Bachelor of Communication (The University Of Newcastle, Australia)
Course Information
Description
The University of Newcastle, Australia currently offers in Singapore a Bachelor of Communication degree that students can complete full-time with a Double Major in Public Relations and in News Media.
Students will gain a solid understanding of the theory and practice of communication in a global environment which is both complex and rapidly changing. They will learn to work creatively and analytically in the communication and cultural industries, and for further study and research in the discipline.
Students will also automatically become student members of the UONS Student Chapter of the Institute of Public Relations of Singapore (IPRS) until they complete their studies. Student members get to experience industry visits and IPRS hosted events on an annual basis.
About the Public Relations Major
The Public Relations Major addresses key needs and changing demands in the PR industry and broader employment, including social and multi-media content creation and the ability to critically analyse (big) data, while continuing to utilise traditional skills to showcase their talent in strategic planning as well as written and oral communication skills.
The Public Relations Major provides you with the skills required in the profession and practice of public relations. This industry assists organisations in establishing and maintaining communication and cooperation with stakeholder groups. Your core courses in public relations will focus your study around strategy, communication, and campaign execution.
The Public Relations Major is suitable for Communication students who have:
- an interest in learning how to manage relationships between brands and external stakeholders.
- goals to pursue a career in brand communication, promotion and advertising, among other fields.
- a commitment to maintaining successful business relationships and creating a ‘personal’ brand.
About the News Media Major
The world-wide-web has had a major impact on traditional forms of media distribution, and this has affected many communication industries, including journalism. But there remains a global need for stories to be told in a variety of formats by journalists, skilled in the craft of writing, analysing and reporting. The News Media Major provides you with the opportunity to develop practical skills and knowledge that is relevant to the contemporary journalism landscape.
The News Media Major enables you to learn to plan, develop, write, record and edit stories across a variety of media platforms. This major prepares you to work in journalism whether you want to work for news organisations, new online media outlets, as freelancers, in other media businesses, or as embedded creatives in other industries. You will learn to produce media for video, audio, mobile, print and online platforms.
You will undertake embedded, authentic, experiential assessments and will leave the program with a specialised portfolio that showcases your journalistic skills.
As a benefit, students automatically become members of the Student Chapter of Institute of Public Relations of Singapore (IPRS). Student members get to experience industry visits and IPRS hosted events on an annual basis.
Course Highlights
IPRS Membership
Enjoy student membership with Institute of Public Relations of Singapore (IPRS). Benefits include access to online resources, industry visits and IPRS-hosted events.
Open to A-Level graduates
Advanced Standing
Stand to receive module exemptions with a relevant polytechnic diploma qualification subject to University’s approval.
Australian and Asian Expert Perspectives
Taught by University faculty and Singapore-based lecturers, with a good mix of doctorates from reputable universities and field professionals.
Entry Requirements
Local Qualifications
- GCE A Level (Minimum 3 subjects in H2 level or 2 subjects at H2 level and up to 2 subjects at H1 level); OR
- 3-year Diploma from Singapore’s Polytechnic; OR
- PSB Academy Diploma in Media and Communications; OR
- Other diploma or equivalent qualification would be assessed on a case by case basis
- Entry requirements (program code 11496) for international students can be found here.
Minimum Age Requirement
- 16 years old
English Language Requirement
All Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the University’s English proficiency requirement. Further information regarding English language proficiency requirements can be found at the English Language Proficiency for Admission Policy.
Applicants who do not speak English as a first language must demonstrate that they meet the University’s English proficiency requirement through one of the following methods:
English Language Tests
1. GCSE – English Language or Literature
- IGCSE – A level English or Humanities
- Overall Score: Minimum Grade C
2. IELTS Academic
- Overall Score: 6.5
- Section minimums are: 6.0 R/L/S/W
3. TOEFL IBT
- Overall Score: 79
- Minimum Individual Skills Test: R: 19, L: 20, S: 20 and Writing: 24
4. PTE Academic (GSE)
- Overall Score: 58
- Individual Skills Test: Section Minimum 61
5. PSB Certificate in Academic English (PSB CAE)
- Higher Level Pass – students must obtain 65% or more in 3 of the 4 Only one exam may be in the 60 to 64% range. Each of the 4 exams is of equal weighting.
English language test scores must be less than 2 years old at the date of application to the University of Newcastle.
The English Language Proficiency for Admission Policy will outline in detail what UON’s requirements are for admission. Applicants should review the Flowchart and Requirements tables (accessible in from the Policy – Associated Information) for additional information on the variety of qualifications and/or recognised English exams will satisfy the requirements.
International Qualifications:
- See course webpage for more information
Career Opportunities
Graduates may choose to pursue a future (but not limited to) in these departments/industries:
- Advertising, Marketing, Public Relations & Corporate Communications
- Communication and Media Education
- Digital Film, Sound & Video Production
- Event Management
- Media/Audience Research and Analysis
- News and Digital Media
- Online, Print and Broadcast Journalism
- Screenwriting, Copywriting and Publications Services
- Strategic Communications
- User Interface (UI) & User Experience (UX) Design
Modules
Communication Core Modules
- Creative Collaborations
- Digital and Social Media
- Media and Communication Concepts
- Strategic Creativity
- Audience Participation and Interaction
- Design Thinking and Innovation
- Entrepreneurship
- Communication, Creativity and Cultural Production
News Media Major
- Feature Writing
- News Media
- Communication Research and Data Analytics
- Creative Industries Professional Project
- Podcasting and Radio
- Global Trends in Media and Communication
- Multiplatform Journalism
- Data Visualisation in Journalism
Public Relations Major
- Creative Industries Professional Project
- Communication Research and Data Analytics
- Principles of Public Relations
- Public Relations Campaigns
- Public Affairs
- Strategic Communication
Compulsory Modules
- Foundations of Professional Storytelling
- Commercial Social Media Production
Electives
- Elective modules offered are subject to availability in each term as approved by the University.