Communication
Why study Communication?
Communication is present in every facet of life. From the news on television to status updates on Facebook, the entrenchment of communication media in our daily lives invites a closer look at the importance of communication in society.
In the 21st Century, communication technologies have become a driving force of change across a myriad of industries. The adoption of multiple channels of communication by various news organisations, political parties, multi-national corporations and small independent businesses in a bid to reach the widest possible target audience means that content creators across all platforms are in demand. These may include print, radio, television and, more recently, the Internet.
The Bachelor of Communication not only offers a broad range of practical skills required for work relating to journalism, public relations and media production; but also a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in the creation and interpretation of meaning. This in turn prepares graduates for careers as professional communicators in diverse industries.
What will I study?
The courses in the Bachelor of Communication programme were carefully devised based on input from industry practitioners, equipping students with skills required in the areas of journalism, public relations and media production.
Therefore, throughout the programme, students will learn to:
- Conduct interviews
- Conduct audience research
- Write concise news articles
- Write compelling feature stories
- Write effective press releases
- Plan strategic public relations campaigns
- Create and update blogs and websites
- Create multimedia content
- Put together audio and video packages for broadcast
In order to execute these skills well, students will also examine the theories that govern these practices. These theories often encompass elements of cultural studies, sociology, creativity and ethics. Students interested in a career in academia will have the opportunity to develop their research skills and conduct their own original research through the Honours programme.
Getting ahead at UoN
Industry Connections
The Bachelor of Communication programme has always sought to establish and maintain strong relations with various media outlets so that students are well positioned to secure work placements or internships. To date, students have benefitted from placements at NBN TV, Channel 7, Foxtel, ABC Radio, 2NUR FM and The Newcastle Herald.
Additionally, students also have the opportunity to gain experience through student-run campus media such as UoN TV and Yak Magazine.
Awards and Prizes
The School of Design, Communication and Information Technology believes in giving students every opportunity to distinguish themselves even before graduation. Our partnerships with regional and national organisations, initiatives and benefactors have resulted in the establishment of a number of awards recognising the achievements of outstanding students. In the Communication discipline, these include:
- 2NUR Prize for Radio Journalism
- Melinda Moore Memorial Award
- Peter Pickhover Memorial Prize for Radio Production
- School of Design, Communication & IT Prize for Communication
- The Professional Communicators Prize in Public Relations
- Australian Press Council Prize
- Newcastle Film Society Prize for Communication - Screen Production
- Newcastle Film Society Prize for Communication - Best Film Created in the Final Year
- Newcastle Film Society Prize for Communication - Honours Film
