Bachelor of Media (Public Relations & Advertising)
Thrive in a fast-paced media industry.
Domestic
International
Combine practical industry experience with a deep understanding of media studies theory to prepare for the future of media, public relations and advertising.
Faculty
Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture
Delivery Mode
Face-to-face (includes blended)
Award
Bachelor of Media
Commencing Terms
Term 1, Term 2, Term 3
Duration (Full Time)
3 Year(s)
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- Double degrees
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
The UNSW Bachelor of Media (Public Relations and Advertising) is a three-year full-time (or six-year part-time) university degree that combines practical skills in public relations and advertising, media and communication theory, and electives in humanities and social sciences.
Through this degree, you’ll gain deep conceptual knowledge of current and emerging PR and advertising practices - how they have risen to prominence and continue to shape our lives. You’ll draw on your knowledge as you gain work experience and professional skills using the latest technology. This unique combination of theory and practice will set you up for a dynamic career that moves with the future of media industries.
Key features
Work Integrated Learning (WIL)
As Media student, you have the option to enrol in a Work integrated Learning course. We offer a range of internship and placement opportunities, so you can put theory into practice and gain valuable, real-world professional experience.
A supportive community, connected to industry
As a Public Relations and Advertising student, you’ll be mentored by a diverse team of staff with years of industry and research experience as you learn to think critically about public relations and gain hands-on experience in areas like strategic communication, campaign development, crisis communication, branding, media relations and social media.
UNSW is well recognised for its strong connections to industry. You’ll benefit from this through work experience opportunities with influential organisations, including Channel 10, Sydney Writer’s Festival and Oxfam Australia.
Learn with technology
At UNSW, you’ll have access to the latest multimedia technology, purpose built production studios and a student-led media publication, Newsworthy, empowering you to gain experience and build your portfolio.
Support causes you’re passionate about
You’ll deepen your understanding of the impact media has on society today and learn an ethical approach to public relations and advertising. Your media experience and communication skills mean you can support organisations dedicated to these challenges and build an impactful career.
Why study this degree at UNSW?
- Adobe Creative Cloud subscription included from the day you start your degree for the duration of your studies
- We rank in the global top 50 for media (QS World University Rankings 2020)
- Deepen your expertise through an optional honours level outcome
- Practice in state-of-the-art production spaces
- Be supported by our diverse, open and inclusive Arts, Design & Architecture community.
- Learn through research-informed teaching
- Prioritise career success – UNSW won the Australian Financial Review’s Most Employable Students Award in 2020.
- Benefit from strong industry links and partnerships
- Access world class alumni connections
- Join a global top 50 university (QS World University Rankings, 2021)
Program Code
3453
CRICOS Code
072208K
Campus
Kensington
UAC Code
422710
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
144
Indicative Enrolments
149
Want to see more from UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture?
Entry requirements
2021 Lowest Selection Rank
80
2021 A levels
13
2021 IB Diploma
29
2021 Lowest ATAR
72.5
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1. 2021 Lowest Selection Rank
The 2021 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2021.
2. 2022 Guaranteed Entry
Find more information on Guaranteed Entry here.
3. 2021 A levels
The 2021 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subject. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate.
4. 2021 IB Diploma
The 2021 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2021. It is to be used as a guide only.
5. 2021 Lowest ATAR
The 2021 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
Adjustment Factors
We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies.
HSC Plus
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree. You may be awarded up to five points.
Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL)
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.
Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.
Admission pathways
Your ATAR is not the only measure of your potential to succeed, which is why we offer a range of pathways into university. Explore your options below and get in touch with our future student advisors to discuss your path to UNSW.
Gateway Admission Pathway
This scheme is open to students in Years 11 and 12 who attend Gateway schools. It significantly adjusts the ATAR requirements for your preferred UNSW degree and provides you with an early conditional offer to UNSW.
Entry programs for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
We offer entry programs for Indigenous Australians, including the Indigenous Preparatory Programs and the Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS). The entry pathway program you apply for will depend on the degree you want to study.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
UNSW Global offers courses and programs designed to help you reach the English language level required for entry into your chosen degree. Different options are available depending on your current English language level. Learn more.
International direct entry
We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please contact us for more information.
Please contact us for direct entry requirements.
Admission pathways
UNSW Global has university pathway programs that provide seamless transition to UNSW Sydney so you can achieve your academic and career goals. Learn more.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
UNSW Global offers courses and programs designed to help you reach the English language level required for entry into your chosen degree. Different options are available depending on your current English language level. Learn more.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
Program structure
The Bachelor of Media (Public Relations & Advertising) consists of 24 courses and can be completed in three years full-time.
The program includes:
- 9 Media core courses
- 7 PR & Advertising/Media electives
- 2 Arts and Social Sciences electives
- 6 Electives/ general education courses
Study areas
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- Art History and Theory
- Asian Studies
- Indigenous Studies
- Australian Studies
- Chinese Studies
- Advanced Chinese Studies
- Global Development
- Criminology
- Creative Writing
- Economics
- English
- Environmental Humanities
- European Studies
- Film Studies
- French Studies
- Advanced French Studies
- Geographical Studies
- Geography
- German Studies
- Modern Greek Studies
- History
- International Business
- Indonesian Studies
- Italian Studies
- Japanese Studies
- Advanced Japanese Studies
- Korean Studies
- Advanced Korean Studies
- Linguistics
- Human Resource Management
- Music Studies
- Philosophy
- Politics and International Relations
- Studies in Psychology
- Psychology
- Sociology and Anthropology
- Spanish Studies
- Theatre and Performance Studies
- Gender Studies
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Full program structure
Each university year at UNSW has three terms and an optional summer study period.
Some courses need to be studied in your first and second year, so you’re prepared for courses that can only be studied in later years. You can study full-time or part-time. Depending on how you plan your study load, you can fit two or three courses into a term and one course in a summer term.
Below is an example of what you could study in a standard three-year, full-time study plan in the The Bachelor of Media (Public Relations & Advertising).
First year
- 3 Media core courses
- 2 Prescribed Arts/Media courses
- 1 Prescribed faculty elective
- 2 Free electives/ general education courses
Second year
- 3 Media core courses
- 3 PR & Advertising/Media electives
- 1 Prescribed faculty elective
- 1 Free elective
Third year
- 2 Media core courses
- 4 PR & Advertising/Media electives
- 2 Free electives/general education courses
Explore your options further through a sample program.
For further information on full course listing, descriptions and timetables please see the UNSW Online Handbook.
Future careers
UNSW’s School of the Arts & Media empowers you to build professional skills in media and communication and dive into complementary humanities subjects, giving you the knowledge to challenge and reimagine media practice through your career.
By choosing a minor specialisation or a double degree you can delve into subjects that will deepen your understanding of the issues you’ll be communicating. Subject areas in the Bachelor of Arts, like politics and international studies or modern languages will give you the skills to pursue international employment, while film studies, English or creative writing will complement your communications skills.
Potential careers
- Public relations
- Advertising account management
- Advertising creative services
- Media relations and social media strategy
- Communications
- Corporate affairs
Double degrees
Our double degrees enable you to broaden your opportunities and study different areas simultaneously.
Double degree options:
- Arts
- Commerce
- Design
- International Studies
- Law
- Music
How to apply
Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
Visit the Apply section of the UAC website and you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.
On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January. Visit the UAC website for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.
*If you are an international student studying an Australian qualification, go to the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) for application and UAC key dates. Note: If you are under 18 years of age, you need to make special arrangements. Read more.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
2022 Indicative First Year Full Fee
$13,760*
Commonwealth Supported Place: Student Contribution Band 4
*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the university and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at the start of each calendar year.
The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only - other fees and charges are not included.
2022 Indicative First Year Fee
$40,495*
2022 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree
$122,350*
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed below.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
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Top 50WorldwideQS World University Rankings, 2022.
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MostEmployable GraduatesAFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.
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LeadingInnovation#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.
"UNSW has a really good reputation in the industry and they set you up for success by having a healthy balance of theoretical and practical course work with the addition of a meaningful industry internship."
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