Diploma of Media and Communications
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Please note: Due to overwhelming demand for our programs in 2025, UNSW College has paused applications for certain intakes. For the latest information on the status of each intake, please refer to the link above before applying.
What is a Diploma?
A Diploma is a 12-month course that gives you the foundational skills and knowledge in a specific stream. A Diploma of Media and Communications will take you straight into Second Year of a Bachelor of Media at UNSW.
It's a great option for international students, if you need a bit more support, but don't want to add extra time to your degree. If you've just missed out on direct entry into your preferred bachelor's degree, or hold qualifications that aren't recognised by UNSW Sydney, this could also be the program for you.
Intakes
January, May, August*
Duration
12 months (3 terms)
Weekly class time
Approximately 20-25 hours
Progression
Second Year, Bachelor of Media
Delivery mode
On-campus
CRICOS Code
113048M^
*For full details on intakes, please view Key dates.
^Prior to August 2024, this program was delivered as Diploma in Media and Communication, CRICOS Course Code 107827A.
Your journey with a Diploma Program
- Overview
- Progress to UNSW Sydney
- Program structure
- Entry requirements
- Key dates
- Fees and scholarships
Who is this program for?
The Diploma Program has been designed specifically for international students. Our Diplomas make it easy to adjust to university, with:
- smaller classes and at least 20% extra teaching time
- additional English and academic skill support
- course material equivalent to First Year courses within the UNSW Sydney degree, and
- access to the same facilities and resources as undergraduate students.
Once you successfully complete a Diploma of Media and Communications, you will progress onto Second Year at UNSW to study a Bachelor of Media, preparing you for your future career.
Why study media at UNSW Sydney?
Contemporary media is a dynamic, global, and increasingly complex topic. By studying media at UNSW, you will investigate the professional, social, cultural, political, economic and philosophical impacts that contemporary media has on our daily lives.
It’s the place to tap into your creativity while learning about the world around you.
Led by academics actively engaged in media industries, this bachelor’s degree opens a world of opportunities to help you pursue your media career.
By studying media, you will develop practical vocational skills and conceptual, strategic, creative, and critical capabilities to help set you apart within the industry.
Career opportunities
- Corporate Communications Manager
- Advertising Strategist
- Public Relations Consultant
- Brand Manager
- Journalist
- Filmmaker
- Animator
- Copywriter
- Publicist
- Media Advisor
Your future at UNSW
Once you successfully complete a Diploma (and meet the entry requirements), you will be guaranteed entry into Second Year at UNSW Sydney. UNSW is one of Australia's leading research and teaching universities, ranked in the top 20 worldwide. Boasting a career-focused education, vibrant community and flexibility in study options, UNSW will help you discover the best version of yourself.
Want to know more about specific progression requirements for your chosen UNSW Sydney bachelor’s degree?
The Diploma of Media and Communications is designed to provide you with a pathway to Second Year of a Bachelor of Media where you will have the opportunity to choose from one of five specialisations below:
Bachelor of Media specialisations:
- Cinema Studies
- Communication & Journalism
- Media Studies
- Public Relations and Advertising
- Screen Production
Note: Diploma of Media and Communications students must achieve a Satisfactory Grade (equivalent to IELTS 6.5) for the Communication and Academic Literacy course and a minimum pass for all other courses to progress to Second Year of the relevant degree program at UNSW.
Top 20
Worldwide
QS World University Rankings, 2025.
Most
Employable Graduates
AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.
Leading
Innovation
#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.
Program structure
Diploma students learn the fundamentals required for their future studies in courses that are equivalent to First Year undergraduate courses at UNSW Sydney.
You get the added benefit of extra support to equip you with the academic and English skills you need to succeed. This will give you a strong basis for your journey into Second Year at UNSW Sydney.
For a list of the specialisations you will choose from, see below:
- Cinema Studies
- Communication & Journalism
- Media Studies
- Public Relations and Advertising
- Screen Production
Note: Diploma of Media and Communications students must achieve a Satisfactory Grade (equivalent to IELTS 6.5) for the Communication and Academic Literacy course and a minimum pass for all other courses to progress to Second Year of the relevant degree program at UNSW.
Entry requirements
The Diploma Program is designed specifically for international students as a potential pathway to study at UNSW Sydney - before you start a Diploma, you must meet the required English language proficiency and specific academic entry requirements.
For more information on entry requirements, view the Diploma and UEEC entry requirements - requirements provided should be considered as a guide only and are subject to change.
In addition to academic and English requirements, some Diploma Programs require specific subject minimum grade requirements and assumed knowledge depending on your intended program.
If you don’t meet the academic entry requirements for a Diploma Program, you can complete a Foundation Studies program first.
If you need help meeting the English language requirements, you could complete the University English Entry Course (UEEC) before starting your Diploma Program.
Please note: Due to overwhelming demand for our programs in 2025, UNSW College has paused applications for certain intakes. For the latest information on the status of each intake, please refer to the link below before applying.
Academic calendars
The academic calendar consists of important dates throughout your study period such as Orientation, census dates, study weeks, exam weeks and breaks for your program or course of study.
Diploma fees
2024 tuition fees
A$40,710
2025 tuition fees
A$43,140
| Subject | 2024 Indicative Fees Per Subject ($AUD) | 2025 Indicative Fees Per Subject ($AUD) | Subjects to complete |
|---|---|---|---|
| Media & Communications | $5,040 | $5,340 | 7 |
| Communications and Academic Literacy (CAL) | $5,430 | $5,760 | 1 |
Communications and Academic Literacy (CAL) must be completed as part of each Diploma Program.
For additional information on our fees and other non-tuition fees, please see the Fees page.
-
The program tuition fee that is quoted on your Letter of Offer is indicative and takes into account a range of factors such as:
- The calendar year in which you undertake your study in the course. For example, you may have commenced your Diploma in 2025, however you may undertake courses in 2026.
- Studying elective courses outside of your main program area. For example you may be enrolled in the Diploma of Business however you may have undertaken an elective unit from the Diploma of Media and Communication.
- Potential course variations to your Diploma studies.
Fees are reviewed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed, so it’s important to remember that indicative tuition fees shown above are not guaranteed. Any update to fees is effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are for tuition only – other fees and charges are not included.
When you enrol into new courses in your subsequent study terms at UNSW College, a fee statement will be generated in myUNSW indicating the precise tuition fee amount that you will need to pay.
Scholarships
If you start a Diploma in 2024 or 2025, you may be eligible to receive a scholarship for the duration of your studies.
Ready to apply?
If you’re ready to start your Diploma application, you can apply directly to UNSW.
At UNSW College, every application we receive is carefully considered. When you are ready to start your application, click the button below.
Need help?
If you need help or have questions about the application process, read our guide on How to Apply.
Or you can get advice from one of our certified agents who can help you through the process. Find an agent near you.
Why study with UNSW College?
Your path to a global top 20 university
Successfully complete a Diploma Program and progress directly to Second Year of a Bachelor of Media at UNSW Sydney.
Support as you learn
The Diploma Program is designed for international students like you, so you can develop English language and academic skills to take the next step with confidence.
Directly connected to UNSW
The program is accredited by UNSW Sydney and provides full access to UNSW’s world class libraries, clubs and societies.
"The Diploma Program has helped me by implementing the bases of knowledge needed to progress further with our studies. Furthermore, it gave me more information that helped me decide which major I want to take in university and what path I want to take in the future."
UNSW Global Pty Limited ABN 62 086 418 582 trading as UNSW College™.
Diploma & Foundation Studies
UNSW Global Pty Limited ABN 62 086 418 582 trading as UNSW College™ currently delivers Diplomas and Foundation Studies on behalf of UNSW Sydney - CRICOS Provider Code 00098G; UNSW Sydney TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12055 (Australian University).
From 26 August 2024, UNSW College™ will commence delivery of Diplomas under its own CRICOS Provider Code - 01020K and TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education).
From 13 January 2025, UNSW College™ will commence delivery of Foundation Studies under its own CRICOS Provider Code - 01020K and TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education).
Pre-Masters Program & Academic English
UNSW College™ delivers the Pre-Masters Program and Academic English programs under CRICOS Provider Code 01020K and TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education).
See https://unswcollege.edu.au/esos for more information. © 2024 UNSW Global Pty Limited.