Highlights

  • Gain an in-depth understanding of digital platforms, including the technologies, cultural trends, and business models currently shaping social media and streaming services. 
  • Explore how media influences identity and society, and address critical issues such as privacy, surveillance, representation, and algorithmic bias. 
  • Engage in real-world learning through a final year capstone project where you research a current media industry challenge and pitch your solution in a professional video presentation. 
  • Learn from leading researchers and staff that have made QUT the World number 19 and number 1 in Australia for media and communication studies. (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2026). 

Highlights

  • Gain an in-depth understanding of digital platforms, including the technologies, cultural trends, and business models currently shaping social media and streaming services. 
  • Explore how media influences identity and society, and address critical issues such as privacy, surveillance, representation, and algorithmic bias. 
  • Engage in real-world learning through a final year capstone project where you research a current media industry challenge and pitch your solution in a professional video presentation. 
  • Learn from leading researchers and staff that have made QUT the World number 19 and number 1 in Australia for media and communication studies. (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2026). 

Ready to start
mid-year?

Applications for Semester 2 are closing soon.

Get started with our step-by-step guide

Why choose this course?

The way we consume and create media is evolving at lightning speed. Social platforms, streaming services, and digital ecosystems have transformed how stories are told and how audiences engage. In this course, you’ll explore these changes from every angle so you can understand not just what’s happening now, but what’s coming next. 

You’ll learn how platforms shape identity, relationships, and society, and tackle pressing issues like privacy, surveillance, and algorithmic influence.  

You’ll learn from teaching staff who are active in the field and at the cutting edge of research, ensuring your knowledge is current and relevant. As new trends emerge in media and communication, you’ll understand what they mean and how they fit into the broader landscape. Along the way, you’ll build critical thinking skills to develop ethical and socially responsible communication strategies that inspire action, influence decisions, and shape industries, communities, and cultures for a more just and inclusive world.

Real-world learning

Throughout your degree, you’ll apply what you learn to practical challenges that reflect the realities of today’s media and communication industries. 

In your final year, you’ll complete a major capstone project designed to showcase your independence, leadership, and creativity. You’ll research a current issue within a media or communication sector, develop a research question, and propose solutions using industry-standard methods. This project culminates in a professional pitch supported by documentation that providing authentic experience in presenting your ideas to stakeholders and preparing you for the demands of industry. 

Past students have completed placements with Nine News, Network Ten, Metro Arts, Queensland Writers Centre, Hyperplex Cinemas and many more, giving them valuable insights and professional networks before graduation.  

Take part in international study tours to South‑East Asia, Europe and the US – a great opportunity to experience how media and communication operates in different cultures and societies. 

Real-world learning

Gain industry experience through internships and work placements in government departments and agencies as well as media, advertising and public relations organisations. Students have completed placements with Network Ten, Brisbane Festival, Hyperplex Cinemas and plenty more. 

You will learn from teaching staff who both work in the field, and are at the cutting-edge of research in media and communication. If a modern trend emerges in communications, you’ll understand what it means, and how it fits into the broader fabric of the media landscape. 

Learn how to inspire action, make change and influence decisions. You will build the critical thinking skills to develop ethical and socially responsible communication strategies that shape industries, communities and cultures for a more just and inclusive world.

Explore this course

What to expect

Your studies will begin by exploring how digital technologies have transformed traditional media and reshaped the way we communicate.  

The core units of this major focus on understanding media systems, audience analytics, and the impact of digital transformation on communication.  Early in your degree, you’ll examine the structures and logics behind social platforms and streaming services, uncovering the technological and business forces that drive them. 

As you progress, you’ll dive into the cultural and social dimensions of media, investigating how identity, representation, and ethics intersect with digital spaces. You’ll consider issues such as privacy, surveillance, and algorithmic influence, and learn to critically analyse the role media plays in shaping society. 

Flexible course options

Pairing media and communication with a communication second major such as journalism, screen industries, or promotional communication gives you a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving media landscape.  

Or you might like to add minors such as strategic communications, news and factual Media, or social media strategy to specialise in areas that complement media and communication. These options allow you to tailor your degree to your interests and career goals, opening pathways into content creation, and digital strategy.

In the media and communication industries major, you’ll begin with core communication units such as understanding media industries, analysing audiences and understanding the internet and data. That will then extend into analyses of specific media and communication industries, such as pop culture, digital platforms and analytics. Your studies will help you develop a wide skillset tailored to helping you succeed, no matter how the media and communications sector evolves. 

Your studies will be rounded by the choice of either a second major, which is a sequence of eight units from another study area, or minors and electives such as work integrated learning, internships or international study tours that allow you to graduate work ready through engagement with the industry. 

Double degrees

Maximise your career opportunities and create your own specialist career niche within the communication industry by combining your degree with a complementary study area. 

Combine business expertise with advanced media and communication skills to lead in digital marketing, media management, and global communication industries through real-world projects and internships. 

Combine advanced legal expertise with cutting-edge media and communication skills to lead in digital law, policy, and strategic communication across global industries. 

Careers and outcomes

Careers and outcomes

With strong analytical, creative, and professional communication skills, you’ll be ready to influence decisions, inspire action, and contribute to industries that thrive on innovation and connection. Whether you choose to work in advertising, public relations, government, cultural organisations, or emerging digital sectors, this degree opens doors to careers that shape the future of media and communication. 

Possible careers

  • Advertising and new media professional
  • Audience researcher
  • Digital communication specialist
  • Digital content designer
  • Digital content producer
  • Marketing officer/manager
  • Media industry specialist
  • Media or communications adviser
  • Media planner / buyer
  • Media trader
  • Social media manager

Details and units

In order to complete this course you must complete a total of 288 credit points comprising:

Six common units - 72 credit points

A Communication major - 96 credit points from one of the following disciplines:

  • Media and Communication Industries
  • Journalism
  • Screen Industries
  • Promotional Communication

Complementary studies - 96 credit points chosen from:

  • one 96 credit point second major (Communication second major or Uni-wide second major); OR
  • two 48 credit point minors (Communication minor or Uni-wide minor); OR
  • one 48 credit point minor and 48 credit points chosen from unit options (electives) (Creative Industries Work Integrated Learning Unit Options or Uni-wide unit option unit); OR
  • 96 credit points chosen from unit options (electives) (Creative Industries Work Integrated Learning Unit Options or Uni-wide unit option unit)

Four QUT You units - 24 credit points comprising 4 x 6 credit points units.

In order to complete this course you must complete a total of 288 credit points comprising:

Six common units - 72 credit points

A Communication major - 96 credit points from one of the following disciplines:

  • Media and Communication Industries
  • Journalism
  • Screen Industries
  • Promotional Communication

Complementary studies - 96 credit points chosen from:

  • one 96 credit point second major (Communication second major or Uni-wide second major); OR
  • two 48 credit point minors (Communication minor or Uni-wide minor); OR
  • one 48 credit point minor and 48 credit points chosen from unit options (electives) (Creative Industries Work Integrated Learning Unit Options or Uni-wide unit option unit); OR
  • 96 credit points chosen from unit options (electives) (Creative Industries Work Integrated Learning Unit Options or Uni-wide unit option unit)

Four QUT You units - 24 credit points comprising 4 x 6 credit points units.

Requirements

ATAR/selection rank threshold
70.00

These thresholds are the lowest adjusted scores to which QUT made an offer in Semester 1, 2026.

Don't have a ATAR/selection rank?

Find out other ways you can apply

Course code
KC40
QTAC code
421351
CRICOS code
096577J
Delivery
  • Kelvin Grove
Delivery
  • Kelvin Grove
Duration
3 years full-time
6 years part-time
Duration
3 years full-time
Entry
February and July
Entry
February and July
Deferment

You can defer your offer and postpone the start of your course for one year.

Assumed knowledge

Before you start this course, we assume you have sound knowledge of the subject/s listed below. If you don't have the subject knowledge, you can still apply for the course but we strongly encourage you to undertake bridging studies to gain the knowledge:

  • English, or Literature, or English and Literature Extension, or English as an Additional Language (Units 3 & 4, C)

More about assumed knowledge

Year 12 early offer scheme

If you're a current Queensland Year 12 student, you may be eligible to receive an offer for this course on the last day of Queensland Year 12, before receiving your ATAR or selection rank.

Find out more about the QUT Year 12 Early Offer Scheme

Helping you to get into your course

If you don't think your ATAR or selection rank is high enough to get into this course, you can guarantee your entry with guaranteed advanced standing by upgrading through one the following programs which you can select as one of your QTAC preferences:

QUT College Diplomas

As a QUT College Diploma in Creative Industries graduate you will automatically receive an offer to start the Bachelor of Communication within one week after completion of the diploma. You will also automatically receive up to 1.0 year (96 credit points) credit transfer and be able to complete the degree in 2 years as a full-time student (or equivalent part-time).

Find out more about the QUT College Diploma in Creative Industries

Offer guarantee

If you achieve an ATAR or selection rank of 70.00 or higher (including any adjustments) and satisfy all other admission requirements, you are guaranteed an offer for this course in the Semester 1 offer rounds, up to the main offer round in mid-January.

VET guarantee

If you have completed an AQF certificate IV, diploma or higher, and satisfy all other admission requirements, you are guaranteed an offer for this course in the Semester 1 offer rounds.

Advanced standing

If you have prior studies or work experience, you may be eligible for advanced standing (credit). You can apply for advanced standing once you've been accepted to QUT. If you're in your first semester of study, you must apply for advanced standing within 10 days of receiving your offer.

More about advanced standing

Deferment

You can defer your offer and postpone the start of your course for one year.

More about deferring your offer

Adjustments to your ATAR/selection rank

Any adjustments you receive to your ATAR or selection rank will be applied to this course.

Find out if you’re eligible for an adjustment to your ATAR or selection rank

Offers we made to school leavers in Semester 1, 2025

The figures listed in the tables below reflect the offers that were made to recent ATAR students. The entry thresholds box at the top of this page shows the lowest adjusted ATAR/selection rank required to receive an offer for all applicants for the most recent January QTAC offer round.

Excluding adjustments Including adjustments
Highest ATAR/selection rank
to receive an offer
Selection rank 96.80
Selection rank 96.80
Median ATAR/selection rank
to receive an offer
Selection rank 81.20
Selection rank 83.45
Lowest ATAR/selection rank
to receive an offer
Selection rank 65.55
Selection rank 71.20

You can find out more about your fellow students’ backgrounds with this course’s student profile.

Other admission options

If you are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, you may be eligible for admission through our Centralised Assessment Selection Process (CASP).

Select the country where you completed your studies to see a guide to the grades you need to apply for this course.

If your country or qualification is not listed, you can still apply for this course and we will assess your eligibility.

I completed secondary school in Australia

ATAR/selection rank
70.00
Offer guarantee

If you completed secondary school in Australia and achieve an ATAR/selection rank of 70.00 or higher (including any adjustments) and satisfy all other admission requirements, you are guaranteed an offer for this course.

VET guarantee

If you have completed an AQF certificate IV, diploma or higher, and satisfy all other admission requirements, you are guaranteed an offer for this course.

Minimum English language requirements

Select the country where you completed your studies to see a guide on meeting QUT’s English language requirements.

Your scores and prior qualifications in English-speaking countries are considered. Approved English-speaking countries are Australia, Canada, England, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, United States of America and Wales.

If your country or qualification is not listed, you can still apply for this course and we will assess your eligibility.

We accept English language proficiency scores from the following tests undertaken in a secure test centre. Tests must be taken no more than 2 years prior to the QUT course commencement.

English Test Overall Listening Reading Writing Speaking
IELTS Academic / One Skill Retake 6.5 6 6 6 6
Cambridge C1 Advanced
You must share your results with QUT through the Candidate Results Online website.
176 169 169 169 169
PTE Academic 58 50 50 50 50
TOEFL iBT Australia Test (120 scale) 79 16 16 21 18

Don't have the English language score you need? We can help!

We offer English language programs to improve your English and help you gain entry to this course.

When you apply for this course, we will recommend which English course you should enrol in.

Fees

Your actual fees may vary depending on which units you choose. We review fees annually, and they may be subject to increases.

2027 fees

2027: Fee available from October

2027 fees

2027: Fee available from July

2026 fees

2026: CSP $17,200 per year full-time (96 credit points)

2026 fees

2026: $40,000 per year full-time (96 credit points)

Student services and amenities fees

You may need to pay student services and amenities (SA) fees as part of your course costs.

Find out more about undergraduate course fees

HECS-HELP: loans to help you pay for your course fees

You may not have to pay anything upfront if you're eligible for a HECS-HELP loan.

Find out more about government loans

Scholarships

You can apply for scholarships to help you with study and living costs.

Browse all scholarships

International Merit Scholarship

A high achievement scholarship for future international undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Scholarship eligibility
Academic performance

International Talent Scholarship

A new scholarship for 2026 that covers tuition fees, with eligibility based on your prior academic achievements.

Scholarship eligibility
Academic performance

Applying guide

When you're preparing your application, make sure you have all the important information. This includes understanding the entry requirements, and checking if you're eligible for advanced standing (credit).

How to apply


QTAC code

You'll need to know this course's QTAC code when you apply through QTAC.


Ready to apply?

If you've already read about the best way to apply, you can apply directly through QTAC.

Apply now with QTAC

How to apply

Follow our step-by-step applying guide to make sure your application is complete, giving you the best chance of getting in.

How to apply


Ready to apply?

If you're ready for the next step, apply online today.

Apply now

Ready to apply?

If you're ready for the next step, apply online today or contact our MBA Program Manager +61 468 575 146 or mba@qut.edu.au

Apply now

Ready to apply?

If you're ready for the next step, apply online today or contact our MBA Program Manager +61 468 575 146 (Brisbane),
(02) 6198 3098 (Canberra), emba@qut.edu.au

Apply now

Keep up to date

Sign up to receive occasional emails to help you with your study decision. We’ll send you relevant information about studying at QUT, scholarships, key dates and upcoming events.

By submitting this form, you understand that QUT is collecting your personal information.
Please refer to the Privacy Collection Notice for more information.

Ready for your next step?

Finishing school?

Everything you need to know about choosing a uni straight from school.

Go to current high school students

How to apply

We'll break down the application process, from QTAC to accepting your offer.

Go to undergraduate applying

Contact us

Any questions? Our friendly team is here to help you find answers.

Go to contact us

Ready for your next step?

Contact us

Any questions? Our friendly team is here to help you find answers.

Go to contact us

How to apply

We'll break down the process, from applying to accepting your offer.

Go to postgraduate applying

Flexible study

Explore the options that could make postgraduate study work for you.

Go to flexible study

QUT courses for you

Check out your saved or recently viewed courses below, or find this information later via the study homepage.

Like to save your courses?

Please enter your first name and email so we can save your courses for you

By submitting this form, you understand that QUT is collecting your personal information.
Please refer to the Privacy Collection Notice for more information.

Your saved courses

Your recently viewed courses

Save course
content
Save course
content
Save course
content
Save course
content

Email me a PDF copy of this course

By submitting this form, you understand that QUT is collecting your personal information.
Please refer to the Privacy Collection Notice for more information.

Ask us a question

If you have a specific question about studying with us, you can ask us here.

Domestic future student enquiry

Settings

PWA is currently

Diagnostics