Discover our Bachelor of Communication

Dreaming of a creative career that takes you places? Our Bachelor of Communication is for you.

Course overview and structure

Our bachelor degree of communication isn't just about theory – it's about doing. Learn to craft compelling stories, engage audiences and master the digital landscape. From breaking news to viral campaigns and podcasting to social media management, you'll dive into real world projects from day one. You'll learn to think critically, write persuasively and speak with confidence. Script, edit, produce and present for a radio station with millions of listeners. And gain the skills and experience to shape culture and engage audiences, so when you graduate, you'll have a portfolio and skillset that gets you ahead of the rest.

Discover our advanced facilities located in the multimillion-dollar, state-of-the-art Communication Precinct and gain invaluable skills working on our on-campus community radio station 2MCE and our independent news service, National Radio News (NRN).

Program highlights and features

  • Hands-on learning: From communication theory to media production. From corporate communications to digital media and society. Hone your skills in the area you're passionate about.
  • Industry connections: Benefit from our strong ties with leading communication organisations and work placements.
  • Expert academics: Learn from experienced industry pros who are passionate about your learning and getting you started in the industry.
  • Study your way: On campus or online, you can fast-track your learning, pause it when you need to, or exit with qualifications at each completed year of study – a Diploma after the first year or an Associate Degree after two years. With a condensed two-day timetable that fits learning around your life.

Choose your major

You can decide on one of three majors to focus your studies. In your first year, you'll learn a little about each, then in your second year choose the one you're most passionate about.

Design and Content Creation

Unleash your creativity. Discover the essential pillars of visual communication – like colour, typography and design elements – while crafting engaging content for emerging media platforms like socials, videos and websites. Plus, build a standout portfolio using industry-level tools. You'll be set up for an exciting career designing, editing, producing and presenting content that connects with audiences across print and digital media.

News and Media

Thrive in the fast-paced world of news. Embark on an exciting career in journalism, media and entertainment. Report on breaking news, uncover investigative stories and create stand-out content for global news organisations. With hands-on experience in researching, writing and producing across platforms – including television. Whether you want to be in front of the camera or behind the scenes, this major empowers you to shape narratives through impactful storytelling.

Strategic Communication

Build your career in public relations. Create campaigns that connect with people and influence public perception. Develop skills in crisis management, social media, community relations, copywriting, media liaison, event management and sponsorship. While getting hands-on industry experience. So you can build your career in content creation, advertising, corporate storytelling, public relations, events, project management or media.

Real-world projects, learning and connections

Join our communication alumni

We've been teaching communication for more than 50 years, and today, generations of our graduates are making waves around the world. From journalists to PR specialists, our grads are industry leaders, shaping the future of media and communication.

Meet Grace Fitzgibbon, one of our communication grads! She's working as a news reporter now and recommends Charles Sturt as the perfect place to start your career in media or communication.

Hamish McDonald

Broadcaster

"My best experience at Charles Sturt was working in the Radio Newsroom at 2MCE and doing National Radio News. We learnt how to make real radio news programs and to have (probably too much) fun doing it!"

Anna Coren

International correspondent

“It was at Charles Sturt where my journey began. This is where my dream of becoming a journalist took shape through encouragement, aspiration, healthy competition, and perseverance. It was the foundation for my future career, and I will always be grateful to Charles Sturt for this valuable experience and opportunity."

Natarsha Belling

TV news presenter

"I love telling people’s stories and I feel incredibly blessed to work in the media industry. It’s a great privilege to be a journalist and great journalism is fundamental to a democratic society."

Jamie Thurston

CEO and Founder of 52 Lives

"My advice to young Charles Sturt University graduates just starting out is don’t plan too much – I’ve changed jobs many times since finishing university and have ended up somewhere I never expected to be, and it’s better than anything I could have planned."

Meet up with us

Want a taste of studying communication? Check out our exciting events throughout the year!

Scholarships, grants and financial assistance

We believe that financial barriers shouldn’t hold you back from pursuing your dream career in communication. That's why we have more than $11 million in scholarships and grants to give away every year to students just like you. Like our:

You can also grab a Commonwealth supported place and HECS-HELP government loan to help with costs.

FAQs

Yes, including things like:

  • a completed Year 12 certificate or equivalent
  • an ATAR selection score that meets our entry requirements
  • English language proficiency
  • a passion for communication and creativity.

Read our full entry requirements.

Didn't quite get the ATAR you needed for this course? Check out a tertiary preparation pathway.

Our Bachelor of Communication opens the door to a wide range of careers in creative industries, plus a variety of other industries, such as government and education, both nationally and internationally. Take your pick of roles in:

  • advertising
  • audio and visual editing
  • corporate communications
  • creative interaction or user experience design
  • creative writing
  • crisis communication
  • digital content design
  • digital media and content creation
  • editing
  • freelance writing
  • internal communication
  • journalism
  • media careers
  • media researcher
  • presenting
  • program producing
  • public relations
  • radio
  • scriptwriting
  • social media management
  • strategic communication

Yes! We offer flexible study options to fit your lifestyle. Choose to study online or join us at our Bathurst campus for access to our cutting-edge communication precinct.

Absolutely! We encourage students to explore exchange and study abroad programs.

We provide a range of support services, including academic advice, study load advice, counselling, wellbeing services and career advice.

Applying for our Bachelor of Communication is easy. If you're a domestic student, you'll basically either apply through UAC (if you're leaving school), or through our online application portal. Find out the right way to apply for you.

Absolutely! Check the international course brochure for full details on how to apply and entry requirements.