Bachelor of Communication (Advertising)

2020 Deakin University Handbook

Note: You are seeing the 2020 view of this course information. These details may no longer be current. [Go to the current version]
Year

2020 course information

Award granted Bachelor of Communication (Advertising)
Course Map

This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2020.

This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 2 2020.

This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 3 2020.

Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central.

CampusOffered at Burwood (Melbourne)
Cloud CampusYes
Duration3 years full-time or part-time equivalent
CRICOS course code095289C Burwood (Melbourne)
Deakin course codeA334
Approval status

This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.

Course sub-headings

Course overview

Designed to inspire the next generation of ‘big idea’ thinkers, the professionally accredited Bachelor of Communication (Advertising) gives you the skills to understand complex audiences, analyse media effectiveness and hone your creative thinking. Prepare for the challenges and excitement of developing incisive brand communication for the digital era as you work across real-world projects and connect with advertising practitioners. 

Discover what makes a good ad by exploring the principles and practice of advertising. You’ll also experiment with future-focused approaches to brand communication, and critically evaluate the role and impact of advertising on society. 

From your first year, you'll connect with a network of advertising professionals who will become part of your learning journey. Better still, you’ll build valuable industry experience and enhance your resume with an internship at an advertising agency, or with an 'in-house' brand or creative team. 

Do you have a way with words and consider yourself a confident problem-solver? 

If you're a strategic thinker and like to understand what motivates people, you'll relish the chance to work on real-world client briefs throughout your studies, helping you forge valuable connections with industry professionals.

Through this course, you'll be immersed in:

  • advertising principles and practices
  • branded content
  • copywriting and ideation
  • emerging advertising media
  • creative work
  • strategic planning.

You can also broaden your skill set and career opportunities by taking core elective units in related communication fields like design, public relations, journalism and digital media.

With an internationally accredited advertising degree under your belt, you could transform brand communication in the digital era.

Professional recognition

The Bachelor of Communication (Advertising) is accredited by the International Advertising Association, ensuring you’re across the latest industry standards and remain connected to industry after you graduate.

Career opportunities

Pursue a career in agencies, or work in-house in the commercial, corporate, government and not-for-profit sectors. Deakin graduates find work in roles such as:

  • account manager
  • advertising art director
  • advertising copywriter
  • digital creative
  • brand specialist
  • digital marketer or media specialist
  • marketing and communications officer
  • media researcher or planner
  • social media coordinator.

For more information go to DeakinTALENT

Participation requirements

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. Click here for more information.

Mandatory student checks

Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.

Pathways

Further studies are available at Honours and Postgraduate level. Many students choose to enter into the Bachelor of Communication (Honours) or the Master of Communication.

Fees and charges

Fees and charges vary depending on your course, your fee category and the year you started. To find out about the fees and charges that apply to you, visit the Current students fees website.

Course Learning Outcomes

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes

Discipline specific knowledge and capabilities

Apply knowledge of advertising principles, planning processes and creative practice to the evaluation of brand messaging and develop engaging, research-driven and ethically sound multi-channel advertising media content.

Communication

Articulate knowledge of advertising industry conditions and apply visual, spoken and textual communication skills to achieve effective advertising outcomes across various cultural and organisational contexts.

Digital literacy

Evaluate and apply the software, hardware and digital content that is used to research, produce, disseminate and consume advertising-related media. 

Critical thinking

Identify and critically analyse contemporary advertising and media platforms as a means of building the adaptability required to develop creative brand content applicable to various sociocultural and organisational contexts.

Problem solving

Apply theories and principles of advertising strategy, consumer behaviour, client management and creative process in response to real world client briefs and standard and complex communication problems.

Self-management

Maintain professional practice and future career development using self-directed learning skills that encourage reflective practice consistent with a selected specialisation in the areas of communication strategy, advertising management and creative practice.

Teamwork

Contribute positively to collaborative projects, demonstrate the ability to plan and strategise in the context of team driven campaigns, including the ability to display initiative, provide considered feedback and be flexible in the context of project delivery.

Global citizenship

Engage with and critically evaluate research materials on ethical and intercultural communication and apply reflective practice principles to model the responsibilities expected of advertising practitioners who work within diverse social, cultural and regulatory frameworks.

Approved by Faculty Board September 2019

Course rules

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Communication (Advertising), a student must complete 24 credit points including:

  • 12 credit points of core units
  • 3 course electives from level 1 (List A)
  • 3 course electives from level 2/3 (List B)
  • 6 credit points of electives (at least two must be 2nd or 3rd level)
  • no more than 10 credit points at level 1
  • no fewer than 6 credit points at level 3
  • AAI018 Academic Integrity (0-credit-point compulsory unit)

Course structure

Level 1

ACC100Communication in Everyday Life

ALA101Advertising Principles and Practices

ALA102Creative Brand Communication

Course structure

Electives

Complete 6 electives, of which at least 2 must be 2nd or 3rd level

We suggest students complete at least 4 credit points in a subject area different to their degree, preferably a linked sequence of study in the same area. This choice can include units from any degree in the University but is best chosen from the subject areas in the Bachelor of Arts. We also recommend students complete at least 2 more credit points from the core electives listed.

Course structure

Course Electives

Complete three 1 credit point units from the following course electives (List A):

ACG103Design Skills - (Strongly recommended for all advertising students)

ALJ111News Reporting 1

ALJ112News Reporting 2

ALM101Making Social Media

ALM102Making Video

ALR103Introduction to Public Relations

ALR104Strategic Communication and Writing

IND101Introduction to Aboriginal Studies

 

Complete three 1 credit point units from the following course electives (List B):

ACC302Advertising: Desire, Consumption and the Attention Economy

ACC303Communication Research Practices

ADV201Web Design and Interactivity

ALJ216Feature Writing

ALJ221Video Journalism

ALM201Gamified Media

ALM202Quantified Media

ALR276Ethical Communication and Citizenship

IND201Aboriginal Knowledges and Experiences: Historical Journeys-Contemporary Perspectives

MIS203Making Sense of Information

Course structure

Level 3

ACC320Communication Internship A: Placement

ACC321Communication Internship B: Career Development

ALA301* Creative Advertising Campaigns [2 credit points] (No longer available for enrolment)

*2 new units ALA303 and ALA304 to replace ALA301 commencing 2020

ALA302Transmedia Storytelling

ALA303International Advertising Campaigns

ALA304Creative Advertising Campaigns

Course structure

Level 2

ACC213Media Law and Ethics

ALA201Art Direction and Visualisation

ALA202Copywriting and Ideation

ALA203Integrated Communication

Work experience

Work Integrated Learning experiences are embedded within the course’s core units.


Other course information

Course duration - additional information

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.

Further information

Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.

Other learning experiences

There will be opportunities throughout the course for students to engage with real briefs and industry professionals. These experiences will be integrated into units where students will have external clients or industry representatives provide content to more closely connect the learning experience with industry practices.

There are opportunities to engage in global mobility (domestic and international) programs including overseas internships and study abroad (subject to offer).