Bachelor of Media and Communication
Majoring in Cinema and Screen Studies
60.0
Choose your major
Advertising
Gain vital skills to succeed in the creative world of advertising. Explore effective design and strategy, advertising development and implementation. Create ads that hit the mark with audiences.
Cinema and Screen Studies
Explore the wide variety of film and TV genres, industry perspectives, and production styles. Benefit from a range of industry links with leading Screen Culture organisations.
Creative Writing and Publishing
Gain an understanding of creative text and popular culture in literature. Develop models for your own writing and critiquing skills in literature, while exploring subjects such as self and society.
Immersive Media
Learn how to develop content for the future of entertainment, business and advertising with a major in immersive media. Engage in 360, VR (Virtual Reality), AR (Augmented Reality), and MR (Mixed Reality) interactive experiences.
Journalism
Combine traditional journalistic skills with online publishing and multimedia production. Learn the skills required for interacting with audiences, social networking and building online communities.
Public Relations
Influence the public perception of an organisation through engaging content, targeted messaging and strategic campaigns. This degree is accredited by the Public Relations Institute of Australia.
Social Media
Gain a comprehensive understanding of social media platforms within social, cultural and industry contexts. Learn how to analyse new and emerging media technologies and drive their use and innovation across industry.
Overview
Immerse yourself in the latest tech, surround yourself with the brightest minds and kick-start your career with the Bachelor of Media and Communication. Our refreshed course prepares you for today’s media sector from day one. Through collaborative media production, you'll master the skills demanded by today's dynamic environment, engage in cross-disciplinary media labs and co-create for endless possibilities. Through industry projects, work placements, and internships, we’ll nurture your professional growth and help you discover your true passions.
Course prerequisites have changed
The English and EAL study scores have been updated for Semester 1, 2025 entry. Please see the Entry requirements tab for updated information.
Looking to start in Semester 1, 2025?
Whatever stage you're at – from browsing courses to starting an application – our Study Expo is your one-stop-shop for info and advice.
Our refreshed course focuses on creativity, innovation, and excellence, meaning you’ll gain:
- hands-on skills and training in augmented, virtual and mixed reality
- strong connections with industry experts that last a lifetime
- relevant and robust theory of today's media and communication environment.
Your major
Cinema and Screen Studies
Explore the wide variety of film and TV genres, industry perspectives, and production styles. Build a portfolio of real-world projects to showcase your experience.
Benefit from a range of industry links with leading Screen Culture organisations.
Your industry experience
All our bachelor degrees enhance your employability and include units in which you work on real projects for a range of industry partners. There are also numerous opportunities for elective internships, placements and other industry experiences in media and communication fields.
Skills you’ll learn
- Communication
- Critical thinking
- Curation
- Digital literacy
- Distribution
- Storytelling
Your career opportunities
- Broadcast presenter or entertainment journalist
- Film researcher
- Production coordinator
- Community arts worker
- Film distribution coordinator
- Film festival manager
Key codes
International student visa
International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.
Why Swinburne?
Top 200 for Communication
#1 in Melbourne for overall experience
The median income for PG graduates one year out is $86.6K (#1 in Victoria)
-
"Studying Cinema and Screen Studies allowed me to critically look at popular film and television and explore the ways in which they have succeeded and why. I have really enjoyed the chance to learn from experienced tutors and lecturers who were constantly there for support and feedback. Getting advice has really helped me to grow as a writer and feel more confident in my own work."
Annika , Bachelor of Media and Communication
Qualifications
One of the following:
- successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification
- completion or partial completion of an approved tertiary qualification (including certificates IV (completed), diplomas, advanced diplomas, associate degrees and degrees).
Applicants without a formal qualification may be considered for entry if they have significant and relevant work experience and/or upon completion of the STAT test.
Guaranteed Entry ATAR
60.0
Lowest ATAR to receive an offer in 2024 [after adjustment factors]
57.0
You’ll be guaranteed a place in this course if you meet or exceed the ATAR Guaranteed Entry Score, provided you meet the course prerequisites.
If your ATAR is below the guaranteed entry score, you can still be offered a place as your ATAR may be adjusted based on subject bonuses, equity schemes or other factors. Use the above ATAR as a guide on your eligibility, and see the course handbook page for more information on entry requirements.
Additional performance criteria and prerequisite requirements may also apply. Students admitted to the course with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be eligible for academic credit.
*Applicants without a formal qualification but with significant and relevant work experience will be considered if they can demonstrate that they can undertake the course with a reasonable prospect of success.
Successful completion of Australian Year 12, or equivalent overseas qualification.
Course prerequisites
These prerequisites have been updated for Semester 1 2025 entry
- VCE Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 20 in any English (except EAL) or 25 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or equivalent.
- VCE Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 20 in any English (except EAL) or 25 in English as Alternate Language (EAL) or equivalent
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. Check admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- IELTS overall band of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 65%, all skills 65% or above
- or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. Check admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
Credit transfer
Credit is granted in recognition of previous study and/or experience and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Apply for a pathway course
Pathways allow students to progress from one qualification to another where the first course is recognised as an entry requirement and/or provides credit (advanced standing) to the second.
-
Diploma of Arts and Communication (UniLink)
8 months full-time, 8 units max credit
-
Diploma of Business (UniLink)
8 months full-time, 8 units max credit
-
Diploma of Community Services
18 months full-time, 8 units max credit
-
Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing
1 year full-time, 8 units max credit
-
Diploma of Sport/Diploma of Leadership and Management
1 year full-time, 8 units max credit
-
Diploma of Arts and Communication (UniLink)
8 months full-time, 8 units max credit
-
Diploma of Business (UniLink)
8 months full-time, 8 units max credit
Note: This information should be used as a guide for those who have completed a course and are seeking credit into another course. For those yet to commence their course, during the time taken to complete, this information may change. Credit available may vary depending on the major selected within any given degree. Progression to professional degrees may be subject to additional criteria or academic performance.
How credit points work
Successful completion of the Bachelor of Media and Communication requires students to complete units of study to the value of 300 credit points. All units of study are valued at 12.5 credit points unless otherwise stated.
What your course could look like
Units are listed in a proposed sequence. However this can be amended depending on unit availability, prerequisite requirements and the semester in which you commenced your course.
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 | |
|
Introduction to Media Studies
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA10001 |
|
Global Media Industries
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA10008 |
|
Screen Studies: Movies, Television and Ourselves
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA10003 |
|
Elective
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points |
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Communicating with Data
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA10012 |
|
Content Creator Lab
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA10018 |
|
Genre and the Moving Image
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
FTV10006 |
|
Elective
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points |
|
Want to see the full range of electives?
Learn about all the electives you can take in the course handbook.
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 | |
|
The Australian Screen
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
FTV20005 |
|
Elective
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points |
|
|
Elective
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points |
|
|
Elective
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points |
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Screen Franchising and Innovation
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA20007 |
|
Popular Culture of the Asia Pacific
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA20018 |
|
Elective
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points |
|
|
Elective
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points |
|
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Professional placement - Major (12 months) | |
|
Work Experience In Industry A
Practical unit, 25.0 credit points |
WEI20001 |
|
Integrated Professional Placement A - Media and Communication
Academic unit, 25.0 credit points |
MDA20016 |
|
Work Experience in Industry B
Practical unit, 25.0 credit points |
WEI20002 |
|
Integrated Professional Placement B - Media and Communication
Academic unit, 25.0 credit points |
MDA20017 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 | |
|
Screen Technology and Culture
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA30016 |
|
Screen Sounds and Music
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA30019 |
|
Elective
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points |
|
|
Elective
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points |
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Global Screen Studies: Beyond Hollywood
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA30011 |
|
Elective
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points |
|
|
Elective
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points |
|
|
Elective
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points |
|
2024 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$16,323
Total fee* ($AUD)
$48,969
2024 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$37,240.00
Fees are estimates only
Published student tuition fees for 2024 unit enrolments in HE Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) and Undergraduate Full Fee Paying (FFP) are subject to change based on individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees may vary for units studied in future years, with part-time fees being proportionally lower depending on the number of units taken per semester. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
How do I pay my fees?
HECS-HELP is a loan and discount scheme available to you if you are eligible and enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place. A HECS-HELP loan can cover all or part of your contribution amount. You can also choose to pay your fees up front.
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Financials
- check your Australian bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Eligibility for HECS-HELP
You are eligible for a HECS-HELP loan if you have been offered a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) for an undergraduate degree at Swinburne or a UniLink course, and you:
- are an Australian citizen and doing at least one unit of your course in Australia; or
- hold a permanent humanitarian visa and will be living in Australia for the duration of your course; or
- hold a New Zealand Special Category visa and meet the special eligibility requirements for New Zealand citizens.
Student services and amenities fee
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
The fee shown in the capped amount for 2024.
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown in the capped amount for 2024.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$351.00
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$351.00
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2024 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.
Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.
When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 20 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.
Professional placement fees
Students who participate in a six- or 12-month professional placement will be subject to an increase in total course fees.
Apply through an agent
Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Apply directly
Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.
Apply through VTAC
International students currently studying Year 12 in Australia must apply through VTAC. VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.
VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.