Course Overview

About This Course

Studying a Diploma of Communication and Creative Industries will give you a grounding and skills in national and global media and communication industries, cross-cultural communication, digital literacy skills, and creative storytelling. You will graduate with an understanding of cultural and societal considerations, the need for collaboration, as well as ethics and sustainability. Once you complete the Diploma of Communication and Creative Industries, opportunities include progression to the second year of the Bachelor of Media and/or Communication, or Creative Industries, or an entry level position in advertising, PR, media, communication organisations or within the creative space.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Level 4, 255 Elizabeth Street, SydneyLevel 4, 255 Elizabeth Street SydneySYDNEY

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

See Admission requirements for pre-course information.
Graduates who achieve an overall average of 50% (taking into account all units attempted) will gain entry into Western Sydney University, Sydney City Campus.
Students who do not achieve this will be considered for entry on an individual basis.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Using the Diploma as a stand-alone qualification will allow you to progress to entry level positions, such as an assistant in a broad range of fields including communications, advertising, media, client services, marketing, implementation. Average national graduate starting salaries are: Communications: A$73,000; Media: A$70,079; Advertising: A$64,188; Marketing: A$60,000; Client Services: A$69,375. Successful completion of an SIBT Diploma will allow you to enter a bachelor's degree at Western Sydney University, Sydney City Campus with eight units of credit, with pathways including Bachelor of Communication (Advertising), Bachelor of Communication (Journalism), and Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations).

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

ASQA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units11 units

CMEC111

Introduction to Media and Communication

Introduces foundational theories, concepts, and frameworks for understanding the role of media and communication in everyday lives. Students explore current media cultures, industries, and practices, and experiment with audio and visual communication tools to produce digital creative works.

CSTM121

Storytelling for the Media

Examines theories and strategies for storytelling in digital and networked environments, exploring digital literacy, the evolution of storytelling environments, and how networked technologies have reshaped reading/writing practices.

CDMI122

Digital Media, Data and Influence

Covers the nature of meaning and communication in a technologically mediated environment, exploring digital media forms, data's role in decision-making, algorithmic architecture, and data analysis software. Students create a digital media product.

CPRC113

Public Relations and Communication

Surveys core public relations theories and practice models, foundational practical skills, and emerging issues. Students learn to research publics, develop PR campaigns, and use digital and social media tools effectively and ethically.

CADV111

Introduction to Advertising

Examines the relationship between advertising media, industry, and audiences. Students engage with case studies and media theory, learn the advertising process, and design an advertising project including creative and media planning components.

CNEW132

News and Journalism

CMCC212

Intercultural Communication and Cultural Conflict

Elective unit recommended for students wishing to progress in the Media Industry.

CMGM212

National and Global Media

Elective unit recommended for students wishing to progress in the Media Industry.

CMIS212

Ideas and Society

Elective unit recommended for students wishing to progress in the Media Industry.

CICI202

Foundations of Creative Industries

Elective unit for students wishing to progress into Creative Industries.

BMAN103

Managing and Leading

Elective unit for students wishing to progress into Creative Industries.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What university pathway does this Diploma provide?

Successful completion of the SIBT Diploma of Communication and Creative Industries will allow you to enter a bachelor's degree at Western Sydney University, Sydney City Campus with eight units of credit. Pathways include the Bachelor of Communication (Advertising), Bachelor of Communication (Journalism), and Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations). Graduates who achieve an overall average of 50% will gain direct entry; students who do not achieve this will be considered on an individual basis.

How much does the Diploma of Communication and Creative Industries cost?

For 2026, Australian course fees are A$26,000 and international course fees are A$34,600. There is also a one-off non-tuition enrolment fee of A$225.

How is the course structured and how many units do I need to complete?

The Diploma of Communication and Creative Industries can be completed over two or three sessions. It comprises core (mandatory) and elective units. You will study eight units in total: six core units (CMEC111, CSTM121, CDMI122, CPRC113, CADV111, CNEW132) and two elective units. The elective units depend on your articulation pathway — students progressing into the Media Industry are recommended to choose from CMCC212, CMGM212, and CMIS212, while students progressing into Creative Industries should complete CICI202 and BMAN103.

What are the intake dates and where is the course delivered?

The Diploma of Communication and Creative Industries has intakes in March, July, and October each year. The course is delivered at Level 4, 255 Elizabeth Street, Sydney. The CRICOS code for the course is 115332B.

What career outcomes can I expect after completing this Diploma?

Using the Diploma as a stand-alone qualification will allow you to progress to entry level positions such as an assistant in a broad range of fields including communications, advertising, media, client services, marketing, and implementation. Average national graduate starting salaries include Communications at A$73,000, Media at A$70,079, Advertising at A$64,188, Marketing at A$60,000, and Client Services at A$69,375 (latest data from Talent.com).

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $48,000 to $62,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $62,000 to $80,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $80,000 to $105,000 per year

Career Paths

Communications AssistantContent Production AssistantDigital Media AssistantSocial Media Support OfficerMarketing Support Officer

Key Skills

Written and multimedia communication for professional and academic audiencesDigital content creation including audio, video, and visual mediaPublic relations campaign development and communication planningCross-cultural and intercultural communicationSocial media strategy and management

Full Course Overview

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Diploma of Communication & Creative Industries

About This Course

Available Locations

Entry Requirements

Where this takes you

Accreditation & Migration

Units of Competency

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Apply

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