Bachelor of Communication
Course code F35
Why study at ECU?
-
A great student experience
As an ECU undergraduate, you can expect the best overall student experience of any of the 38 public universities in Australia. More about QILT.
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The highest quality teaching
ECU is one of the best unis in Australia for teaching. We've had 18 straight years of 5-star ratings in the Good Universities Guide to prove it!
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One of the world's young guns
We're ranked one of the world's best universities under 50 years old, and we've already established a global reputation for such a young institution.
Toggle between study options for Domestic or International students
About this Course
This course will prepare you for an ever-changing communication sector.
In a crowded media landscape, your challenge is to help organisations build credibility, trust and awareness of their brand with their target audiences.
You’ll develop the knowledge and skills for a diverse range of communication fields, including advertising, public relations, digital communication, public affairs and community relations/engagement.
You’ll also gain an awareness of strategic communication theories and practices, with a focus on designing advertising and public relations campaigns. And you’ll explore contemporary communication planning and practices with an emphasis on ethics, environmental issues, diversity and digital communication.
In your final capstone’ unit, you’ll engage in a comprehensive, hands-on creative agency experience producing portfolios of industry standard work for real clients.
Course code F35
Entry requirements
70 Indicative ATAR
ECU admission and English language requirements apply.
See Course Entry for further information.
Admissions
Fees
Commonwealth supported - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $15,100
See Fees and Scholarships for further information.
Availability & Campus
| Location | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Joondalup | ||
| Mount Lawley | FT PT | FT PT |
| South West | ||
| Online | FT PT | FT PT |
About this Course
This course will prepare you for an ever-changing communication sector.
In a crowded media landscape, your challenge is to help organisations build credibility, trust and awareness of their brand with their target audiences.
You’ll develop the knowledge and skills for a diverse range of communication fields, including advertising, public relations, digital communication, public affairs and community relations/engagement.
You’ll also gain an awareness of strategic communication theories and practices, with a focus on designing advertising and public relations campaigns. And you’ll explore contemporary communication planning and practices with an emphasis on ethics, environmental issues, diversity and digital communication.
In your final capstone’ unit, you’ll engage in a comprehensive, hands-on creative agency experience producing portfolios of industry standard work for real clients.
Course code F35
CRICOS code 115039G
Entry requirements
ECU admission and English language requirements apply.
See Course Entry for further information.
Fees
International students - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $37,700
See Fees and Scholarships for further information.
Availability & Campus
| Location | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Joondalup | ||
| Mount Lawley | FT | FT |
| South West | ||
| Online | FT PT | FT PT |
Course Entry
Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.
-
All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course. The indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published (where applicable) or academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- AQF Cert IV;
- Successfully completed 0.25 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
- Undergraduate Certificate;
- Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test;*
- University Preparation Course;*
- Indigenous University Orientation Course; or*
- Experience Based Entry Scheme.*
* Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.
For international students, requirements include your secondary school results.
-
English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent;
- Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
- IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.0 (no individual band less than 6.0);
- Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada;
- University Preparation Course;
- Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
- AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree;
- Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent); or
- Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.
* Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.
Don't have an ATAR?
This course doesn't require an ATAR for entry.
Find out how to apply using our Creative Humanities Portfolio Entry pathway.
How to apply
Course Entry
Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.
-
All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course. The indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published (where applicable) or academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- AQF Cert IV;
- Successfully completed 0.25 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
- Undergraduate Certificate;
- Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test;*
- University Preparation Course;*
- Indigenous University Orientation Course; or*
- Experience Based Entry Scheme.*
* Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.
For international students, requirements include your secondary school results.
-
English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent;
- Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
- IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.0 (no individual band less than 6.0);
- Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada;
- University Preparation Course;
- Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
- AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree;
- Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent); or
- Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.
* Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.
Don't have an ATAR?
This course doesn't require an ATAR for entry.
Find out how to apply using our Creative Humanities Portfolio Entry pathway.
How to applyCourse Details
Semester availability
Semester 1: Study full-time at Mount Lawley or Online
Semester 1: Study part-time at Mount Lawley or Online
Semester 2: Study full-time at Mount Lawley or Online
Semester 2: Study part-time at Mount Lawley or Online
Course Structure
Students are required to complete 240 credit points of core and core option units and 120 credit points of elective units. Students that complete a 4-unit, subject-based Elective Sequence may nominate to have this recorded on their transcript as a minor in the subject area. Alternatively, students may complete any other combination of major, minors, or elective units from the School of Arts and Humanities or other Schools in the university.
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| CMM1600 | Foundations of Advertising | 15 |
| CMM1605 | Communication Campaigns | 15 |
| Core Unit | Choose 1 unit from list of 5 core options | 15 |
| Elective Unit | Unit from elective sequence, recommended electives or alternative elective option | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| CMM1610 | Understanding Audiences | 15 |
| CMM1615 | Media Content Strategy | 15 |
| JBM1615 | Media Law and Ethics | 15 |
| Elective Unit | Unit from elective sequence, recommended electives or alternative elective option | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| CMM2600 | Digital Content Creation | 15 |
| CMM2605 | Principles of Inclusive Communication | 15 |
| JBM2600 | Storytelling and Social Media Influence | 15 |
| Core Unit | Choose 1 unit from list of 5 core options | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| CMM2610 | Strategic Branding | 15 |
| CMM2615 | Strategic Social Media | 15 |
| Elective Unit | Unit from elective sequence, recommended electives or alternative elective option | 15 |
| Elective Unit | Unit from elective sequence, recommended electives or alternative elective option | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| CMM3605 | Global Communication | 15 |
| Elective Unit | Unit from elective sequence, recommended electives or alternative elective option | 15 |
| Elective Unit | Unit from elective sequence, recommended electives or alternative elective option | 15 |
| Elective Unit | Unit from elective sequence, recommended electives or alternative elective option | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| CMM3600 | Corporate Communication and Public Relations | 15 |
| CMM3650 | Communication Agency | 30 |
| Elective Unit | Unit from elective sequence, recommended electives or alternative elective option | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| JBM1600 ^ | Radio and Podcast Production | 15 |
| JBM1605 ^ | Fundamentals of Journalism | 15 |
| WRT2110 ^ | Introduction to Editing | 15 |
| WRT3605 ^ | Creative Writing and the Market | 15 |
| IAS2340 ^ | BlaK Matters: Indigenous Sci-fi and Futurisms, Ancient Knowledge for an Exciting Future | 15 |
Students can choose any combination of electives from any of the recommended elective lists or any other combination of major, minors, or elective units from the School of Arts and Humanities or other Schools in the university. Students that complete a 4-unit subject-based Elective Sequence may nominate to have this recorded on their transcript as a minor in the subject area.
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| WRT1600 | Creative Writing | 15 |
| WRT1605 | Writing Craft and Practice | 15 |
| WRT1610 | Writing Short Stories | 15 |
| WRT2605 | Writing Creative Non-Fiction | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| PHO1625 | Camera Work and Lighting | 15 |
| PHO2605 | Film Photography and Darkroom Practices | 15 |
| PHO2610 | Photography Reimagined | 15 |
| PHO3605 | Photography and Visual Storytelling | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| NOTE: Acceptance into SAH2650, SAH3650 and SAH3660 is by application only | ||
| JBM1610 | Journalism, TV and Streaming | 15 |
| JBM1625 | News Features | 15 |
| JBM2605 | Introduction to Radio Newsroom | 15 |
| JBM2610 | Sport and Entertainment Reporting | 15 |
| SPR1615 | Introduction to Studio Production | 15 |
| SPR3600 | Contemporary Screen Audiences | 15 |
| SPR2605 | Experiments in Screen | 15 |
| DES1600 | Design Foundations | 15 |
| DES1605 | Design Prototyping | 15 |
| SBL1100 | Foundations of Business | 15 |
| SBL1200 | Accounting and Finance Essentials | 15 |
| MKT1600 | Marketing Principles & Practices | 15 |
| MKT2608 | Understanding Buyer Behaviour | 15 |
| TSM2202 | Introduction to Event Management | 15 |
| MAN2172 | Planning the Project | 15 |
| SAH2650 | Professional Experience: Internship | 15 |
| SAH3650 | Professional Placement 1 | 30 |
| SAH3660 | Professional Placement 2 | 30 |
^ Core Option
F35|1
For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.
Student handbookCourse notes
Important course notes
-
In SAH2650 Professional Experience: Internship, students will be able to select workplace-based or project-based environments. In the workplace-based track, students will embark on a minimum of 100 hours of professional placement work experience within a public, private or not-for-profit organisation relevant to their academic studies. In the project-based track, students will engage in a project for a public, private or not-for-profit organisation that tackles a real-world challenge in collaboration or consultation with an industry partner.
In SAH3650 Professional Placement 1 and SAH3660 Professional Placement 2, students will gain relevant work experience by undertaking a minimum of 225 hours (per unit) of professional placement with a public, private or not-for-profit host organisation which is relevant to their academic studies.
Course learning outcomes
- Apply broad knowledge of communication concepts, including knowledge of legal, ethical and regulatory requirements, to a range of practical communication situations.
- Think critically to analyse, interpret and strategise complex communication scenarios.
- Think creatively to anticipate challenges, implement strategic responses and generate communication materials.
- Use digital technologies to access, evaluate, synthesise and communicate relevant information from multiple sources and function as a contemporary communication professional.
- Apply communication techniques to create clear, coherent,compelling and inclusive communication materials that meet the expectations and needs of society and organisations.
- Demonstrate a global outlook with respect for cultural diversity, inclusivity and Indigenous cultural responsiveness.
- Work collaboratively and demonstrate initiative and ethical values in relation to communication contexts.
- Demonstrate autonomy, accountability and judgement for own learning and professional practice.
Course Details
Semester availability
Semester 1: Study full-time at Mount Lawley or Online
Semester 1: Study part-time Online
Semester 2: Study full-time at Mount Lawley or Online
Semester 2: Study part-time Online
Course Structure
Students are required to complete 240 credit points of core and core option units and 120 credit points of elective units. Students that complete a 4-unit, subject-based Elective Sequence may nominate to have this recorded on their transcript as a minor in the subject area. Alternatively, students may complete any other combination of major, minors, or elective units from the School of Arts and Humanities or other Schools in the university.
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| CMM1600 | Foundations of Advertising | 15 |
| CMM1605 | Communication Campaigns | 15 |
| Core Unit | Choose 1 unit from list of 5 core options | 15 |
| Elective Unit | Unit from elective sequence, recommended electives or alternative elective option | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| CMM1610 | Understanding Audiences | 15 |
| CMM1615 | Media Content Strategy | 15 |
| JBM1615 | Media Law and Ethics | 15 |
| Elective Unit | Unit from elective sequence, recommended electives or alternative elective option | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| CMM2600 | Digital Content Creation | 15 |
| CMM2605 | Principles of Inclusive Communication | 15 |
| JBM2600 | Storytelling and Social Media Influence | 15 |
| Core Unit | Choose 1 unit from list of 5 core options | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| CMM2610 | Strategic Branding | 15 |
| CMM2615 | Strategic Social Media | 15 |
| Elective Unit | Unit from elective sequence, recommended electives or alternative elective option | 15 |
| Elective Unit | Unit from elective sequence, recommended electives or alternative elective option | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| CMM3605 | Global Communication | 15 |
| Elective Unit | Unit from elective sequence, recommended electives or alternative elective option | 15 |
| Elective Unit | Unit from elective sequence, recommended electives or alternative elective option | 15 |
| Elective Unit | Unit from elective sequence, recommended electives or alternative elective option | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| CMM3600 | Corporate Communication and Public Relations | 15 |
| CMM3650 | Communication Agency | 30 |
| Elective Unit | Unit from elective sequence, recommended electives or alternative elective option | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| JBM1600 ^ | Radio and Podcast Production | 15 |
| JBM1605 ^ | Fundamentals of Journalism | 15 |
| WRT2110 ^ | Introduction to Editing | 15 |
| WRT3605 ^ | Creative Writing and the Market | 15 |
| IAS2340 ^ | BlaK Matters: Indigenous Sci-fi and Futurisms, Ancient Knowledge for an Exciting Future | 15 |
Students can choose any combination of electives from any of the recommended elective lists or any other combination of major, minors, or elective units from the School of Arts and Humanities or other Schools in the university. Students that complete a 4-unit subject-based Elective Sequence may nominate to have this recorded on their transcript as a minor in the subject area.
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| WRT1600 | Creative Writing | 15 |
| WRT1605 | Writing Craft and Practice | 15 |
| WRT1610 | Writing Short Stories | 15 |
| WRT2605 | Writing Creative Non-Fiction | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| PHO1625 | Camera Work and Lighting | 15 |
| PHO2605 | Film Photography and Darkroom Practices | 15 |
| PHO2610 | Photography Reimagined | 15 |
| PHO3605 | Photography and Visual Storytelling | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| NOTE: Acceptance into SAH2650, SAH3650 and SAH3660 is by application only | ||
| JBM1610 | Journalism, TV and Streaming | 15 |
| JBM1625 | News Features | 15 |
| JBM2605 | Introduction to Radio Newsroom | 15 |
| JBM2610 | Sport and Entertainment Reporting | 15 |
| SPR1615 | Introduction to Studio Production | 15 |
| SPR3600 | Contemporary Screen Audiences | 15 |
| SPR2605 | Experiments in Screen | 15 |
| DES1600 | Design Foundations | 15 |
| DES1605 | Design Prototyping | 15 |
| SBL1100 | Foundations of Business | 15 |
| SBL1200 | Accounting and Finance Essentials | 15 |
| MKT1600 | Marketing Principles & Practices | 15 |
| MKT2608 | Understanding Buyer Behaviour | 15 |
| TSM2202 | Introduction to Event Management | 15 |
| MAN2172 | Planning the Project | 15 |
| SAH2650 | Professional Experience: Internship | 15 |
| SAH3650 | Professional Placement 1 | 30 |
| SAH3660 | Professional Placement 2 | 30 |
^ Core Option
F35|1
For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.
Student handbookCourse notes
Important course notes
-
In SAH2650 Professional Experience: Internship, students will be able to select workplace-based or project-based environments. In the workplace-based track, students will embark on a minimum of 100 hours of professional placement work experience within a public, private or not-for-profit organisation relevant to their academic studies. In the project-based track, students will engage in a project for a public, private or not-for-profit organisation that tackles a real-world challenge in collaboration or consultation with an industry partner.
In SAH3650 Professional Placement 1 and SAH3660 Professional Placement 2, students will gain relevant work experience by undertaking a minimum of 225 hours (per unit) of professional placement with a public, private or not-for-profit host organisation which is relevant to their academic studies.
Course learning outcomes
- Apply broad knowledge of communication concepts, including knowledge of legal, ethical and regulatory requirements, to a range of practical communication situations.
- Think critically to analyse, interpret and strategise complex communication scenarios.
- Think creatively to anticipate challenges, implement strategic responses and generate communication materials.
- Use digital technologies to access, evaluate, synthesise and communicate relevant information from multiple sources and function as a contemporary communication professional.
- Apply communication techniques to create clear, coherent,compelling and inclusive communication materials that meet the expectations and needs of society and organisations.
- Demonstrate a global outlook with respect for cultural diversity, inclusivity and Indigenous cultural responsiveness.
- Work collaboratively and demonstrate initiative and ethical values in relation to communication contexts.
- Demonstrate autonomy, accountability and judgement for own learning and professional practice.
Fees and Scholarships
Fees
- AUD $15,100 - Commonwealth supported estimated 1st year indicative fee 1
Note
1 The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for the individual units you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the actual amount you'll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.
Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.
Scholarships
ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.
Find a scholarshipCareer Opportunities
The employment outlook for roles as a communication professional, including in advertising, digital and social media communication, strategic communication, and public relations is growing fast. Throughout this course you’ll develop strategic communication skills and practice and learn about roles in fields related to advertising, strategic communication, digital communication, and public relations. Your career options will include Public Relations Officer, Advertising Creative, Account Executive, Communication Strategist, Digital Communications Officer, Media Adviser, Social Media Manager, Corporate Communication Co-ordinator, Digital Content Co-ordinator, and Creative Content Producer.
Possible future job titles
Communication Officer, Digital Communication Manager, Advertising Executive, Advertising Creative Corporate Communication Specialist, Social Media Manager, Reputation Manager, Stakeholder Relationship Manager, Public Relations Professional, Professional Communicator, Content Creator
Courses you can consider if you are interested in progressing further in this area.
Fees and Scholarships
Fees
- AUD $37,700 - International students estimated 1st year indicative fee 1
Note
1 The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, and has been calculated based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for each individual unit you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the actual amount you'll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.
Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.
Scholarships
ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.
Find a scholarshipCareer Opportunities
The employment outlook for roles as a communication professional, including in advertising, digital and social media communication, strategic communication, and public relations is growing fast. Throughout this course you’ll develop strategic communication skills and practice and learn about roles in fields related to advertising, strategic communication, digital communication, and public relations. Your career options will include Public Relations Officer, Advertising Creative, Account Executive, Communication Strategist, Digital Communications Officer, Media Adviser, Social Media Manager, Corporate Communication Co-ordinator, Digital Content Co-ordinator, and Creative Content Producer.
Possible future job titles
Communication Officer, Digital Communication Manager, Advertising Executive, Advertising Creative Corporate Communication Specialist, Social Media Manager, Reputation Manager, Stakeholder Relationship Manager, Public Relations Professional, Professional Communicator, Content Creator
Courses you can consider if you are interested in progressing further in this area.
Need some help deciding what to study?
Our future student events include a mix of on-campus and online sessions designed to help you decide what to study at ECU.
Creative thinkers start here
Creative thinkers start here
Student stories
Had I not studied at ECU, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to go to New York after graduating
The study tour and industry links gave me a window into my future. And unlike many university courses, you gain first-hand insight into every aspect of the advertising industry from media planning, to art direction, copywriting and branding.
Quick guide to uni-speak
-
-
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.
-
ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.
-
CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.
-
A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.
-
Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.
-
If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.
-
-
-
If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.
Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.
-
Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.
-
A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.
-
We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.
-
These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.
-
An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.
-
Quick guide to uni-speak
-
-
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.
-
ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.
-
CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.
-
A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.
-
Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.
-
If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.
-
-
-
If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.
Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.
-
Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.
-
A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.
-
We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.
-
These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.
-
An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.
-
Do you have any questions about the Bachelor of Communication?
The Important Things
Things you should know about if you're thinking about studying here.
Course Entry
There's more than one admission pathway into an ECU course. It depends on what you've studied already, or your work or life experience.
Fees & Scholarships
Course tuition fees can change, but we can give you an estimate of your costs. If you're eligible, a scholarship or student loan can help too.
Applying
Applying for a course is a fairly simple process, especially if you have scanned copies of qualifications, your resume or other paperwork, ready to upload.
ECU Experience
Starting a course is an exciting and sometimes daunting time, so we make a massive effort to ensure you get all the support you need to have a positive experience.