Diploma of Media and Communications
Innovate. Engage. Connect.
Diploma of Media and Communications
Create. Inform. Engage.
Domestic
International
A UNSW College Diploma of Media and Communications is your direct pathway to UNSW Sydney. Our graduates are the most employable, with UNSW Sydney being awarded AFR Top 100 Future Leaders Awards six years in a row, 2020-2025.
It only takes 12-months to gain the skills, confidence and creativity to move into the second year of your Bachelor of Media at UNSW Sydney. You’ll be supported every step of the way with smaller classes, a focused curriculum that reflects first year of the degree, and personalised support as you need it. This Diploma will ensure you’re equipped to thrive in whichever specialisation you choose.
Set yourself up for a future of innovation and engaging creation with a media and communications qualification that sets a strong foundation for your success.
The UNSW College Diploma of Media and Communications is a supportive 12-month program that builds your foundational skills and knowledge, so you can confidently progress into the second year of the Bachelor of Media at UNSW Sydney.
If you want more support without adding extra time to your degree, the Diploma offers a strong alternative. It’s also a great option if you just missed out on direct entry or have qualifications not recognised by UNSW Sydney.
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
UAC Code
772004
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.
Apply for Term 1 2026 via UAC
Planning to start a Diploma in 2026? Equivalent to first year of uni, you can start a Diploma and progress into second year of your bachelor's degree, no time lost. To apply, simply create your application in UAC and preference your UNSW College Diploma, just like you would a university degree.
Your journey with a Diploma program
Your journey with a Diploma program
- Overview
- Progress to UNSW Sydney
- Program structure
- Entry requirements
- Key dates
- Fees
Who is this program for?
We designed our Diplomas for students who narrowly missed out on direct entry to UNSW Sydney, offering a supportive pathway to academic success and university life.
Our programs offer:
- First-year degree curriculum: Your Diploma will cover the same learning as the UNSW first year degree. We’ve developed the content in collaboration with UNSW Sydney, and you’ll have access to the same world-renowned facilities and resources as undergraduate students
- Personalised attention: You’ll learn in small classes (around 20 students) and get up to 20% more teaching time than first year at UNSW Sydney
- Tailored support: With access to weekly tutor sessions, interactive study clubs, leadership development opportunities, and wellbeing programs, you can build a strong foundation for success to help you thrive
Who is this program for?
We designed our Diplomas especially for international students to support your progression into undergraduate studies at university.
Our programs support your learning with:
- smaller classes and at least 20% extra teaching time
- additional English and academic skill support
- course material equivalent to first year courses within UNSW Sydney degrees, and
- access to the same world-class facilities and resources as undergraduate students
With an innovative first year equivalent curriculum, you will gain the introductory knowledge you need for further study in Media.
Why study media at UNSW Sydney?
At UNSW Sydney, you’ll explore how media reflects and shapes the world we live in. Industry professionals and experienced academics who are actively involved in today’s media landscape will guide you as you examine the cultural, political, economic and social impacts of media on society.
Ranked #4 in Australia for communications*, UNSW’s Arts, Design & Architecture faculty helps you flex your imagination, develop creatively and build strong strategic and critical thinking skills, putting you at the forefront of students entering this competitive industry.
*QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025.
Career opportunities
- Advertising strategist
- Animator
- Brand manager
- Consultant
- Copywriter
- Corporate communications manager
- Filmmaker
- Journalist
- Media adviser
- Publicist
- Screenwriter
Your future at UNSW
Once you successfully complete your Diploma of Media and Communication (and meet the entry requirements), you will progress directly to second year of your Bachelor of Media at UNSW Sydney.
You will have the option to choose from the following 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 courses to progress to the second year of the relevant degree at UNSW Sydney.
Your future at UNSW
Once you successfully complete your Diploma of Media and Communication (and meet the entry requirements), you will progress into the second year of the Bachelor of Media at UNSW Sydney.
You will have the option to choose from the following specialisations:
- Cinema Studies
- Communication & Journalism
- Media Studies
- Public Relations & 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 undergraduate degree at UNSW Sydney.
Top 20
Worldwide
QS World University Rankings, 2024–2026
Most
Employable Graduates
AFR Top100 Future leaders Award, 2020-2025
Best
Australian university for entrepreneurs
Crunchbase venture capital start-up data, 2021
Program structure
As a Diploma student, you will learn the fundamentals before specialising and focusing on your future studies at UNSW Sydney.
With first year equivalent course content and equal learning outcomes, you will be fully prepared to enter the second year of your Bachelor of Media at UNSW Sydney, where you will choose your specialisation.
For more information on each specialisation, see below.
- Cinema Studies
- Communication & Journalism
- Media Studies
- Public Relations and Advertising
- Screen Production
Program structure
As a Diploma student, you will build a strong foundation by studying courses equivalent to first year undergraduate study at UNSW Sydney.
You will also receive additional academic and English support to develop the skills needed to succeed, giving you the confidence to enter second year at UNSW Sydney. From there, you will choose your specialisation.
For more information on each specialisation, 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 at UNSW Sydney.
Domestic
International
The Diploma 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, 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.
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.
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.
Domestic
International
Diploma fees
2025 tuition fees
A$38,016
Diploma of Media and Communications
Total Units of Credit: 48
Courses to complete: 8
Core courses
| Course Code | Course Name | Units of Credit | EFTSL | Fee |
| AELC1304 | Communication and Academic Literacy 4 | 6 | 0.125 | $4,752.00 |
| MEDA1301 | Media and Communication Contexts | 6 | 0.125 | $4,752.00 |
| MEDA1302 | Public Relations and Advertising Foundations | 6 | 0.125 | $4,752.00 |
| MEDA1307 | Media, Society and Politics | 6 | 0.125 | $4,752.00 |
| MEDA1308 | Working with Data | 6 | 0.125 | $4,752.00 |
Choose three electives from the following list depending on specialisation
| Course Code | Course Name | UoC | EFTSL | Fee |
| MEDA1303 | News Fundamentals | 6 | 0.125 | $4,752.00 |
| MEDA1304 | Media Entrepreneurship | 6 | 0.125 | $4,752.00 |
| MEDA1305 | Introduction to Film Studies | 6 | 0.125 | $4,752.00 |
| MEDA1306 | Screen Production 1 | 6 | 0.125 | $4,752.00 |
Financial assistance in the form of FEE-HELP may be available. FEE-HELP is a loan from the Australian Government that helps eligible students defer repayments for all or part of their tuition fee. For more information, refer to FEE-HELP.
Please note: This information is provided as a general guide and applies to full-fee paying domestic students.
If you are a domestic student who received a slipback offer to study a UNSW Diploma under the Gateway Admissions Pathway, these fees do not apply. Please refer to this page for more information: 
Gateway Admissions Pathway | UNSW College.
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: $121.66/term
Part-time: $87.75/term
Note: Domestic students commencing their Diploma studies in May 2025 will not be charged SSAF for their first term of studies.
-
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.
2025 tuition fees
A$43,140
2026 tuition fees
A$45,330
| Subject | 2025 Indicative Fees Per Course($AUD) | 2026 Indicative Fees Per Course($AUD) | Subjects to complete |
|---|---|---|---|
| Media & Communications | $5,340 | $5,610 | 7 |
| Communications and Academic Literacy (CAL) | $5,760 | $6,060 | 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 2025 or 2026, 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?
Launch your future at a global top 20 university
When you successfully complete your Diploma at UNSW College, you can progress straight into the second year of a UNSW Sydney bachelor’s degree – just like 90% of our diploma graduates.
Your proven pathway to success
With more than 50 years’ experience and over 125,000 graduates, UNSW College knows what it takes to help students achieve their goals and thrive at university.
Surrounded by support
From academic support to health, wellbeing, accommodation and accessibility services – you’ll be backed by a full circle of care to help you succeed.
Launch your future at a global top 20 university
Successfully complete your Diploma and progress directly into the second year of your undergraduate degree at UNSW Sydney.
Support as you learn
The Diploma is designed for international students like you, so you can develop English language and academic skills to take the next step into university with confidence.
Directly connected to UNSW Sydney
The Diploma is co-developed with UNSW Sydney and provides full access to UNSW Sydney’s world-class facilities and resources including 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."
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Foundation Studies, Academic English and Pre-Masters Program
UNSW College delivers its Foundation Studies, Academic English, and Pre-Masters Program under CRICOS Provider Code 01020K; TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education).
Diplomas
UNSW College delivers its UNSW College Diplomas under CRICOS Provider Code 01020K; TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education). UNSW College delivers UNSW Diplomas on behalf of UNSW Sydney under CRICOS Provider Code 00098G; UNSW Sydney TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12055 (Australian University).
See https://unswcollege.edu.au/esos for more information. © 2025 UNSW Global Pty Limited.