The University of Newcastle
CRICOS provider number: 00109J TEQSA provider ID: PRV12056
Courses included
The combined degree will equip you with the capabilities needed to develop and present clear and effective narratives and arguments across written, visual, oral and multimedia form – allowing you to speak up and record the stories of those who need to be heard.
You will learn about the most important issues in the world today, development, poverty, inequality, political instability and environmental sustainability, allowing you to highlight the voices of those struggling to make positive change and those excluded from mainstream accounts of contemporary issues.
You will build experience in different forms of media that can be used in various industries – making a real difference to communities locally and around the world.
For additional information about this degree, refer to 482550 Bachelor of Development Studies and 483330 Bachelor of Media and Communication.
Specialise your studies by choosing a major from each degree program:
Media and Communication majors: media production, news media or public relations development studies majors: cultures and citizenship, environmental sustainability, geopolitics and economic development, or urban and regional development.
Foreign or political correspondent; environmental, urban, economics or social affairs reporter; communications and/or community development advocacy; communication or public relations manager of an NGO, or within the government or business sectors.
Students have several opportunities to participate in embedded practical learning experiences, field trips, work placement or industry projects. Students are invited to take advantage of our business partnership networks with NBN Television, The Newcastle Herald, ABC 1233, the University radio station 2NURFM, and internships with Channel 7 and Foxtel.
Students can also choose placements related to their Development Studies majors to apply their communication skills in the development industry.
In development studies, there is a strong focus on both field trips. Fieldwork, including on Country with Traditional Custodians, provides the chance to develop intercultural competency.
Available as an additional year (or part time equivalent) to meritorious students.
Assumed knowledge: Any 2 units of English.
We strongly encourage you to enrol in bridging courses. NUPrep Bridging provides free academic preparation and support short courses, available on campus or online, to complete before beginning your degree.
Explore NUPrep Bridging Courses
If you have completed or partially completed higher education studies, your grade point average can be converted into a selection rank for admission into our undergraduate programs.
If you completed or partially completed competency-based vocational education and training (such as TAFE, a private Registered Training Provider, or vocational studies undertaken in high school), this can be used to determine your eligibility for admission.
Completion of studies at an AQF Level 4 (Cert IV) or higher Guarantees Entry into many of our undergraduate programs.
Review the Guaranteed Entry Admission Scheme.
If you do not have an ATAR (or equivalent) or formal qualification, Newcastle University provides a range of pathways toward your preferred degree. Regardless of your age or experience, there is a place for you.
If you have completed prior studies at another higher education institution or registered training organisation, you may be eligible to receive credit towards your undergraduate degree. Please note that you must apply for admission before applying for credit.
View all details of this course on the University of Newcastle website.
University of Newcastle degrees
The academic content of all programs is subject to routine review.
Use all ATAR profile data as a guide only; it provides a broad overview of the ATARs and selection ranks of previous Year 12 students admitted into that course. ATARs and selection ranks required for entry in 2025 may be different. If you are unsure about including a course among your preferences, contact the relevant institution.
Abbreviations
– = data is not available.Course updates
Courses are added and cancelled throughout the admissions year and course details are subject to change. Check the UAC course search regularly.
Review of programs
The academic content of all programs is subject to routine review. For up-to-date details, visit University of Newcastle degrees.
Honours
Applicants should note that under the revised Australian Qualifications Framework some programs are four-year programs available with direct entry. Other programs are three-year Bachelor degree programs. Meritorious students have the option to apply for an additional one-year end-on component after graduation. Check the course descriptions carefully.