Bachelor of Mass Communication (BMCM) - BMassCom

QTAC code (Australian and New Zealand applicants): Toowoomba campus: 909871; Distance education: 909875

CRICOS code (International applicants): 040075E

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In this section:

• Communication and media studies major
• Creative Media
• Journalism major
• Public relations major

Communication and media studies major

This major combines the study of human communication theory with the development of human communication skills. Students will analyse the areas of language, film, television and culture, while learning about interpersonal, group and mass communication, and communication in multicultural societies. Students will develop an understanding of communication problems in society by examining communication processes at all levels.

Career opportunities

Opportunities exist in public relations, communication policy, management, administration and the arts, culture and media industries, teaching and community development.

Creative Media

This major focuses on providing a creative environment for students interested in the artistic use of computer driven digital technologies, with a focus on conceptualising, designing and applying self-generated projects sustained upon a firm technological base and professional application. Students will work in the field, in the television studio, sound studios and design and computer labs to release their projects.

Career opportunities

Television production, animator, video and sound production, secondary teacher (with further study).

Journalism major

Students prepare for a career in journalism or a related field by reporting, writing, editing, designing and producing for the Web, television, radio, newspapers and magazines. A wide range of knowledge and skills across multiple media, and a focus on hands-on experience, enables students to work in the 21st century’s digital newsrooms. Students are also encouraged to link with industry by undertaking internships as journalists.

Career opportunities

Our graduates are working in radio, television, online and print media, throughout Australia and overseas. They include news and specialist reporters, columnists, commentators, copywriters, producers, sub-editors, editors, newsreaders and presenters. Journalism skills are also valued in public relations, publishing, law, commerce and business – where experienced journalists have become media officers, publishers, editors, speechwriters for government officials, politicians and executives, and corporate communicators.

Public relations major

Students gain the skills and knowledge to review communication policies within an organisation and develop and implement communication programs and strategies. This major will also equip students with skills required in the industry, such as issues management, specialist writing, how to create public awareness campaigns and how to improve public and media relations. Students will identify communication problems of organisations through appropriate research and strategic planning.

Career opportunities

Most organisations recognise the importance of public relations to ensure the support of the public, media, government and their own staff. Opportunities exist in the areas of corporate public relations, consulting, government organisations, lobby groups, fund-raising, publicity and promotion, and community development. This program is accredited by the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA).

Program aims

This program aims to produce graduates who have a mastery of a range of communication industry skills, supported by extensive contextual studies in communication/media theory, and professional skills in preferred areas of journalism, public relations, media production (continuing students only), organisation and business communication (continuing students only) and creative multimedia.

The program allows specific emphasis on those skills of a mass communication nature that produce graduates who have:

• a general understanding and appreciation of the complexities of human thought, expression and behaviour in a variety of subject areas

• developed further their personal, cultural, creative and intellectual capacities

• an awareness of, and ability to evaluate, various explanations of human behaviour

• the intellectual and practical skills necessary to apply knowledge in fields such as further study, research, employment and community service

• the ability to analyse, construct, and evaluate arguments critically.

The Bachelor of Mass Communication seeks to develop critical, articulate students by offering a range of five majors in areas that meet industry demand and increase the employability of graduates.

Program objectives

On successful completion of the program students should be able to demonstrate:

• the ability to express themselves with clarity and coherence

• the ability to comprehend the fundamental nature of the process of communication in a range of mass communication forms including journalism, media production (continuing students only) and public relations

• having met the specified aims and objectives of those majors chosen in the mass communication degree

• a knowledge and understanding of the theoretical issues, problems and methodologies of mass communication

• an awareness of the ethical and social responsibilities that are integral to the function of professional endeavours.

Admission requirements

Admission to the Bachelor of Mass Communication is in accordance with University admission guidelines for undergraduate programs.

International applicants must have met the University's English language requirements or have completed the University's ELICOS/UNIPREP program.

How to apply

Domestic students

Application for undergraduate programs may be made through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). The same procedure applies whether you plan to study on-campus or by distance education.

If you completed Year 12 at a Queensland secondary school you will be assessed for entry on the basis of your Overall Position (OP) or equivalent score. Year 12 students from other states or territories are considered for entry on the basis of their UAI, ENTER or TER and the subject prerequisites indicated. Other applicants will be based on their overall Rank. You should ensure you submit your application by the closing dates.

International students

This program is offered to international students. An international student is a person who is not an Australian or New Zealand citizen and not an Australian permanent resident. Please refer to USQ International for information about entry requirements, visa arrangements and how to apply.

Program fees

Student contribution amount

For domestic students who are offered Commonwealth supported places, the Government pays some money directly to the University, but students are also required to make a contribution. This contribution is called the ‘student contribution’. For more information about student contribution amounts, including the calculation of fees for a particular program of study, refer to USQ fees.

Tuition fee

Domestic fee-paying places are funded entirely through the tuition/direct fees paid by the student. Tuition/direct fees vary depending on the courses that are taken. For more information about Tuition Fees, including the calculation of fees for a particular program of study, refer to USQ Fees.

International fees

International students pay tuition fees. For details about international student fees, refer to the International Fee Schedule provided by USQ International.

Program structure

The Bachelor of Mass Communication is a full-time three-year program that may be completed over six years of part-time study. Maximum time for completion is nine years. The Bachelor of Mass Communication consists of 24 units. Together with the core courses of CMS1000 Communication and Scholarship and CSC1402 Foundation Computing, students should take one of the following combinations of elements.

Two major studies, minor, and/or electives. Majors and minor studies will consist of studies offered by the School of Humanities and Communication in any combination of Communication and Media Studies, Creative Media, Journalism and Public Relations.

The following are therefore acceptable core courses:

• ANT1000 World Archaeology: An Introduction

• ANT1001 Introductory Anthropology

• CHI1000

• CMS1010 Introduction to Communication and Media Studies

• CMS1011 Understanding Television

• EDC2200 Indigenous Perspectives for Educators

• ENL1000 Introduction to Literature

• ENL1001 Australian Stories

• GER1101 German 1A

• HIS1003 World History Since 1500AD

• HIS1001 Introduction to Australian History

• IND1000 Indonesian 1A

• INR1000 International Relations in a Globalizing Era

• INR1001 Global Transitions and Human Security

• MUS1031 Music History 1 EXT only

• MUS2087 Introduction to Popular Music EXT only

• THE1001 Introduction to History and Theory of Drama 1

• VSA1001 Contemporary Art Practice 1.

The course should be chosen from outside the student's majors or minor study.

Required time limits

Students have a maximum of 9 years to complete this program.

Major studies

A Major Study is a specified group of courses with a value of seven units. A major must have courses over three levels and contain at least two courses at third level.

Students are NOT to select more than two majors from Journalism, Creative Media and Public Relations. The minor study should be selected from other majors/minors offered by the School of Humanities and Communication. Elective courses may be taken from other major areas offered elsewhere in the university.

An minor study of four units or three elective courses may be taken from Courses outside the Faculty of Arts on the approval of the student's Program Coordinator.

In this section:

• Communication and Media Studies recommended enrolment pattern
• Creative Media recommended enrolment pattern
• Journalism recommended enrolment pattern
• Public Relations recommended enrolment pattern

Communication and Media Studies recommended enrolment pattern

Students wishing to proceed to Honours in Mass Communication are strongly advised to complete CMS2012 Introduction to Communication Research as an additional elective in the second or third year of their program.

Creative Media recommended enrolment pattern

Entry to the Creative Media major is subject to an interview during Orientation Week.

Journalism recommended enrolment pattern

Public Relations recommended enrolment pattern

Notes

PRL1004 Issues in Organisational Communication is available in S2 and should only be taken on the advice of the Discipline Coordinator Barbara Ryan