Swinburne University of Technology - Melbourne Australia
Future Students - Courses
Course Description:
Note: This course commences Semester 1, 2012. This double degree provides a comprehensive study of business practice together with studies in Professional Communication. The Bachelor of Business / Bachelor of Professional Communication takes a strategic approach to communication and communication planning as applied in the business environment. Drawing on the key disciplinary areas of media, advertising and public relations, this program of studies focuses on producing graduates that can utilise corporate communication strategies to achieve business objectives. (International students are required to study full-time and cannot take the part-time study mode.)
Aims & Objectives:
The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to use communication as a strategic tool to help businesses and organisations to achieve their institutional objectives. The double degree takes into account the continuing skills demands for Australian community and also the demands of organisations desiring to make use of the multi-disciplinary knowledge availed through the Faculty of Higher Education, Lilydale’s business disciplines.
Course Structure:
There are course restrictions and rules that must be considered when selecting units and specialisations. It is recommended that you familiarise yourself with these rules before selecting specialisations.Capstone UnitsCapstone Units utilise real-world, authentic activities in the form of project-based learning. Projects may be externally sourced industry and community projects, competitions, research-based projects or internally developed project briefs. Careers in the Curriculum (CIC)In addition to the above, all Swinburne undergraduate students must complete a compulsory unit of study, Careers in the Curriculum. CIC is an innovative unit designed to assist Swinburne students to enhance their employability and career prospects.CIC has been developed by Swinburne Careers and Employment who provide advice and feedback on completing job applications and undergoing interviews, directed at obtaining graduate employment. It is a one semester compulsory unit usually undertaken in second year.Students will not incur a HECS or fee debt as the cost will be met by the university as part of an initiative to enhance students' employability skills.Student Workload This program operates under a student workload model based on eight units of study for a full-time academic year. Total student contact hours per unit, including lectures, classes, tutorials and computer laboratory sessions, will normally be approximately 12 hours per week during the academic semester (winter and summer term have the same number of contact hours but compressed in time).
Major specialisation:
Students undertaking a double degree in Business/Professional Communication are required to complete a Business major (16 units) and a Professional Communication major (16 units) from the specialisations below. Note: Students undertaking an Accounting professional major will be required to complete 18 units in order to be eligible for professional accreditation with the CPA. Business majors (16 units)Business Advertising Business Analysis/eCommerceBusiness Public Relations Finance Human Resource Management Management Marketing Tourism ManagementProfessional Communication major (16 units) Professional Communication
Industry-Based Learning:
Industry-Based Learning (IBL) allows students to undertake paid work experience as part of their undergraduate degree providing professional skills and networking opportunities.IBL is only available to domestic on-campus students. The IBL program is normally only available to those students who have received a Credit grade average (or better).
Education Abroad:
Swinburne Abroad provides students with an international learning experience as part of their degree. Students can receive credit for their overseas studies by undertaking an External Studies co-major or minor allowing students to study up to one year full time overseas and not extend the time to complete their Swinburne program.
Career Opportunities:
The business and professional focus provided by the double degree will provide students with scope for employment pathways including: Accounting communicationAdvertisingBusiness analysis/eCommerceBusiness public relationsCorporate communication designFinanceHuman resource managementInternational businessManagementMarketing communicationPublic relationsTourism management
Graduate Attributes:
Knowledge and practical skills to deliver strategic communication in an increasingly complex and dynamic marketplaceBasic understanding, tools and skills in managing and evaluating visual, written and event based elements of a professional communication campaignCritical thinking skills required to be innovative, yet practical thinking in approaching unfamiliar communication problems within varying contexts, giving the flexibility and advantage in a competitive professional communication job marketThe competence to integrate theory with practice in professional communication projectsThe ability to approach professional communication projects in collaborative ways that acknowledge the importance of both individual initiative and effective teamwork
Entry Requirements:
Standard Entry – Year 12Applicants must have a qualification deemed to be the equivalent of the VCE accredited by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA). (Passes may be accumulated over more than one year). Students not holding an appropriate Year 12 or equivalent qualification may be admitted on the basis of extensive work experience. A quota for this entry applies.Prerequisite unitsVCE prerequisites include a study score of at least 20 in English units 3 & 4. Non-Year 12Students not holding an appropriate Year 12 or equivalent qualification may apply on the basis of previous qualifications and/or extensive work experience. More information is available on the Mature Age Students and Non-School Leavers website.
Australian Tertiary Admissions Ranking (ATAR): New
Credit Transfer:
Applicants with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be granted ‘credit’ and/or entry into the course with ‘advanced standing’. For further information refer to Swinburne Pathways: Credit Transfer Guide.
Pathways (articulation):
TAFE students may be eligible to receive credit towards completing a FHEL degree. For further information refer to the Pathways website.
Recognition of Prior Learning:
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process where a student may be granted credit or partial credit towards a qualification in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training.
Course Fees:
For information about Swinburne's fees visit: www.swinburne.edu.au/fees
Scholarships:
A full listing of Swinburne and government scholarships are available on the Scholarships website.
Application Procedure:
Start of the year applications can be made through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) or direct to Swinburne. VTAC code: Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Professional Communication - 35431For further information, visit the VTAC website. This course is available for mid-year intake. Applications are made directly to Swinburne and will be taken on a case by case basis. Application forms can be downloaded from our How to Apply website.
Further information:
Submit an Online Enquiry Tel: 1300 ASK SWIN (1300 275 794)Email: study@swinburne.edu.au
