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Diploma of Media and Communications

Communicate, create and connect.

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What is a Diploma?

A UNSW College Diploma of Media and Communications is your pathway to UNSW Sydney, Australia’s most employable university*, and a thriving career in media.

In just 12 months, you’ll gain the skills, creativity, and confidence to step into the second year of a UNSW Media and Communications degree. From storytelling and screen production to digital platforms and media entrepreneurship, the Diploma equips you with practical knowledge and hands-on experience to excel in fields such as journalism, public relations, and digital content creation.

Step into a world of possibilities and create media that inspires, engages, and drives impact.

*Most employable students for five years in a row - AFR Top 100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. 
Intakes

May

Duration

12 months (3 terms)

Weekly class time

Approximately 20-25 hours

Progression

Second year, Bachelor of Media) at UNSW Sydney 

Delivery mode

On-campus

Your journey with a Diploma program
High School Year 12 to UNSW Sydney Bachelor Degree or Progress to UNSW Diploma then to Second Year UNSW Sydney Bachelor Degree High School Year 12 to UNSW Sydney Bachelor Degree or Progress to UNSW Diploma then to Second Year UNSW Sydney Bachelor Degree

Who is this program for?

Our Diplomas are specially designed for students who narrowly missed direct entry to UNSW Sydney, offering a supportive and focused pathway to academic success and university life, with:

  • Equivalent to first year: Your Diploma mirrors UNSW’s first-year degree curriculum. It’s developed in collaboration with UNSW, with access to the same world-renowned facilities and resources as undergraduate students.
  • Personalised attention: Small class sizes (around 20 students) and up to 20% more teaching time than first year at UNSW mean more focused support.
  • Tailored support: Access to weekly one-on-one tutor sessions, interactive study clubs, leadership development opportunities, and wellbeing programs - all designed to provide a strong foundation for success and help you thrive.

 

Why study media at UNSW Sydney?

Contemporary media is dynamic, global, and ever evolving. At UNSW, you’ll explore how media shapes and reflects our world, investigating its professional, cultural, political, economic, and social impacts on daily life.

UNSW Media is where creativity meets insight. It’s a space to tap into your imagination while gaining a deeper understanding of the world around you.

Guided by academics actively involved in the media industry, this degree offers unparalleled opportunities to kickstart your media career. 

You’ll develop practical skills and strategic, creative, and critical thinking capabilities that will set you apart in a competitive industry.

Career opportunities

  • Advertising creative

  • Advertising Strategist

  • Animator

  • Animator 

  • App developer

  • Brand Manager

  • Cinematographer

  • Copywriter 

  • Corporate Communications Manager

  • Digital editor

  • Digital producer

  • Filmmaker 

  • Filmmaker

  • Game designer

  • Interactive media designer

  • Journalist 

  • Media Advisor

  • Public Relations Consultant

  • Publicist

  • Screenwriter 

  • Sound producer

  • Television producer

  • Video producer

Your future at UNSW Sydney

Once you successfully complete a Diploma (and meet the entry requirements), you will progress directly to second year of your chosen degree at UNSW Sydney.

The Diploma of Media and Communications is designed to provide you with a pathway straight into second year of a Bachelor of Media where you will have the option to choose a degree major from the following:

Bachelor of Media specialisations:

  • Cinema Studies

  • Communication & Journalism

  • Media Studies

  • Public Relations & Advertising 

  • Screen Production 

Note: Diploma of Media and Communications students must achieve a Satisfactory Grade for the Communication and Academic Literacy course and a minimum pass for all other subjects to progress to the second year of the relevant degree program at UNSW.
Be part of a global top 20 university

QS World Rankings, 2025

Most Employable Graduates

AFR Top 100 Future Leaders Award

Top 5 in Australia

for Arts and Humanities (QS World Rankings by subject, 2024)

Program structure

Diploma of Media and Communications students learn the fundamentals before specialising and focusing on their future studies at UNSW Sydney. With first-year equivalent subject content and equal learning outcomes, you will enter the second year fully prepared and on equal footing with your peers.

For a list of the specialisations you will choose from, see below:

  • Cinema Studies

  • Communication & Journalism

  • Media Studies

  • Public Relations and Advertising 

  • Screen Production

Entry requirements
Australian Year 12

ATAR 65

Note: Some Diploma programs require specific subject minimum grade requirements and assumed knowledge. Download the detailed entry requirements document below for more information.

Entry Requirements 

 

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.
Orientation Start of Week One Census Finish Start at UNSW
8-May-25 12-May-25 6-Jun-25 1-May-26
 Term 2 - 01 Jun 2026

Diploma fees
2025 tuition fees

A$38,016

Program name Total units of credit Subjects to complete 2025 Indicative Fees Per Subject ($AUD)
Diploma of Media and Communications 48 8 $4,752

This program is currently offered as a full-fee paying course, and FEE-HELP is not available. Fees are charged per term, based on the subjects you are enrolled in.

Please note: This information is provided as a general guide. 

 

Student Services & Amenities Fee (SSAF)

The Student Services & Amenities Fee (SSAF) is payable when you enrol in a Diploma Program. The fee covers non-academic services including counselling, career and financial advice, health and food services, sports activities and more. 

Full-time: $117.00/term

Part-time: $87.75/term

  • 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.

Ready to apply?

If you’re ready to start your Diploma application, you can apply directly to UNSW College.

At UNSW College, every application we receive is carefully considered. When you are ready to start your application, click the button below.

Apply now

Why study with UNSW College?

Be part of a global top 20 university

Successfully complete a Diploma and progress directly to the second year of your dream degree at UNSW Sydney, like 90% of our graduates.

Your proven pathway to success

With over 50 years of experience, UNSW College has guided 40,000+ graduates to university and beyond.

Unmatched support

Full 360° wrap-around support across academics, accommodation, health and wellbeing, welfare and disability, and more.

Diploma in Science student Claudia from Indonesia
"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."

Claudia Velda Widjaja

Diploma student

* QS World University Rankings, 2024 

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.