Swinburne University of Technology - Melbourne Australia
Future Students - Courses
Course Description:
This innovative communications course is delivered over two campuses and aims to equip students with the skills, knowledge and key theoretical insights required to work effectively within a broad range of contemporary communications environments. With subjects offered at the Faculty of Higher Education, Lilydale (FHEL) and the Faculty of Design (FoD) in Prahran, the course seeks to blend the disciplines of design, media, communications and public relations in ways informed by current and projected industry needs. Complementing a cross-discipline combination of subject offerings, students can structure their course to graduate with a tagged or untagged degree. By selecting a major in Media Studies and/or Public Relations, or majors in other areas of study, students can graduate with: an untagged Bachelor of Communication degree or a specialised Bachelor of Communication (Media Studies) tagged degree or a specialised Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations) tagged degree Students also have the option of completing an additional eight Design units to be eligible for a second award of either the: Bachelor of Design (Communication Design) or Bachelor of Design (Multimedia Design) Note: Students are required to study at both the Prahran and Lilydale campuses.
Note: Students are required to study at both the Prahran and Lilydale campuses.
Aims & Objectives:
The structure of, and the units of study within, the Bachelor of Communication degree conform to the AQF guidelines for a bachelor degree by allowing students to: acquire a systematic and coherent body of knowledge, the underlying principles and concepts, and the associated communication and problem-solving skills; develop the academic skills and attributes necessary to undertake research, comprehend and evaluate new information, concepts and evidence from a range of sources; develop the ability to review, consolidate, extend and apply the knowledge and techniques learnt, including in a professional context; gain a foundation for self-directed and life-long learning; and gain interpersonal and teamwork skills appropriate to employment and/or further study. Students completing the Bachelor of Communication will be able to: describe the communication requirements of different professional contexts; demonstrate competence in the skills required in the context related to their chosen major field of study; identify the key theoretical insights underpinning professional communication practice; discuss approaches to dealing with ethical issues arising in professional communication; display flexibility and sensitivity in adapting their personal communication style to different communication contexts; articulate how to adjust professional communication strategies to changing communication environments; and make appropriate selections of communications technologies to support their communication activities for both learning and vocational purposes.
Course Structure:
The Bachelor of Communication is a three-year full-time or six-year part-time* course requiring the successful completion of 24 units of study (300 credit points). All units of study in the degree are worth 12.5 credit points. A full-time load consists of eight units of study per year (four per semester) and four units of study per year (two per semester) for a part-time load*. Units are taught at the Prahran and Lilydale campuses. * Please note that international students are required to study full-time. Students will be able to choose units of study within each level in any order, subject to prerequisite studies being met. The total of 24 units comprises: seven core units – four from the FoD and three from FHEL six major units – either a Media or Public Relations major from FHEL four minor units – either Media or Public Relations minor from FHEL four design minor units from the Faculty of Design three elective units chosen from any undergraduate program in FHEL, or an Electives Plus sequence (see below) students must complete no more than 10 units at Stage 1 and at least four at Stage 3 Core (seven units) HDC002 Methods of Investigation HDC003 Design Studio HDC004 Digital Design HDCOM111 Introduction to Communication Design LBM100 Marketing Concepts LPR100 Professional Communication Practice LSM102 Introduction to Media PR major (core + six units) or PR minor (core + four units with at least one unit at Stage 3) Professional Communication Practice (LPR100) LPR200 Public Relations Theory and Practice LPR201 Public Relations Writing LBM202 Marketing Communications Public Relations Project and Planning (LPR330) Issues, Crisis and Risk Communication (LPR303) LPR302 Events Management Media major (core + six units) or Media minor (core + four units with at least one unit at Stage 3) Introduction to Media (LSM102) LSM200 eCulture LSM204 Cinema Studies LSM205 Journalism LSM304 Cyberscreen Studies LSM305 Australian Media Policy LSM306 Media Project Design minor (four units) Students choose only one option from the following clusters: Option 1: Management and Design Strategy HDC006 Managing Design HDC007 Communicating Practice HDC008 Design Systems and Services HDC009 Design and Business Strategy Option 2: Multimedia Design HDMMD111 2D Animation HDMMD121 Interactive Design for Web Technology HDMMD212 Digital Video Camera Techniques HDMMD221 Typography for Screen and Motion Option 3: Communication Design HDCOM112 Typography HDCOM121 Form and Structure for Communication Design HDCOM211 Typography for Publication or HDCOM221 Branding and Identity HDCOM321 Publication Design Careers in the Curriculum In addition to the above, students must complete a compulsory unit of study LCE001 Careers in the Curriculum to be awarded the degree. Careers in the Curriculum (CIC) is an innovative unit designed to assist Swinburne students to enhance their employability and career prospects. It is usually undertaken in the second year of the course and is compulsory for all undergraduate students who commence their course from 2007 onwards. Students study ing CIC will not incur a HECS or fee debt for the unit as the cost will be met by the university as part of an initiative to enhance students' career skills. Electives Plus Sequences Electives Plus sequences provide Swinburne degree students with options to broaden their career skills and strengthen their employability by selecting from units of study outside their degree discipline. Students undertaking this course can choose to study Electives Plus sequences of up to three units from one of the following themes: Effective Communication Establishing and Running a Business Language Practice and Culture Enterprising Marketing Multimedia: Web Development Information Orientation and Knowledge Management Undergraduate Research Skills Design: Process and Strategy Electives Plus sequence The Networked Economy Sustainability Electives Plus sequences are available in all Swinburne degree programs subject to timetabling constraints, with the exception of double degree programs, specialist double major degrees, and where entry has been approved with advanced standing. Capstone Project Units As part of the Swinburne Model for Professional Learning, all incoming undergraduates from 2007 will undertake 25 credit points of professionally focused Capstone project units within their programs of study.
Industry-Based Learning:
Students may undertake two semesters of supervised Industry-Based Learning (IBL), which forms an integrated part of these courses and has the following specific aims: To motivate students and improve their academic performance by showing the relevance of academic studies to the workplace; To give practical experience in areas such as on-the-job problem solving, and the organization and methodology of the work-place; To promote the personal development of students by increasing their maturity through interaction with professional colleagues and the acceptance of professional responsibilities, and To clarify and enhance students’ career prospects. All Industry-Based Learning placements are subject to availability. For further information visit: www.swinburne.edu.au/ibl Please note that IBL is not available to international students due to government regulation.
Honours:
An honours program at Swinburne provides students, who have a demonstrated academic ability, with an opportunity to pursue their undergraduate studies to an advanced level: to deepen their intellectual understanding in their major area of study; and to develop their research skills. It is expected that graduates would be able to undertake honours in Media. Please contact the Faculty of Higher Education Lilydale for further information.
Education Abroad:
Swinburne offers International Exchange Programs as well as other Education Abroad Programs to help internationalise your degree. International Exchange is an academic program allowing you to study at a Swinburne Partner Institution for one or two semesters during your degree. Swinburne's Partner Institutions offer many relevant subjects as well as a secure base to explore a different culture. Your studies whilst on exchange can be credited towards your Swinburne degree, provided they are relevant and approved by Swinburne. For further information visit the Swinburne Abroad website.
Career Opportunities:
The broad-based communication grounding coupled with the knowledge of basic design concepts and implementation that this major provides will place students in a position to consider a varying range of career options after successful completion of their study.
Entry Requirements:
Successful completion of an appropriate Victorian Year 12 or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification. 2009 VCE Prerequisites: Units 3 and 4 – a study score of at least 20 in English (any). Extra requirements: Test (some applicants only): Applicants must sit the STAT Multiple Choice if they are one of the applicants outlined under STAT at www.swinburne.edu.au/vtac or on the Swinburne information pages in the VTAC guide. All non-Year 12 students (NONY12) should refer to the VTAC website at: http://www.vtac.edu.au for further infomation. Special entry Applicants without a Year 12 qualification or with a non-competitive Year 12 score, no other tertiary study and have at least five years related work experience, may be considered for admission.
ENTER:
2008 Round 1 Cleary-In ENTER: 69.65 (CSP)
Credit Transfer:
There are some opportunities for intersectoral activity including credit transfer for this program. It is expected that graduates from TAFE award programs (encapsulating information systems/information technology and business) with suitable industry experience will be able to articulate into this course.
Pathways (articulation):
An advanced credit transfer system, known as the Pathways program, is in place at Swinburne. Through Pathways, students with one or more of a wide range of post-secondary qualifications (both local and international) can gain entry into this course with advanced standing. Certain subject requirements must be met and an acceptable standard of results achieved in order to gain admission and for maximum credit to be granted.
Recognition of Prior Learning:
Applications for advanced standing will be considered in accordance with Swinburne policies on Recognition of Prior Learning outlined at: www.swinburne.edu.au/corporate/registrar/ppd/files/stuinf.htm
Course Fees:
Swinburne offers domestic undergraduate studentsCommonwealth Supported Places (CSP). Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens or holders of an Australian permanent resident visa are classified as domestic students. All other students are considered international students. HELP The Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) is a suite of income contingent loans for Australian citizens and holders of Australian permanent humanitarian visas. HELP consists of: HECS-HELP (previously HECS) – is available to eligible Commonwealth supported students. It provides students with a loan to cover their student contribution amount. Students are eligible for a 20% discount if they choose to pay all, or at least $500, of their student contribution up-front. FEE-HELP (previously PELS) – is available to eligible fee paying undergraduate and postgraduate students. It provides students with a loan to cover their tuition fees (lifetime maximum $81,600 from 1 January 2008). The FEE-HELP limit is indexed on 1 January each year. OS-HELP – is available to eligible Commonwealth supported students, who wish to study overseas, with a loan to cover expenses such as accommodation and travel. Note: New Zealand citizens and holders of other Australian permanent resident visas do not have access to HELP loans. These students must pay their student contributions or tuition fees up front without a discount. For further information on your support and study options visit the 'Going to Uni' website at: www.goingtouni.gov.au
The Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) is a suite of income contingent loans for Australian citizens and holders of Australian permanent humanitarian visas. HELP consists of:
Note: New Zealand citizens and holders of other Australian permanent resident visas do not have access to HELP loans. These students must pay their student contributions or tuition fees up front without a discount.
For further information on your support and study options visit the 'Going to Uni' website at: www.goingtouni.gov.au
Scholarships:
For information about scholarships at Swinburne visit: www.swin.edu.au/scholarships
Application Procedure:
Applications must be made through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC). VTAC code: 35011 (CSP), 35013 (Int. Fee). For further information, visit the VTAC website at: www.vtac.edu.au Part-time study is also available to Australian citizens and holders of Australian residency. Note: Application is for the L069 Bachelor of Communication. Successful applicants will be requested to advise of their preferred course at the time of enrolment.
Further information:
Submit an Online Enquiry Tel: 1300 368 777 Email: study@swinburne.edu.au Faculty of Higher Education Lilydale website
