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Bachelor of Media and Communication – Advertising

Create. Communicate. Captivate.

  • Become an expert in an innovative industry
  • Sharpen your digital and traditional copywriting
  • Become a guru at planning and executing advertising campaigns
  • Explore the dynamic details of communication strategies
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100% Online

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Undergraduate

Qualification

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3 years full-time

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Mar, Jul, Nov

Start Dates

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24

Units

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$2,124*

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OVERVIEW

Craft campaigns that connect and convert.

As one of the very few universities to offer an online advertising degree, Swinburne gives you the opportunity to learn from industry leaders. You will understand how to design, create and deliver content and campaigns with impact and gain the practical skills you need to excel in a range of roles in the dynamic and ever-changing advertising industry.

This qualification has a special focus on digital advertising and will equip you with the tools to excel in digital and traditional copywriting, online advertising trends, planning online and traditional campaigns, and communication strategy.

Our graduates are ready to work in a diverse range of settings, including agencies, large corporate organisations, small businesses, not-for-profit and government departments.

Key Learnings Include

  • Copywriting: Apply appropriate communication and persuasion theories to advertising copywriting.
  • Campaign Planning: Understand advanced advertising practice, applied to the development and implementation of advertising campaigns.
  • Client & Agency Management: Develop a high level of proficiency in professional oral and written communication skills in order to manage clients and agency projects.
  • Professional Communication: Develop your interpersonal skills to establish and manage both inter and intra agency relationships, and also relationships with clients.
Sharon-BW

‘The support from Swinburne Online services and teachers helped me immensely, offering student study support, extensions and checking systems that all helped me gain confidence in my abilities and to keep going.’

Sharyn, Swinburne Online graduate

4/5 Stars

The results are in: Advertising Managers rate their roles 4 out of 5 stars.

QS-World-University-Rankings-25

Our Media and Communications courses have ranked in the Top 250 by the QS Top Universities Rankings for 2025.

‘The support from Swinburne Online services and teachers helped me immensely, offering student study support, extensions and checking systems that all helped me gain confidence in my abilities and to keep going.’

Sharyn, Swinburne Online graduate

4/5 Stars

The results are in: Advertising Managers rate their roles 4 out of 5 stars.

Our Media and Communications courses have ranked in the Top 250 by the QS Top Universities Rankings for 2025.

QS-World-University-Rankings-25

Swinburne Online

Your Pathway to the career of your dreams

Structure

Your course breakdown:

To be awarded the Bachelor of Media and Communication – Advertising you must complete 24 units in total made up of:

  • 5 Core Units
  • 8 Advertising Major Units
  • 11 Elective Units

Each year is split into 3 Teaching Periods (14 weeks per Teaching Period). You can choose to study full-time or part-time depending on your preference.

What you'll study:

 

Introduction to Media Studies

Communicating with Data

Media Content Creation

Global Media Industries

Learning and Communicating Online

Principles of Advertising

Digital Advertising

Concept Development and Copywriting

Business of Media

Sports / Advertising / Media

Advertising, Media Planning and Purchasing

Advertising Management and Campaigns Project

Professional Practice: Client and Agency Management

Entry Requirements

Non-Year 12 entry

If you’re applying to Swinburne but haven’t completed Year 12, don’t worry! You can still apply if you have:

  • Completed or partially completed an approved tertiary qualification (like a diploma, advanced diploma, associate degree, or degree).
  • Relevant work experience and English language skills, or a STAT result (Special Tertiary Admissions Test), may also be considered.
  • All students need to demonstrate that they can undertake the course with a reasonable prospect of success.

Students admitted to the course with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be eligible for academic credit of up to 16 units.

Applicants without a formal qualification but with significant and relevant work experience and appropriate English language skills, or a suitable Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) result, will be considered if they can demonstrate that they can undertake the course with a reasonable prospect of success.

Read our applying and enrolling FAQs

Year 12 entry

If you have completed Year 12 (the Victorian Certificate of Education – VCE, or an equivalent qualification from interstate or internationally), you can apply based on that.

  • Minimum ATAR requirements may apply for some courses.

Credit arrangements

If you’ve already studied you may be able to get advanced standing (credit transfer).

  • Case-by-case assessment: Every applicant is assessed individually.
  • If you’ve completed a Diploma in a related field, you may be eligible for credit.
  • Previous tertiary studies: If your past studies meet part of the academic requirements for the course, you may get credit.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
  • Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) lets you gain credit based on skills and knowledge from your work experience, life experience, or formal training.
  • Like credit transfer, this is assessed on a case-by-case basis.

To learn more, reach out to a Course Consultant to discuss applying for credit.

Need more info?

  • We have plenty of resources to help you! Visit our Applying and Enrolling FAQs or chat with a Course Consultant for advice on your specific situation.

Fees & Scholarship

  • The estimated fee per unit is $2,124*.
  • There are 24 units in this course, each unit is worth 12.5 credit point units.

*Note: Unit fees may change each year.

There are several ways to help manage your course fees:

  • Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP): Available to Australian Citizens and eligible Permanent Residents, and this will help reduce your course fees.
  • HECS – HELP Loans: Available to Australian Citizens, which will help you defer your fees.
  • Learn more about HELP Loans

Please contact our Course Consultant to find out if you’re eligible for financial support.

There are a variety of Swinburne Scholarships to help reduce your costs.

  • University-funded scholarships
  • Government-funded scholarships
  • Private scholarships and prizes

Scholarships are available for both new and current students.

Please contact our Course Consultant to find out if you’re eligible for Swinburne Scholarships.

Credit for prior study:

  • Good news — if you’re awarded academic credit for prior study, your course fees could be lower! This means a cheaper degree!

Services & amenities fee:

For more details on scholarships and financial support, visit the Swinburne website or speak with a Course Consultant!

Career Outcomes

Career Opportunities

Let’s take a look at the wide range of roles you can pursue with a Bachelor of Business Accounting (average annual salaries via Seek):

$55,000 to $75,000 Average Salary

Coordinate the creation, production, and placement of advertising materials across various media, both online and offline. Work with internal teams and external clients, ensuring campaigns are executed effectively and meet deadlines.

Coordinate the creation, production, and placement of advertising materials across various media, both online and offline. Work with internal teams and external clients, ensuring campaigns are executed effectively and meet deadlines.

$75,000 and $118,000 Average Salary

Develop and execute advertising campaigns that effectively promote products, services, or brands. Generate creative ideas, craft compelling messages, and oversee the production process across various media channels. They work closely with clients, marketing teams, and other creatives to bring campaigns to life.

Develop and execute advertising campaigns that effectively promote products, services, or brands. Generate creative ideas, craft compelling messages, and oversee the production process across various media channels. They work closely with clients, marketing teams, and other creatives to bring campaigns to life.

$90,000 to $120,000 Average Salary

Develop and implement communication strategies, manages public relations, and ensures consistent messaging for organisations across various platforms.

Develop and implement communication strategies, manages public relations, and ensures consistent messaging for organisations across various platforms.

Your pathway to a successful career in Advertising!

This bachelor’s degree offers a flexible, industry-connected education with a strong practical focus, designed to prepare you for a successful career in advertising and communications..

  • Projects: Gain experience working on real campaigns and projects.
  • Skills: Equip yourself with practical, industry-relevant skills in both digital and traditional advertising.
  • Skill Development: Develop key skills in copywriting, campaign planning, client and agency management, and professional communication.
  • Learn from the Best: Your learning advisors are professionals themselves, keeping your education aligned and connected to career opportunities.

Online Study

An online study experience designed for you

Each degree is thoughtfully designed for online learning, ensuring your experience is fulfilling and supported. At Swinburne Online, we want to ensure that your journey with us is a success. Our team of academic and online experts have developed engaging, media-rich course materials using cutting-edge digital technology and advanced teaching resources.

Your online study journey

 

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Here’s what you can expect

  • Personalise your study journey with full-time or part-time options — 100% online, no travel needed.
  • Start when it suits you with multiple intake dates.
  • Study on your terms, balancing life, family, and work — anytime, anywhere.
  • Stay connected with students and industry experts through discussion boards and virtual classrooms.
  • Get support 7 days a week for general help whenever you need it.
  • Learn with confidence with dedicated online tutors for each unit, ready to answer all your academic questions.

 

 

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Your online classroom - Canvas

Canvas is where all your classwork will take place. You’ll experience engaging lectures, tackle assignments, and connect with others on lively discussion boards. All within an easy-to-use platform. Stay on top of your progress, plan your studies with ease, and set your own pace — whether you want to fast-track your degree with up to 12 units a year or take it slow with part-time study. It’s all about balancing your studies with the rest of your life!

FLEXIBLE STUDY AT SWINBURNE ONLINE

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Your Online Campus: The Student Hub

  • The Student Hub is your one-stop online university campus where you’ll have access to course management tools, technical support, library resources, and more!
  • Find everything you need to manage your studies and university services.
  • Stay connected and empowered throughout your learning journey all from one easy to use location.
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Dedicated student support

We’re there for you each step of the way. Our dedicated Student Advisors are your go-to guides. They’ll help you through your enrolment, course planning, technical support and other questions you might have.

    • Our Online Learning Advisors (OLAs) will assist you with unit information, learning material, assignments, and referencing.
    • We strive to support you from enrolment to graduation, ensuring your success.
    • With continuous access to guidance and resources for a smooth study experience, you’re never alone with Swinburne Online.

Learn more about units, fees, entry criteria, career outcomes and more.

Download a course guide

The Swinburne Online-SEEK connection

The suite of Swinburne Online Business degrees provides students with the opportunity to forge connections within the industry. Students hear from industry leaders and work with real-life clients with demonstrated experience within their respective fields, such as SEEK.