Progressive, real-world learning. Online.
Key facts
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 1 2021 have closed
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course information
Digital media at Deakin adopts an innovative 'fusion' approach to learning and teaching. Engaging in a participatory and supportive environment you will produce real-world digital and social media content from year one onward. The course also places a strong emphasis on developing your professional-personal brand to help you build strong connections to online communities.
In addition to core digital media you can choose from complementary fields such as advertising, design, film and television, journalism, and public relations to broaden your skills base.
The combination of practice-based assessments, industry exposure and the internship in your final year means you graduate with a portfolio of work demonstrating your ability to build online communities and help organisations and clients with digital content solutions.
Do you want to carve a career in today’s rapidly evolving media climate?
Gain an understanding of the function and influence of communications industries locally and globally, and learn practical skills in social media content creation, podcasting, website creation, video-making and more. With an emphasis on emerging technologies and real-world learning, you'll explore themes like:
- how to build social media identities
- engaging audiences with podcasts and videos
- how to run crowdfunding campaigns
- how to become a digital media entrepreneur
- how to manage social media in organisations.
Graduate job-ready with the chance to undertake industry internships so you can network with professionals and gain experience in your chosen field before you even graduate.
Through practical assessments and internships, this degree enables you to build a dynamic network, digital portfolio and strong professional-personal brand to give you an edge with future employers.
Read MoreCourse structure
To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Communication (Digital Media) a student must complete 24 credit points including:
- 12 credit points of core units
- 3 course electives from level 1 (List A)
- 3 course electives from level 2/3 (List B)
- 6 credit points of electives (at least two must be 2nd or 3rd level)
- no more than 10 credit points at level 1
- at least 6 credit points at level 3
- Academic Integrity AAI018 Academic Integrity (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
18
Core units
6
Elective units
24
Total
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Course Electives
Complete three 1 credit point units chosen from the following course electives (List A):
Either
Or
Complete three 1 credit point units chosen from the following course electives (List B):
IND201 - Aboriginal Knowledges and Experiences: Historical Journeys-Contemporary Perspectives [No longer available for enrolment]
Electives
Complete six electives, of which at least two must be 2nd or 3rd level
We suggest students complete at least 4 units in a subject area different to their degree, preferably a linked sequence of study in the same area. This choice can include units from any degree in the University but is best chosen from the subject areas in the Bachelor of Arts. We also recommend students complete at least two more credit points from the course electives listed.
Key information
2021 course information
1400514291 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400614291 - Cloud (online), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.
Campuses by intake
Campus availability varies per trimester. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Read more to learn where this course will be offered throughout the year.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Cloud Campus
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Cloud Campus
Trimester 3 - November
- Start date: November
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Cloud Campus
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
Additional course information
Course duration - additional information
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
Mandatory student checks
Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.
Participation requirements
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. Click here for more information.
Work experience
Work Integrated Learning experiences are embedded within the course’s core units.
Need help?
Ask a question about studying at Deakin
Entry requirements
Current or recent Year 12
If you are currently studying Year 12 in 2020 or completed Year 12 in 2018 or 2019 and have not attempted higher education or VET study since, your selection is based on the following.
Prerequisite subjects
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or at least 20 in English other than EAL.
ATAR
This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection considerations.
Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.
Higher education experience
If you have undertaken at least one unit of higher education after secondary schooling, your selection is based on the following.
Education
This course uses your entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.
Senior secondary prerequisite subjects
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or at least 20 in English other than EAL or equivalent, or Certificate IV: or higher, or concurrent Bachelor study.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.
Personal statement
Applicants who wish their work and volunteer/other experience to be considered as part of their application for entry are required to submit a personal statement with details of their work and volunteer/other experience, motivation to study and any other factors relevant to their application for the course. Learn more about the personal statement.
STAT Multiple Choice
Applicants who wish to use a general aptitude test for consideration for entry must complete the STAT (Multiple Choice). Learn more about the STAT Multiple Choice test.
Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.
VET education experience
If you have undertaken at least one unit of Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, your selection is based on the following.
Education
This course uses your entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.
Senior secondary prerequisite subjects
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or at least 20 in English other than EAL or equivalent, or Certificate IV: or higher, or concurrent Bachelor study.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.
Personal statement
Applicants who wish their work and volunteer/other experience to be considered as part of their application for entry are required to submit a personal statement with details of their work and volunteer/other experience, motivation to study and any other factors relevant to their application for the course. Learn more about the personal statement.
STAT Multiple Choice
Applicants who wish to use a general aptitude test for consideration for entry must complete the STAT (Multiple Choice). Learn more about the STAT Multiple Choice test.
Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.
Work and life experience
If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago or did not finish Year 12, your selection is based on the following.
Education
This course uses your entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.
Senior secondary prerequisite subjects
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or at least 20 in English other than EAL or equivalent, or Certificate IV: or higher, or concurrent Bachelor study.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.
Personal statement
Applicants who wish their work and volunteer/other experience to be considered as part of their application for entry are required to submit a personal statement with details of their work and volunteer/other experience, motivation to study and any other factors relevant to their application for the course. Learn more about the personal statement.
STAT Multiple Choice
Applicants who wish to use a general aptitude test for consideration for entry must complete the STAT (Multiple Choice). Learn more about the STAT Multiple Choice test.
Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.
Selection adjustments
Subject adjustment
A study score of 30 in any Business, Product Design And Technology, Economics, any English, any Humanities or Media equals 4 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.
Access and equity
Special entry access schemes (SEAS) enable Deakin to consider disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and the impact upon your studies. SEAS also allows us to identify if you’re from under-represented groups when making selection decisions for some courses. SEAS does not exempt you from meeting any of the course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin’s special entry access schemes.
Admissions information
Learn more about this course and others that Deakin offers by visiting VTAC for more information. You can also discover how Deakin compares to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning by visiting the ComparED website.
Special entry access schemes (SEAS) enables Deakin to consider disadvantageous circumstances you may have experienced and their impact upon your studies. SEAS also allows us to identify if you're from under-represented groups when making selection decisions for some courses. SEAS does not exempt you from meeting any of the course entry requirements.
You can also find out about different entry pathways into Deakin courses if you can't get in straight from high school.
Finally, Deakin is committed to admissions transparency. As part of that commitment, you can learn more about our first intake of 2020 students (PDF, 581.6KB) - their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to the Recognition of Prior Learning System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees.
The tuition fees you pay will depend on the units you choose to study as each unit has its own costs. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved Recognition of Prior Learning you have.
Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together 8 credit points of a typical combination of units for that course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year.
You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the Handbook.
Learn more about fees and available payment options.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship could help you pay for your course fees, living costs and study materials. If you've got something special to offer Deakin - or maybe you just need a bit of extra support - we've got a scholarship opportunity for you. Search or browse through our scholarships
Apply now
How to apply
VTAC applications for 2021 have now closed.
Learn more about the application process.Direct applications are now open for:
- recent Year 12 students who completed secondary education in the past two years
- applicants with work and life experience
- applicants with TAFE experience
- applicants with higher education experience.
Please note: If you’re applying for more than one course, you need to apply through VTAC.
Apply to Deakin after reading the course entry requirements, or learn more about the application process.
To learn more about what the Bachelor of Communication at Deakin has to offer, download our course flyer.
Entry pathways
View pathways into the Bachelor of Communication (Digital Media) with our pathways finder.
Further studies are available at Honours and Postgraduate level. Many students choose to enter into the Bachelor of Communication (Honours) or the Master of Communication.
Contact information
Prospective Student Enquiry Centre
1800 693 888
myfuture@deakin.edu.au
Why choose Deakin
Want a degree that’s more than just a qualification? Our industry connections, world-class facilities and practical approach to learning are just some of the reasons why Deakin students graduate confident and ready to thrive in the jobs of tomorrow.
Career outcomes
Digital media work spans a diverse range of industries and organisations, from multimedia businesses to public relations agencies to content providers in the entertainment industry.
Deakin graduates find work in the following roles:
- content producer/digital producer
- social media officer/coordinator
- media assistant/officer/advisor
- community engagement officer/coordinator
- marketing analyst/coordinator
- various social media specialist freelance work.
For more information go to DeakinTALENT
Course learning outcomes
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
| Discipline specific knowledge and capabilities | Review, understand and analyse major media theories and concepts relating to digital media culture, technological innovation, research methods, and professional practices in digital industry contexts. |
| Communication | Develop high level communication skills to effectively engage and interact with different audiences by demonstrating the ability to merge creativity and critical thinking across various media modes. |
| Digital literacy | Use a range of generic and industry specific digital media technologies to address diverse communication needs for a range of audiences and to deliver creative projects, media products, and accessible presentations to diverse audiences within and outside the field. |
| Critical thinking | Critically and analytically evaluate media issues, debates, organisations, and industries and practices, while using sound judgement and initiative to examine assumptions underpinning available theoretical perspectives |
| Problem solving | Apply critical thinking and creative practice to identify and resolve practical, real-world problems that apply to professional media industry contexts. |
| Self-management | Demonstrate independent, motivated, and self-directed learning and the ability to complete work consistently and effectively as an independent researcher and practitioner. |
| Teamwork | Collaborate in an active and productive manner as part of teams that may include people of diverse backgrounds working on media-related projects, while simultaneously maintaining personal responsibility for individual learning and contributions. |
| Global citizenship | Operate effectively and responsibly in a variety of social, economic, political and professional contexts, participating across a range of media platforms with an awareness of professional legal and ethical responsibilities. |
| Approved by Faculty Board September 2019 | |
Did you miss Deakin Virtual Open Day?
Now you can experience Virtual Open Day anytime, online. Explore videos on-demand and learn more about courses and uni life at Deakin.++
Footnotes
*2019 Student Experience Survey, based on undergraduate students
#ARWU Rankings 2020
~According to the Voice Project IT Service Quality Support Benchmark Survey
^Australian Graduate Recruitment Industry Awards, 2017, 2018, 2019 winner
^^Australian Graduate Survey 2010–2015, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2016–2019 (GOS), Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT)
++Produced by Deakin University in August 2020. The information in this video is accurate at the time of filming. Read the course page for the latest information.