Bachelor of Communication (Honours)

2025 Deakin University Handbook

Year	2025 course information
Award granted	Bachelor of Communication (Honours)
Deakin course code	A451
Faculty	Faculty of Arts and Education
Campus	Offered at Burwood (Melbourne)* *The next available intake into this course will be Trimester 1, 2026
Online	Yes
Duration	1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
CRICOS course code	083986K Burwood (Melbourne)
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition	The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
*The next available intake into this course will be Trimester 1, 2026

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.

Articulated courses

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 at Faculty Board September 2019

Course rules

To complete the Bachelor of Communication (Honours) students must pass 8 credit points and meet the following course rules to be eligible to graduate:

DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period
8 credit points of core units

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. See the enrolment codes and terminology to help make sense of the University’s vocabulary.

Course structure

Units

ACO410

Communication Research Methods (2 credit points)

ACO411

Communication Concepts (2 credit points)

ACO412

Advanced Communication Research A

ACO413

Advanced Communication Research B

ACO414

Advanced Communication Research C

ACO415

Advanced Communication Research D

Course duration

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

Further information

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

Contact Student Central

Research and research-related study

Independent research components are embedded across a number of units.

Fees and charges

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

Estimate your fees

For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.