ACC717 - Media Law and Ethics
| Year: | 2026 unit information |
|---|---|
| Enrolment modes: | Trimester 2: Burwood (Melbourne), Online Trimester 3: Online |
| Credit point(s): | 1 |
| EFTSL value: | 0.125 |
| Prerequisite: | Nil |
| Corequisite: | Nil |
| Incompatible with: | ALJ724 |
| Study commitment: | Students will on average spend 150-hours over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit. |
| Scheduled learning activities - campus: | 1 x 2-hour on-campus seminar per week |
| Scheduled learning activities - online: | 1 x 2-hour online seminar per week (recordings provided) |
Content
This unit examines the legal and ethical dimensions of contemporary communication, focusing on the rights, risks, and responsibilities associated with what professional communicators say and do. Drawing on the Australian context with relevant global comparisons, it explores how communicators navigate competing expectations and make decisions in complex situations where there are not always straightforward answers. It also considers what happens when communication is lawful but still causes harm, and how such outcomes can be anticipated and managed. You will have the opportunity to analyse real-world cases and work through applied scenarios to understand how legal requirements, ethical principles, and professional judgement interact, and how these can be applied to your own practice.
Unit fee information
Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study and their study discipline, and your study load.
Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current Students website.
Hurdle requirements
To be eligible to obtain a pass in this unit, students must achieve an overall mark of at least 50% in assessment task 3, Simulation Analysis, which includes and individual analysis arising from a scheduled in-class communications simulation and facilitated debrief, to evidence a minimum proficiency in the aligned discipline learning outcomes included in this unit.
How to apply
Apply for this unit via the Deakin Applicant Portal using the unit code. You’ll receive an email confirming your place. To apply for multiple units in the same trimester, submit one application; for different trimesters, submit separate applications.