Bachelor of Media and Communication (Honours)

Bachelor of Media and Communication (Honours)

UNDERGRADUATE

Explore the big issues in media and communication in this multidisciplinary research-based honours degree.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

Commonwealth supported places

Next intake:
February
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

AU$37,440 (2024 total)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

Are you ready to undertake hands-on substantial projects on specific research-relevant topics?

This honours degree combines a laboratory and studio model of study with state-of-the-art resources to help you demonstrate your ability and establish your reputation and future career.

You will study the big issues in contemporary media and communication, expand on your abilities and further investigate your specialisation using sophisticated research and project skills. You will demonstrate your advanced conceptual abilities through project outcomes, examined by key industry and academic leaders.

Why study the Bachelor of Media and Communication (Honours) at RMIT?

Global outlook

Gain an international perspective on the cultural impacts of your work.

Collaboration opportunities

Work with students from other disciplines in our 24-hour access studio space.

Future-focused content

Stay up-to-date in your discipline, prepared for work or future study.

Communications student Keira studying on laptop while outdoors, on campus

Unique to Australia

This honours degree is the only one of its kind in Australia, allowing you to work with students from other disciplines in dedicated 24-hour access studio space (for honours students only).

Details

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The learning style of this degree can be either thesis or project-based.

You will have access to studio space learning, under individual supervision to assist with your research outcomes. Group work will be conducted throughout the year but you will be assessed individually by external, international industry practitioners.

All courses are delivered in English. You will have access to online resources through the student portal.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

Honours research projects tend to be closely aligned to industry and professional practice.

Your teachers and supervisors will provide assessment and feedback on how your research contributes to the field based on industry-relevant knowledge.

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.

Assessment is by academics and industry practitioners based around the world.

This will provide you with a global outlook on your work by considering viewpoints from multiple regions and how your work can have different cultural impacts.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

This degree is based on two semesters of work on a dedicated, themed research project, known as Laboratory 1 and Laboratory 2.

Your chosen project will tackle a specific media and communication problem.

You will also study two further courses throughout the year:

  • Media and communication futures: investigate contemporary problems in media and communications theory.
  • Research strategies: how to undertake project- and thesis-based research in media and communication.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Bachelor of Media and Communication (Honours)
Program code: BH066
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Bachelor of Media and Communication (Honours)
City Campus
One Year Full-Time (Two Semesters)
BH066
074925J
Location
City Campus
Duration
One Year Full-Time (Two Semesters)
Plan code
BH066
CRICOS
074925J
View plan
Bachelor of Media and Communication (Honours)
City Campus
One Year Full-Time
BH066
074925J
Location
City Campus
Duration
One Year Full-Time
Plan code
BH066
CRICOS
074925J
View plan

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

Honours gives you the ability to differentiate yourself from degree graduates by specialising in your field over the course of an extra year’s study.

The media and communication industry is constantly evolving due to technological advances and changes in societal values, which influence the way we find information and communicate with each other.

Completing an honours year helps you keep up to date with your area of interest and demonstrates your outstanding ability to industry, both of which increase your employability. It is the traditional pathway to a masters by research or a doctorate (PhD).

Successful honours research projects tend to be an entry point into a student's preferred career.

Admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in a relevant discipline with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (out of 4.0).

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

You must submit a personal statement with your application outlining:

  • why you wish to study this program
  • what you hope this program will enable you to go on and achieve
  • your proposed area of research. Please provide as much information as you can, even if you are not completely certain of the area/s you wish to focus on.
  • the name/s of one or more potential research supervisor/s from within the School. Note that preferred supervisors cannot be guaranteed.

To ensure appropriate supervisors are available, you are encouraged to submit your application as early as possible by 10 November 2023.

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.

Selection criteria by applicant type

The highest level of education you have previously completed will determine which category applies to you.

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Secondary education (Year 12) is not considered for entry into this program.

Vocational education and training (VET) is not considered for entry into this program.

You must have successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in a relevant discipline with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (out of 4.0).

Work and life experience is not considered for entry into this program.

All applicants are required to complete and submit a selection task for this program. See below for full selection task details.

You must have successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in a relevant discipline, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (out of 4.0).

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

You must submit a personal statement with your application outlining:

  • why you wish to study this program
  • what you hope this degree will enable you to go on and achieve
  • your proposed area of research. Please provide as much information as you can, even if you are not completely certain of the area/s you wish to focus on.
  • the name/s of one or more potential research supervisor/s from within the School. Note that preferred supervisors cannot be guaranteed.

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.

Pathways

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You can gain entry into this honours degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs, if you meet the entry requirements.

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this program, you may be eligible to undertake further studies in related programs at RMIT University, including postgraduate programs, subject to the program's entrance requirements.

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You can gain entry to this honours degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs.

Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.

When you successfully complete this program, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT postgraduate program or RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.

Fees

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2024 indicative fees

In 2024, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$4,445 to AU$16,323*.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$351 maximum fee for 2024.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment

Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.

Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

You may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.

Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

Low completion rates

From 2022, there are new government rules about eligibility for higher education student funding as part of the Australian Government’s Job-ready Graduates legislation. If you're starting a program in or after 2022 and are enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or have a HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP loan, these changes affect you. For details, please see Low completion rate and government funding.

If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.

Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set on an annual basis by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.

How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?

The Australian Government has introduced changes to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package. 

The fees in the table below apply to students who commence their program in 2024. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Each course (subject) falls into a band. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.

Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.

You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at Fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2024 for commencing students

Student contribution band by course (subject)

Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2024
Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture $4,445 per standard year
$555 per standard (12 credit point) course
Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual and Performing Arts, Professional Pathway Psychology, Professional Pathway Social Work, Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies, Science, Pathology $8,948 per standard year
$1,118 per standard (12 credit point) course
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science $12,720 per standard year
$1,590 per standard (12 credit point) course
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture $16,323 per standard year
$2,040 per standard (12 credit point) course

Student Learning Entitlement

On 1 January 2022, the Government implemented the Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).

  • The SLE allows students 7 years of full-time subsidised study in Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP).
  • Your total SLE amount will be reduced in accordance with your overall study load in a CSP. 
  • Once you have utilised all your SLE, you can not longer study in a CSP.

For more information about SLE, visit Study Assist.

HECS-HELP Loans

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.

SA-HELP Loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2024 is $351.  

For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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The total indicative tuition fee for 2024 commencement is AU$37,440.

In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

More information
aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information