Progressive, real-world learning. Online.
Key facts
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2020 close 10 July 2020
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 3 2020 close 1 November 2020
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course information
Combine your interests in communication technologies, social media and content production to discover a career in digital media. Through the Bachelor of Communication (Digital Media), you'll develop confidence in your creative, analytic and production skills to communicate professionally across traditional and digital platforms. You will learn how to engage audiences, build 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.
Broaden your skill set and career opportunities by taking core elective units in related communication fields like advertising, design, public relations, journalism, screen and more. You'll also have 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
- no fewer than 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
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.
Course Electives
Complete three 1 credit point units chosen from the following course electives (List A):
Complete three 1 credit point units chosen from the following course electives (List B):
Key information
2020 course information
1400514291 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400614291 - Cloud (online), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
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
Entry information
Deakin University offers admission to undergraduate courses through a number of Admission categories.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements
Please note that meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee selection, which is based on merit, likelihood of success and availability of places in the course.
For more information on the Admission Criteria and Selection (Higher Education Courses) Policy visit the Deakin Policy Library
Entry for applicants with recent secondary education (previous three years) will be based on their performance in a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education, with pre-requisite units 3 and 4; a study score of at least 25 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or 20 in English other than EAL. Applicants will be selected in accordance with the published Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) for that year.
Refer to the VTAC Guide for the latest pre-requisite information www.vtac.edu.au
Entry for applicants with previous Tertiary, VET, life or work experience will be based on their performance in:
- a Certificate IV in a related discipline OR
- a Diploma in any discipline or 50% completion of a Diploma in a related discipline OR
- successful completion of relevant study at an accredited higher education institution equivalent to at least two Deakin University units OR
- other evidence of academic capability judged to be equivalent for example relevant work or life experience
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
Applications through VTAC have now closed.
Applications can be made directly to the University through the Course and Scholarship Applicant Portal.
For more information on the application process and closing dates, visit the how to apply page.
Please complete the Register your interest form to receive further information about our direct application opportunities.
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 | |
*2019 Student Experience Survey, based on undergraduate students
#ARWU Rankings 2019
~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)