Bachelor of Media and Communication
at The University of Newcastle, New South Wales.
A three-year communications degree at the Callaghan campus with majors in journalism, PR and digital media production. Strong links to local Hunter newsrooms and broadcasters and access to professional media studios at NUspace.
ATAR cutoff history
Published cutoff data for the The University of Newcastle Bachelor of Media and Communication. We never invent figures; entries marked "not published" mean the university or admissions centre has not released a verified cutoff for that intake.
| Intake year | ATAR cutoff | Admissions centre |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 63.55 | UAC |
| 2024 | ATAR cutoff not published | UAC |
| 2023 | ATAR cutoff not published | UAC |
Most recent published cutoff is 63.55 for the 2025 intake.
Prerequisite Year 12 subjects
Brush up on each prerequisite with our state-syllabus explainers and dot points.
What you will study
The Bachelor of Media and Communications at Newcastle pairs media-theory and communications study with industry-applied production work. Year one covers media history and theory, introduction to journalism and communication practice, media production fundamentals, audience and content analysis, and one or two electives across writing, film, screen or PR. Year two layers strategic communication, digital media production, news and feature writing, public relations and an applied industry project. Year three runs media-industry capstone work: a major final-year production, an industry-based internship and advanced theory units (digital cultures, platform studies, media policy). Production studios include video, audio, podcast and digital labs with industry-standard equipment. Cohorts run 100 to 200 in core lectures with workshops capped at 15 to 25.
Example first-year subjects
- Media Histories and Theories
- Introduction to Journalism and Communication
- Media Production Fundamentals
- Public Relations and Strategic Communication
- Digital Cultures and Audiences
- Writing for Media
How you will be assessed
- Production portfolios (video, audio, podcast, digital)
- Industry-style writing pieces (news, features, scripts, social copy)
- Group major productions with team roles assigned
- Written essays on media theory and policy of 2000 to 3500 words
- Internship reflective journal and supervisor evaluation
- Capstone final-year production project
Placement and industry experience
Newcastle embeds an industry internship in year three. Students complete 100 to 200 hours at media organisations including the ABC, SBS, Nine, Seven, News Corp Australia, public-relations and advertising agencies, and not-for-profit communications teams. Placements are mostly unpaid for credit. Most placements are based in Newcastle and the Hunter.
Career outcomes
- Graduates work as journalists, communications officers, content producers and digital strategists across Hunter and Central Coast media, regional NSW newsrooms and Sydney media.
- First-year jobs typically include cadetships at the Newcastle Herald, NBN News, ABC Newcastle, plus communications roles in local government and regional businesses.
- Many alumni progress to senior reporting roles, editorial leadership or move into communications strategy, corporate PR and digital content management.
Professional accreditation
- Recognised by the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA)
- Recognised by the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA)
Typical first jobs
- Junior journalist at ABC, SBS, Nine, Seven and News Corp
- Communications coordinator at corporates and government
- Public relations consultant at PR agencies
- Social media manager and content strategist
- Junior producer in podcasting and digital media
- Marketing and brand communications coordinator
Graduate starting salary
$55,000 - $70,000 per year
Source: https://www.qilt.edu.au/surveys/graduate-outcomes-survey-(gos). Last reviewed 2026-05-21.
After graduation
Top students enter the Honours year (year four, supervised thesis or major production) leading to research masters and PhD. Common postgraduate pivots include Master of Journalism, Master of Strategic Communications, Master of Media Practice, Master of Public Relations and the Master of Digital Communication. Most graduates start in junior roles and build a portfolio over two to three years before moving into specialist or senior creative roles.
Is this the right degree for you?
You probably thrive here if
- Students who already make content (podcasts, videos, blogs, news)
- Those willing to learn industry-standard production tools
- People who can pitch ideas and meet deadlines under pressure
- Students comfortable being on camera, on mic or in print
- Those happy to take unpaid internships to build a portfolio
It is probably not for you if
- Students uncomfortable with public-facing work
- Those wanting a high-starting-salary corporate role from graduation
- Anyone who dislikes group-based production projects
Careers this leads to
Australian career pathways that name this Bachelor of Media and Communication as an entry route. Each page shows uni, TAFE and apprenticeship alternatives.
Sources
Course details are summarised by ExamExplained, not copied from the university. Confirm course content and ATAR cutoffs on the The University of Newcastle handbook and on UAC before applying. Page generated at https://examexplained.com.au/uni/newcastle/bachelor-of-media-and-communication.