The Bachelor of Media and Communication / Bachelor of Applied Innovation is a dynamic double degree designed to equip students with the expertise of a professional communicator and the mindset of an innovation specialist. The program explores the full spectrum of contemporary media — from digital content creation, public relations, and advertising through to social media strategy, journalism, and emerging media technologies — while the applied innovation stream develops skills in human-centred design, entrepreneurial thinking, hackathons, innovation sprints, and strategic problem-solving. Together, these disciplines produce graduates who can not only craft compelling narratives and campaigns but also drive organisational transformation and creative disruption across industries.

This degree is designed for curious, creative, and forward-thinking students who want to thrive at the intersection of storytelling and strategic change. Students typically choose specialisations or majors such as public relations, advertising, social media, digital content, or screen and cinema studies — pairing them with innovation frameworks that are tested through real industry challenges. The course tends to be professionally accredited, with the public relations major recognised by Communication and Public Relations Australia (CPRA) and the advertising major by the Media Federation of Australia (MFA), giving graduates a credential that carries weight in the job market.

Employers of graduates span an enormous range of sectors. Media organisations, advertising agencies, public relations firms, digital marketing companies, not-for-profits, government departments, startups, and large corporations all actively recruit students from this type of degree. The dual-discipline nature of the qualification particularly appeals to employers looking for staff who can think creatively, manage complex communication challenges, and lead teams through change — making graduates competitive candidates across the creative, corporate, and public sectors.

Domestic applicants are typically required to have completed Australian Year 12 (or an equivalent interstate or international qualification) with a competitive ATAR or selection rank. English proficiency is a prerequisite, with most programs requiring a minimum study score of 25 in any English subject (or 30 in English as an Additional Language) in VCE, or the equivalent in other state qualifications. Alternative entry pathways are available for applicants who have partially or fully completed a tertiary qualification such as a Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Associate Degree, or prior bachelor degree. Applicants without a formal qualification may be assessed on the basis of significant relevant work experience, or invited to complete the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).

For international students, English language proficiency is demonstrated through standardised tests. Typical requirements include an IELTS (Academic) overall score of 6.0 with no individual band below 6.0, a TOEFL iBT score of at least 64 (with minimum sub-scores in reading, listening, speaking, and writing), or equivalent results in PTE Academic or Cambridge Advanced English. International Baccalaureate applicants generally require a minimum IB Diploma score of 24. Some institutions also accept their own English for Academic Purposes programs at an advanced level as a gateway to the degree.

Portfolio submissions are not universally required for this type of double degree at the undergraduate level, though students with creative work samples (written pieces, digital content, design projects) are encouraged to include them where optional. Some providers offer early entry schemes based on school recommendations and subject scores rather than ATAR alone, and equity-based access programs exist for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Students considering this course should confirm specific ATAR cut-offs and prerequisite subjects with their chosen institution, as these vary across states and providers.