Undergraduate course information

Applications

All non-current school leavers are selected through an assessment of academic merit. Applicants with five or more years of work experience or equivalent and limited educational qualifications may be requested to provide a personal statement. For further information see UTS: Communication selection criteria at:

Areas of study

The undergraduate program is based on a subject bank of about 70 subjects designed for undergraduate students seeking both a general and professionally focused university education.

Courses are offered in the following areas:

• information and media
• journalism
• media arts and production
• public communication
• social inquiry
• writing and cultural studies.

Course structure

Students must complete 144 credit points consisting of 48 credit points of core subjects, a 48-credit-point major, a 24-credit-point sub-major, and 24 credit points of electives.

• core: a set of communication subjects running vertically through three years
• major: a set of specialist subjects belonging to the area of study and running vertically through three years
• sub-major: a study sequence of three subjects that relate to a particular field of study
• electives: a choice of subjects from UTS: Communication or from subjects offered by other course areas.

All UTS: Communication courses can be combined with international studies or law.

Students who excel in their degree have the option of studying the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) after three years.

Core subjects

UTS: Communication core subjects (STM90550) are designed to give students the essential skills and knowledge required by every communication graduate.

Through the core subjects, students examine the foundations of communication and develop their professional practice or craft through new technologies as well as existing traditional mediums.

Each core subject engages students in critical examinations and reflections of key communication concepts, preparing them to work with a real-world client in their capstone subject.

Majors

Each major integrates theory and practice and is designed to provide the specialist skills and knowledge required by an entrant to a particular industry or creative practice. Major subjects maintain a critical focus on industry while allowing students to develop the well-rounded expertise needed by practitioners in the next decade.

The first three subjects in a major lay the foundation for understanding and working within a particular field. The last three subjects challenge students to develop the confidence and expertise employers demand.

There are six majors offered by UTS: Communication (CBK90700)

• Information and Media (MAJ10023): This interdisciplinary major prepares students for work in a variety of creative information design and management roles. Students develop an understanding of the interrelationships between people, information and communication technologies, as well as practical skills in areas such as web design and architecture, media research and writing information and media content for diverse audiences. Students create a portfolio of products including blogs, podcasts, websites, databases as well as audience and user analyses.
• Journalism (MAJ10020): This major is designed to meet the essential practical skills and theoretical knowledge needed for a career in journalism. Students gain an understanding of the crucial role that journalists play in creating a democratic public sphere, providing a forum for debate and giving voice to diverse communities. This major equips students with advanced research, writing, reporting and analytical skills for print, television, radio and online media; and knowledge of the intellectual, ethical and political foundations of journalism.
• Media Arts and Production (MAJ10021): Highly regarded in the industry, this major has a history of award-winning students and graduates. Students develop production skills in video, sound and new media, and enhance their creative innovation in these areas. Students are encouraged to evolve as creative directors and producers of media projects, as well as develop their technical proficiency specifically in one media area. By the time students graduate, they should have a professional portfolio of creative production work.
• Public Communication (MAJ10024): This major has a focus on professional communication careers including public relations and advertising. Students explore the communication contexts for these practices — cultural, social and political. Students develop their professional skills in campaign design and production, copywriting, media liaison and writing, research and evaluation, sponsorship and event management. Students have the option of completing a Public Relations stream (STM90716) or an Advertising stream (STM90715) in this major. Assignments provide material for a portfolio when they graduate.
• Social Inquiry (MAJ09395): Flexible, rigorous and professionally focused, this major is for students interested in social issues and developing the skills to participate effectively in social change. Students explore cross-cultural, international and local perspectives affecting society, and gain a broad range of skills and knowledge that prepares them for a variety of professions in the diverse fields of social science, media and communication.
• Writing and Cultural Studies (MAJ10022): In this major students study both general and specific creative writing as a professional practice that influences and is influenced by culture. Students study the theory and practice of writing and apply their skills across a range of genres and different media. Students explore the position and role of the writer in society, while learning to think critically and creatively about developments in the cultural industries. Students also gain the skills to assess and evaluate the needs of diverse communities, and develop strategies for responding to social and cultural issues.

Sub-majors

A sub-major is a study sequence of three subjects that relate to a particular field of study. Sub-majors allows students to develop expertise in exciting new directions, broadening their knowledge and enriching the sophistication of their work. Each sub-major builds on a major by inspiring students to new heights of thinking while challenging them to deal with major issues affecting society and the professions they plan to enter. There are seven sub-major study sequences available (CBK90701):

• Aboriginal Studies (SMJ09052)
• Bodies, Genders, Rights (SMJ09051)
• Environmental Studies (SMJ09050)
• Media Studies (SMJ10032)
• Reading Australia (SMJ09049)
• Screen Studies (SMJ10033)
• Transnational Studies (SMJ09048).

Electives

Elective subjects allow students to broaden or specialise their knowledge and skill set.

In the 24 credit points of electives, students can choose:

• any three subjects from the UTS: Communication subject bank
• three foundation subjects of another UTS: Communication major
• a second UTS: Communication sub-major
• Language and Culture subjects, or
• subjects from another course area of UTS, such as UTS: Business or UTS: Design, Architecture and Building.

Students may wish to undertake the Professional Internship elective in which they negotiate a learning contract and develop a structured industry experience project to enhance their career prospects.

Prerequisites must be observed when selecting electives.