Bachelor of Development Studies/Bachelor of Media and Communication
The University of Newcastle
CRICOS provider number: 00109J TEQSA provider ID: PRV12056
Courses included
This course has been cancelled
About
Development, poverty, inequality and environmental sustainability are some of the most important issues in the world today. The combined Bachelor of Development Studies/Bachelor of Media and Communication program will let you develop the capabilities needed to construct and present clear and effective narratives and arguments across written, visual, oral and multimedia forms, allowing you to speak up and record the stories of those who need to be heard. Through the program you will focus on key global issues in local, national or international contexts, while also pushing your creative boundaries, and gaining practical skills with access to the latest media technologies including our multi-camera television studio and radio and sound recording studios.
The Bachelor of Development Studies provides you with the opportunity to study the causes and consequences of uneven development and assess policy options for a more equitable and sustainable future. The Bachelor of Media and Communication offers a range of course options where you will learn to push your individual creative boundaries and embrace the fluid transformations across today’s complex communication landscape.
This combined program is highly structured, comprising core courses and a number of major pathways. For additional information about this degree, refer to 482550 Bachelor of Development Studies and 483330 Bachelor of Media and Communication.
Areas of study
Communication, cultures and citizenship, environmental sustainability, interviewing, globalisation and economic development, magazine and broadcast journalism, media production, news media, photomedia, public relations, screenwriting, urban and regional development. Aboriginal studies, economics, geography, politics, sociology, environmental studies.
Career opportunities
Community development or advocacy; foreign or political correspondent; Indigenous, environment, urban, economics or social affairs reporter; communications and/or public relations manager of an NGO, or within the government or business sectors.
Professional recognition
Students who complete this degree with the Public Relations major will graduate with a degree accredited with the Public Relations Institute of Australia.
Practical experience
Students have several opportunities to participate in embedded practical learning experiences, field trips, work placement or industry projects. In the Bachelor of Media and Communication, 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.
In development studies, there is a strong focus on both field trips and work placement. Students can choose to develop their expertise with placement as part of their degree. Every major has a course available that includes a 140-hour placement with relevant industry partners.
Honours
Available as an additional year (or part time equivalent) to meritorious students.
Fees and charges
Admission criteria
Applicants with recent secondary education
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
Applicants with higher education study
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.
Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study
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.
Applicants with work and life experience
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.
Advanced standing
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.
Further information
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.
ATAR profile
ATAR-based offers only (semester 1, 2023)
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 2024 may be different. If you are unsure about including a course among your preferences, contact the relevant institution.
- This ATAR profile table is in line with Commonwealth Government transparency requirements. It is based on offers to recent school leavers (ie completed Year 12 in the last 2 years) who were selected solely or partly on their ATAR. Note that some institutions further differentiate this information on their websites.
- The ATAR values exclude any adjustment factors.
- The selection ranks include the ATAR and any adjustment factors.
Abbreviations
– = data is not available.<5 = less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made.
N/A = no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
NC = new course
NP = Not provided by institution
NR = No reportable profile
NS = No Semester 1 offers
NN = Unavailable (other)
NO = Entry on other criteria
Student profile
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, search 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.