Bachelor of Communication (Honours)

2023 Deakin University Handbook

Note: You are seeing the 2023 view of this course information. These details may no longer be current. [Go to the current version]
Year

2023 course information

Award granted Bachelor of Communication (Honours)
Course Map

This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2023. 

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

Campus

This course is not offered in 2023

The next intake into this course will be Burwood (Melbourne) and Online in Trimester 1, 2024.

Duration1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
CRICOS course code083986K Burwood (Melbourne)
Deakin course codeA451
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 8.

* The next intake into this course will be Trimester 1, 2024

Course sub-headings

Course overview

Undertake a year of specialist study in the communication discipline that interests you most (advertising, journalism, public relations, digital media) with the Bachelor of Communication (Honours). Drawing on the theory and practical skills gained throughout your undergraduate degree, you will work with experienced researchers and a dedicated supervisor to develop and research your own project, gaining valuable research skills and advanced knowledge sought after by employers.

Honours is an optional year of study that allows you to combine the theory and practical skills gained throughout your undergraduate degree.

You will engage with theories and concepts in your chosen discipline, explore various research methods and then design a research project that you will carry through to its fruition under the guidance of an experienced academic supervisor. You will improve your critical and constructive thinking and gain practical research skills that you can use in a range of private and public sectors to positively impact issues you care about.

Do you want to specialise in a particular aspect of communication?

Working with a dedicated supervisor on a research project with real-world application, you can specialise in any facet of communication you're passionate about, including:

  • advertising
  • digital media
  • journalism
  • public relations.

Combine coursework along with your research project by engaging with theories and concepts in your chosen discipline. Use the opportunity this course brings to showcase your talents and work ethic to potential employers across a range of sectors.

After graduating, you can further your studies in research or professional practice by applying for direct entry into the second year of the Master of Communication by coursework, a Master of Arts by Research, or you could pursue a PhD.

Career opportunities

Work across a range of industries from public relations, multimedia production and journalism, to advertising and marketing communication.

Deakin graduates find work across various organisations in the following roles:

  • advertising art director
  • advertising copywriter
  • brand manager
  • digital marketing or media specialist
  • digital media designer
  • event operations manager
  • illustrator
  • journalist
  • marketing and communications officer
  • media analyst
  • media and communications adviser
  • public relations manager
  • social media coordinator
  • tourism officer.

For more information go to DeakinTALENT

Participation requirements

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.

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

The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.

You can also refer to the Recognition of Prior Learning System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.

Fees and charges

Fees and charges vary depending on your course, the type of fee place you hold, your commencement year, the units you choose and your study load.

Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.

Use the Fee estimator to see course and unit fees applicable to your course and type of place. Further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods is available on our Current students fees website.

Course Learning Outcomes

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes

Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities

Apply advanced theoretical and methodological insight to critical analysis and evaluation of the Australian media system and communication policies and practices.

Communication

Utilise high-level communication skills to coherently and ethically articulate arguments and ideas to professional, scholarly and media audiences in accordance with practitioner and academic standards.

Digital literacy

Utilise a range of technologies and digital platforms to research and analyse complex communication problems, and to develop and disseminate communication products and projects for diverse audiences and stakeholders.

Critical thinking

Apply high-level independent critical and analytical judgement in the evaluation and theorisation of communication issues and practices in professional and scholarly contexts.

Problem solving

Apply advanced knowledge of communication theories, concepts and methodologies in identifying issues and problems in communications and providing solutions through research and professional practice.

Self-management

Exercise autonomy, responsibility, accountability and a continued commitment to learning and skills development in professional and scholarly contexts.

Teamwork

Work and learn collaboratively with students from different disciplines and backgrounds, including working effectively in different roles in professional communication teams.

Global citizenship

Operate ethically, responsibly and with awareness of diverse social, cultural, economic and political contexts in research and as a professional in the communications industry.

Approved by Faculty Board September 2019

Course rules

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Communication (Honours) students must complete 8 credit points of core units. These may be completed in a single year of full-time study (4 credit points per Trimester over 2 Trimesters) or part-time equivalent. Students must also complete AAI018 Academic Integrity (0-credit-point compulsory unit)

Course structure

Units

ACO410Communication Research Methods (2 credit points)

ACO411Communication Concepts (2 credit points)

ACO412Advanced Communication Research A

ACO413Advanced Communication Research B

ACO414Advanced Communication Research C

ACO415Advanced Communication Research D


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.

Research and research-related study

Independent research components are embedded across a number of units.