Bachelor of Communication (Media): FAQ

How long is the program?

Three years full-time, or six years part-time. There is also an option of two and half years with summer semesters for full-fee-paying students.

What are the aims of the program?

From extensive consultation with industry and graduates, the Bachelor of Communication (Media) offers the following list of graduate capabilities. By the end of the program graduates should:

• Be creative and critical media practitioners.
• Have knowledge of media industries, theories and practices in Australian and international contexts.
• Be equipped to pursue a media career and further study.
• Be able to initiate, undertake and evaluate applied research.
• Be able to initiate, undertake and evaluate media productions.
• Be able to work collaboratively.
• Be able to direct and evaluate their own learning.
• Be literate across a range of media.

How is the program structured?

Program Map 2007 – February Start (3 year structure)

*: Students must complete a minimum of 5 x 12 credit point courses from one Major Discipline area to satisfy the Contextual Studies Major requirements. Students not electing to do the 6 x 12 credit point course Major option, can choose to do a course from another Major here if they wish.^#: Students are only permitted to complete a maximum of 4 x 12 credit point courses outside the School of Applied Communication.

Program Map 2007 – July Start (2.5 year structure)

*: Students must complete a minimum of 5 x 12 credit point courses from one Major Discipline area to satisfy the Contextual Studies Major requirements. Students can choose a course from an alternate Major Discipline here.^#: Students are only permitted to complete a maximum of 4 x 12 credit point courses outside the School of Applied Communication.

What do you do in the RMIT Media degree?

The program is composed of courses from three strands of study:

Professional Strand

Within this strand, Media students are encouraged to become proficient in a wide range of media forms, relevant to both existing and emerging careers in the media. In first year, students study how to read, write and publish work using text, audio and video in traditional as well as digital and online forms such as DVDs and the web. Students also explore the creative and critical application of these skills in a wide range of areas relevant to academic study and the media industries. In second year, students choose either TV or radio as a professional specialisation, and study new developments such as networked and interactive media. In third year, the emphasis is on advanced project work, which integrates and develops the theoretical, practical and professional knowledge previously acquired. Students function more independently, directing their own learning and producing media projects with an academic and/or industry focus.

The other two study strands (Communication and Contextual Studies), allow students to develop the critical and analytical skills, theoretical knowledge and research expertise with which to better understand and evaluate both their own work and the work of others.

Communication Strand

These courses provide a foundation of understanding of communication and media. Media students complete two compulsory courses – Reading Media Texts and Media and Meaning – and two electives.

Contextual Studies Strand

These courses give students exposure to broader areas of interdisciplinary study to further their conceptual and critical thinking. Media students are required to complete a major in this strand from one of the following disciplines: Asian Media & Culture; Cinema Studies; Communication, Politics & Business; or Literature & Philosophy.

Is the Bachelor of Communication (Media) for you?

Our graduates tend to be creative thinkers and problem-solvers who are employable across a wide range of industry sectors. The program's distinctive integration of professional production training and academic study exposes students to all facets of professional production. Students learn to analyse media products in broader historical, critical and cultural contexts.

The Bachelor of Communication (Media) emphasises the development of broader interpersonal skills, which prepares graduates for a wide range of future work and postgraduate study options. These include skills in all forms of communication, collaboration, cross-disciplinary project work and research.

Is the program recognised professionally?

The course contributes graduates to a diverse array of occupations for which there is no single common qualification. However the course has an excellent reputation and is widely recognised by media industry employers.

What are the career prospects for graduates?

RMIT Media graduates can be found throughout the intensely competitive media industries – within Australia and internationally. The Media program produces graduates suitable for a range of occupations for which there is no single common qualification. Many graduates are self-employed freelancers, some work in the government sector, while others have progressed into journalism, marketing, publishing, teaching, the music and games industries or post-graduate study.

Common industry destinations include:

• Film and TV: Directors, producers, directors of photography, screenwriters, camera operators, sound recordists, sound and picture editors, post-production supervisors, production managers, first assistant directors, art directors, casting agents and video artists.
• Radio: Presenters, producers, programmers, station managers, studio directors, journalists and editors – for commercial, government or community broadcasters.
• Multimedia: Web site developers, content developers, content authors, writers, managers and publishers, DVD and CD-ROM producers, multi-media artists.
• Screen Culture: Film festival curators, project managers, film critics, distributors and venue coordinators.

Do you recognise related prior study?

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Applicants with a comparable TAFE qualifications may be considered for exemptions from suitable first year subjects.

Students from the RMIT TAFE programs Screen or Professional Screenwriting are eligible to enter the degree with advanced standing.

How do I see work produced by students?

Visit the Media Gallery.

What production and research facilities are available to students?

Media students have access to the latest technology for their course work:

• Digital video production and post-prodcution facilities
• Specialised media computer labs
• Radio - digital recording & editing

In addition, Media at RMIT provides students with unique experiences in media beyond the classroom. RMITV is a student-run television production house, which broadcasts programs on Channel 31. SYN FM has a full-time broadcast licence and is managed exclusively by students. Media students also work with Melbourne’s largest independent radio broadcaster 3RRR FM to produce and host ‘Room With A View’, a weekly 2-hour magazine program.

The School of Applied Communication also operates a unique national research collection. The AFI Research Collection [ www.afiresearch.rmit.edu.au] (incorporating the Henry Mayer Collection) is a non-lending collection of international film, television and communication industry resources maintained for over 30 years by the Australian Film Institute. Described by the National Library of Australia as a 'heritage collection', the AFI Research Collection is widely used by students, academics, media industry researchers, and members of the public.

What is the difference between the RMIT Media & Professional Communication degree programs?

Bachelor of Communication (Media) students focus on media theory and practice in-depth across the three years of the degree. This includes both traditional and emerging forms of radio, television, film and networked media.

Bachelor of Communication (Professional Communication) students have the opportunity to study a broad range of courses from the Media, Journalism and Public Relations streams to second year level only.

How many intakes per year are there?

There are two intakes per year. February: Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) (formerly HECS), domestic and international Full-Fee places available. July: domestic and international Full-Fee places only.

CSPs are determined by Commonwealth Government funding and the number of returning students to our program, so this varies annually. Usually we offer around 50 CSPs each February. Places are extremely competitive; we receive over 1,000 applications and of these, about 25% are made to Non-YR12 applicants (i.e. mature-age), or applicants with a disability, of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander heritage or ‘special consideration’ case.

What are the entrance requirements and selection procedures?

Local YR 12 Applicants: VCE Prerequisite Units 3 & 4 (or equivalent) – a score of at least 35 in English (any). Selection based on ENTER only.

Local Non-YR 12 Applicants: VCE Prerequisite Units 3 & 4 (or equivalent) – a score of at least 35 in English (any), AND submission of the VTAC PI form to VTAC. Information supplied on this form is the primary method for short-listing Non-YR12 applicants for interview; consideration is also given to any previous academic study. Applicants are strongly advised to treat the PI form as if it were their only opportunity to tell us who they are, what media related activities they have been doing, what career aspirations they have and what they know about the RMIT Media program.

International Applicants: An IELTS score (or equivalent) of at least 6.5 in English. More information is available from RMIT International (www.international.rmit.edu.au).

What is the cut-off score?

This varies annually due to the number of Commonwealth Supported Places offered (formerly HECS) and the standard of applicants. Previous cut-off scores were: 2006 - 91.45; 2005 - 90.85. Applicants should note that the difference between the clearly-in and fringe ENTER scores is due to places being offered by the University to applicants in equity schemes or the Non-YR 12 category (not admitted purely on ENTER), who may have an ENTER score under the clearly-in figure.

Is the ENTER or selection criteria for a domestic Full-Fee place different to a Government funded place?

RMIT policy is that all full-fee paying applicants have to be of comparable standard to those offered a CSP place. For programs that select on ENTER successful applicants must achieve an ENTER within 10 points of the Round 1 Clearly in for Commonwealth Funded places. For programs that select on factors other than ENTER applicants must meet all entrance requirements.

How much does the program cost?

Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP, formerly HECS) fees for 2007 are not finalised. As a guide, the annual maximum student contribution amount for a CSP in 2006 was approximately $4, 899 (Band 1). More information about CSP calculations can be found at: www.rmit.edu.au/programs/fees/highered/css

In 2006, the program fees are $14,640 for domestic Full-Fee students, and $16,320 for international Full-Fee students.

Please note that quoted figures are dependant upon how many courses students undertake, which ‘Band’ they are from, and how many credit points they are worth. Some courses may also have additional costs such as material fees.

Applicants should note that from 2005, domestic Full-Fee students who achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (i.e. a distinction) or better after completing their first year of study at RMIT, may be eligible to re-enrol the following study year as a CSP student.

How do I apply?

Locals: February Intake: All applicants must apply through the Victorian Tertiary Admission Centre (VTAC) at: www.vtac.edu.au. July Intake: Applications must apply through the RMIT Office of Prospective Students (only full-fee available).

International and Non-Australian Residents must apply through RMIT International for both intakes. For further information visit www.international.rmit.edu.au.

Contact Details

Bruce Berryman, Selection Officer
Telephone: 9925 3065
Email: media@rmit.edu.au

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