can log into Canvas anywhere, anytime!

What you’ll use Canvas for:

  • Explore all your units and modules
  • Watch learning sessions in your own time
  • Participate in group discussions and communicate with tutors and classmates
  • Receive assessments and feedback
  • Track your study progress
  • Log in on your desktop or mobile

FLEXIBLE STUDY AT SWINBURNE ONLINE

Entry Criteria icon

Your online campus: The Student Hub

Think of the Student Hub as your online campus where you will be able to: 

  • Manage your enrolment and university administration services 
  • Keep up with your fees, key course dates, and study information  
  • Access library and technical support  
  • Access student support such as: Study Buddies, HelpHub, study planners, and more 
Asking a Question icon

Dedicated student support at Swinburne Online

You are supported at every stage of your journey with Swinburne Online.

You’ll have access to:

  • Student Advisors – to help plan your course, enrol you in units and assist with other general enquiries you may have
  • Online Learning Advisors – to support you with unit content, assessments and referencing
  • Student Coaches – who can advise you on best practice study habits, motivation, and time management
  • Study Buddies – connects you with peers to collaborate on coursework, share knowledge and stay motivated
  • 7‑day support – to assist you at any time

Indigenous Student Services

If you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student, you can access dedicated support through Swinburne’s Moondani Toombadool Centre. Moondani Toombadool means ‘embracing teaching and learning’ in the Woiwurrung language of the Wurundjeri People! 

Support available includes: 

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

Learn more about the Moondani Toombadool Centre.

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 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.