Start building today!
Experience the Find the courses and unlock the true potential
A Degree Transfer in Media and Communication is a pathway qualification — typically delivered at diploma or advanced diploma level — designed to give students direct entry into second year of an undergraduate Bachelor of Media and/or Communication degree at an Australian university. The program covers the equivalent of a first year of a bachelor's degree, providing students with a broad understanding of media in Australia, the cultural, social and political contexts of public communication processes, and the way culture is expressed through various media forms. It suits both domestic students who narrowly missed direct entry ATAR scores and international students seeking a supported, structured pathway into Australian university study.
The curriculum blends theory with hands-on practice, exploring subjects such as media writing, journalism, digital media production, public relations, advertising, communication theory, media ethics, and screen production. Students develop critical thinking, storytelling, and digital content skills across traditional and emerging media platforms. Upon successful completion, graduates are granted advanced standing — typically into Year 2 of a bachelor's degree — saving time and setting a strong academic foundation for their undergraduate studies.
Employers of media and communication graduates in Australia are diverse and span both public and private sectors: broadcast networks (ABC, SBS, commercial TV and radio), newspapers and digital news outlets, advertising and creative agencies, public relations firms, government departments, not-for-profit organisations, corporate communications teams, and entertainment and film production companies.
Australia's media and communication industry is closely linked with rapidly evolving digital technologies, meaning the sector is continuously creating new career opportunities in content creation, digital marketing, social media management, and strategic communication. With nine Australian universities ranked in the world's top 100 for Communication and Media Studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024), Australia offers world-class education with strong industry connections, cutting-edge facilities, and a commitment to practical, real-world learning. The Information Media and Telecommunications sector in Australia reports median weekly earnings of AUD $1,875 — above the all-industries median — reflecting the value placed on skilled communications professionals.
A Degree Transfer pathway is an especially smart choice for students who want to enter a highly competitive and creative field without delay. Rather than repeating a full first year, pathway students enter second year ready to specialise in areas such as journalism, public relations, digital media, or screen production. As new technologies enable more people to share content at any time and from anywhere, employers increasingly need professionals who are both creatively agile and technically literate — a skills gap that well-structured media and communication programs are directly built to address.
For domestic students, entry into a Degree Transfer Media and Communication program typically requires completion of Year 12 (or equivalent), with most providers accepting students who narrowly missed the ATAR required for direct entry into a bachelor's degree. Alternative entry pathways are available for applicants with TAFE/VET qualifications, prior higher education study, or relevant work experience. Some institutions also offer portfolio-based entry, where non-Year 12 applicants can submit a statement of experience or creative work samples to demonstrate suitability for the program. A personal statement of 300–500 words outlining goals and relevant background may be required at some providers.
For international students, applicants must meet academic entry requirements equivalent to completion of senior secondary education in their home country, with specific grade thresholds that vary by institution and country of origin. English language proficiency is required for all international applicants, with typical minimum scores of IELTS 5.5–6.0 (or equivalent PTE/TOEFL scores) for diploma-level entry; some providers offer a University English Entry Course (UEEC) for students who need to strengthen their English before commencing. Students who do not meet minimum entry requirements may be eligible to begin with an extended or foundation pathway program that includes bridging coursework such as Academic English before moving into the core diploma subjects.
This course may be offered in different study modes depending on the university, campus location, course structure and student type. Students should check the available delivery mode before applying, as not every study option is available at every institution.
On-campus study is the traditional mode of delivery where students attend classes, lectures, tutorials, workshops or seminars at the university campus. This option may suit students who prefer face-to-face learning, access to campus facilities, networking with classmates, practical workshops, group projects and direct engagement with academic staff.
Some universities may offer programs fully online or with online subject options. Online study can be attractive for students who need flexibility due to work, family, location or other commitments. Online study may suit domestic students, working professionals or students who want to study from outside Australia.
Hybrid or blended study usually combines online learning with some on-campus classes, workshops, intensive sessions or practical components. This mode may suit students who want flexibility but still want some face-to-face interaction. The exact structure varies between institutions.
Programs in Australia may have different intake structures depending on the university. The most common intake systems are semester, trimester and block mode.
Many Australian universities follow a two-semester academic calendar. The main intakes are commonly Semester 1 (around February or March) and Semester 2 (around July). Semester-based study usually allows students to complete a set number of subjects over approximately 12 to 14 weeks.
Some universities use a trimester system, which generally provides three study periods a year — around February/March, June/July and October/November. Trimester study may provide more flexibility and may help some students complete their course faster.
Some institutions may offer selected subjects or programs in block mode, where students focus on one subject at a time over a shorter, more intensive teaching period. Block mode may suit students who prefer concentrated learning or working professionals managing study around employment.
Some online or professionally focused programs may offer more frequent start dates or flexible entry points throughout the year. Students should not assume that every course has monthly or multiple intakes — availability depends on the institution, course structure and student type.
Graduates of Degree Transfer Media and Communication programs — who go on to complete their bachelor's degree — are well-positioned for a wide range of careers across Australia's media, communications, marketing, government, and creative industries. The field is broad and evolving, meaning graduates are not locked into a single career path; they may work in international news corporations, advertising and PR agencies, publishing houses, corporate communications teams, government departments, not-for-profit organisations, or educational settings. Employers include broadcast networks such as ABC and SBS, digital and print news outlets, creative and media agencies, sports organisations, and corporate brands across all sectors.
Entry Level
Graduate / Assistant
Graduate Journalist, Editorial Assistant, Communications Assistant, Social Media Assistant, PR Assistant, Content Assistant, Junior Copywriter
Early Career
Officer / Coordinator
Communications Officer, Social Media Coordinator, PR Officer, Content Producer, Digital Media Coordinator, Marketing Communications Coordinator, Broadcast Assistant
Mid-Level
Adviser / Specialist
Media Adviser, Communications Specialist, Digital Media Specialist, Senior Journalist, Senior Copywriter, PR Consultant, Content Strategist, Corporate Communications Adviser
Senior Level
Manager / Senior Adviser
Communications Manager, PR Manager, Media Manager, Senior Media Adviser, Content Manager, Marketing Communications Manager, Senior Producer
Leadership
Director / Head / Principal
Director of Communications, Head of Content, Head of Public Affairs, Chief Communications Officer, Executive Producer, Managing Editor, Group Media Director
Salaries in Australian media and communication roles vary by specialisation, employer sector, and city, with the Information Media and Telecommunications sector reporting median weekly earnings of AUD $1,875 — above the national all-industries median.
Melbourne
Melbourne is Australia's creative and cultural capital, home to a thriving media and communications industry including major broadcasters, film and TV production companies, advertising agencies, and public relations firms. The city's ACMI museum celebrates Australia's history of film, TV, and digital media, and its vibrant arts scene, festivals, and diverse population make it an inspiring environment for media students pursuing careers in content creation, journalism, or PR.
Sydney
Sydney is the commercial heart of Australia's media industry, hosting the headquarters of leading national broadcasters, global advertising networks, top-tier PR agencies, and major news organisations — making it one of the most competitive and opportunity-rich cities for media and communication graduates. With employers such as SBS, Ogilvy, and numerous government departments actively hiring, Sydney offers unmatched industry exposure and networking opportunities for students completing their degrees.
Brisbane
Brisbane has a rapidly growing media and communications sector, supported by Queensland's expanding digital economy, a strong government communications sector, and the city's increasing profile as a major events and sports destination. With Australia's number one ranked university for communication and media studies based in Brisbane (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2026), students benefit from world-leading research and strong direct industry connections.
Perth
Perth offers media and communication students a unique industry environment shaped by Western Australia's resource sector, a strong independent media community, and growing demand for corporate communications and public affairs professionals. The city's relative isolation has fostered a distinctive local media identity, and graduates will find opportunities across government agencies, mining and resources companies, digital agencies, and regional broadcasters.
Adelaide
Adelaide is an affordable and liveable city with a growing creative industries sector, a strong public broadcaster presence, and a supportive arts and festival culture — including WOMADelaide and the Adelaide Festival — that provides rich inspiration for media students. South Australia's compact professional community means graduates often build strong industry networks quickly, with placements available across sports organisations, government communications, and independent media outlets.
Canberra
Canberra is the ideal city for students interested in government communications, public affairs, and policy media, as it is home to Australia's national political and public service institutions, including the ABC's Parliament House bureau, federal government departments, and major think tanks. Graduates in Canberra are well-positioned for roles as media advisers, communications officers, and public affairs specialists in the national capital's highly active government and policy communications environment.
Before choosing a course, students should compare:
International students who want to study in Australia should also consider additional requirements before applying.
Join successful graduates
Students Helped
Application Processed
Listed Universities
Listed Courses
