Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies (Dean's Scholar)

Students are to follow the requirements of the Handbook for the year they commenced the course.
However, the subject links below do not contain the subject information for the current year. You can view current subject information through the new Course Handbook.

Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies (Dean's Scholars)

Testamur Title:	Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies (Dean's Scholars)
Abbreviation:	BCMS (Dean's Schol)
My University:	Asia Pacific, Australian Studies, Comparative Indigenous Studies; Culture and Identities, Digital Media and Communication, English Literatures, English Language & Linguistics, Ethics, Gender Studies, Global Media, History, Human Security, International Media and Communication, Journalism and Professional Writing, Languages, Management, Marketing Communication and Advertising, Masculinities, Peace keeping, Philosophy, Politics, Postcolonial, Public Relations, Resource & Environmental, Sociology, Science & Technology, Transcultural Communication
Duration:	3 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Total Credit Points:	144
Delivery Mode:	On campus (Face-to-face)
Starting Session(s):	Autumn/Spring
Location:	Wollongong
UOW Course Code:	324
UAC Code:	753111
CRICOS Code:	045471G

Overview

The Dean's Scholars Degree provides an academic space for high-achieving single degree Communication and Media Studies students. With a limited intake of students per year, it aims to provide an enriched educational experience for high-achieving, motivated students who are hoping to make a contribution to their field of study through teaching or research, or by working as professionals in their chosen area of study.

Dean's Scholars have the opportunity to attempt subjects not normally available to first-year students. They may be granted exemption from certain first-year subjects and may be permitted extended subject loads, enabling them to complete the degree in less than the normal time and enter Honours in their third year. Dean's Scholars have an academic mentor, a member of academic staff who undertakes to offer advice in the scholar's major area of study.

The Dean's Scholars degree is not a scholarship. Students intending to apply for a place in this degree are encouraged to apply for the University's Undergraduate, Residential, Foundation or Equity and Merit Scholarships.

Dean's Scholar students benefit from:

Access to shared study and workspace;

Yearly text book/resource allowance for full-time students;

Limited printing privileges;

Dean's Scholars lunch time seminar series (seminars are conducted by high profile academic staff as well as visiting fellows);

Opportunities to attend academic and higher degree research workshops and seminars;

End of year Dean's Scholars Annual Dinner;

Extended Library privileges.

The Sub Deans of the Faculty oversee the program and have regular meetings with the scholars. Dean's Scholars are assigned an academic mentor - a member of academic staff who nominates to advise the student on matters concerned with the degree. On successful completion of the first part of the course, Dean's Scholars will be guaranteed admission to Honours.

Dean's Scholars must undertake at least one major study from the Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies as well as complete the core requirements of the degree. They may also take any of the major or minor studies areas as set out in this Handbook under the entry for the Bachelor of Arts 702.

Dean's Scholars are able to use the University's student exchange program to undertake a period of study overseas. Several Dean's Scholars have competed successfully for places in the Australian National Internship Program or the University Capitol Washington Internship Program which places students in political offices in Canberra or Washington D.C. respectively.

Entry requirements

Entry to the Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies (Dean's Scholars) is based on an ATAR set by the Faculty as well as an interview.

Course Requirements

To qualify for award of the degree of Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies (Dean's Scholars) course code 324 a student must complete a total of at least 144 credit points from subjects listed in the Course Structure of the Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies and other subjects as approved by the Faculty.

The 144 credit points shall include:

a) The subjects prescribed in the 48 credit point core of subjects that all students must complete. Within this core there are both compulsory subjects, and subjects that students can choose from within a specified set of choices, described in the Course Program below;

b) At least one of the four majors in this degree: Digital Media and Communication, International Media and Communication, Journalism and Professional Writing, Marketing Communication and Advertising;

c) To complete the credit points required for the degree, students can take a second major, minor or elective subjects offered by other faculties.

d) Not more than 60 credit points in 100-level subjects.

e) maintaining an average mark of 75% or better

f) ARTS100 Peer-2-Peer Mentoring.

Peer-2-Peer Mentoring

Peer-2-Peer Mentoring (subject code ARTS100) is a compulsory zero credit point subject that must be undertaken by each student during their first year. This subject consists of a one hour weekly tutorial during the student's first session of study. This subject is designed to enable incoming students to adapt rapidly to the tertiary environment and engage with the university community.

Majors and Minors

Students can undertake a double major in their degree. As long as the first major is taken from those offered by the Faculty, the second major can be taken from any other faculty, provided students meet the requirements for that major. The most common second majors include Economics, Geography, Management, Marketing and Psychology. If the two majors have common subjects, students can count one subject twice towards the majors but cannot count the credit points twice towards those required for the degree.

Minor studies consist of a minimum of 28 credit points of which no more than 12 credit points at 100 level can be counted. Students may not cross count subjects from a nominated minor into any other minor or major. Minors do not appear on the testamur but do appear on the transcript (i.e. academic record).

Where a minor is taken from outside of an Arts degree, refer to the requirements prescribed for that minor.

Course Program


Subject Code	Subject Name	Credit Points	Session
BCMS Core (all BCMS students must complete the following subjects)
BCM 110	Introduction to Communication and Media Studies	6	Autumn
BCM 210	Research Practices in Media and Communication	8	Autumn
BCM 310	Emerging Issues in Media and Communication	8	Autumn
Three of the following foundational subjects:
PHIL106	Media, Ethics and Law	6	Spring
BCM 111	Transnational Media and Communication	6	Spring
BCM 112	Convergent Media Practices	6	Autumn
JOUR101	Introduction to Journalism & Professional Writing	6	Spring
MGMT102	Business Communication	6	Autumn
Plus one of the following upper level subjects:
BCM 240	Media, Audience, Place	8	Spring
POL 224	Politics and the Media	8	Spring
STS 288	Risk, Media and Communication	8	Autumn
BCM 311	Advanced Seminar in Media and Communication	8	Spring


Major (48-52 credit points) Digital Media and Communication Students must complete BCM 112 (Convergent Media Practices) before commencing this major. The internet revolution has brought to life a new ecology of networked digital media, radically changing the way we work, play, and communicate. The DIGC major uses an innovative blend of teaching methods to ensure that graduates have the necessary communication competencies to navigate and take the lead in the ongoing digital media revolution. Compulsory subjects provide students with an understanding of the core cultural and technological dynamics of contemporary digital media. These subjects offer a framework of practical competencies to operate successfully as a professional communicator in a global media environment. Elective subjects allow students to develop digital media skills and understanding in important applied contexts such as Journalism, Political Communication, and Media Arts. Students in this major will be equipped with critical awareness and practical skills suited to a wide range of employment opportunities in the traditional and new media industries. Minor A minor in Digital Media and Communications requires students to complete BCM 112 and DIGC202 plus any two subjects from the major including one at 300-level.
Students must complete the following subjects:
Subject Code	Subject Name	Credit Points	Session
MEDA101	Introduction to Media Arts	6	Autumn
DIGC202	Global Networks	8	Spring
Plus one of the following subjects:
DIGC302	Digital Communication Practice: Final Project	8	Spring
MEDA301	Media Arts Workshop	6	Autumn
Students must complete a minimum of 28cp of subjects from these electives, and ensure that they have completed a minimum of 24cp at 300 level including either DIGC302 or MEDA301 above.
MEDA102	Computational Media	6	Spring
JOUR206	Convergent Digital Journalism	8	Spring
DIGC210	Digital Dissent	8	Autumn
MEDA201	Time, Space and Data	6	Autumn
MEDA202	System, Play and Interaction	6	Spring
DIGC310	Digital Game Cultures	8	Autumn
DIGC330	Digital Asia	8	Spring
DIGC335	Cybercultures	8	Autumn
MEDA302	Media Arts Project	6	Spring


Major (48 credit points) International Media and Communication (48 credit points) Students must complete BCM 111 (Transnational Media and Communication) before commencing this major. Contemporary graduates will confront the opportunities and challenges of globalisation in both their work and personal lives. The global reach of the media and communication industries and the cultural diversity generated by new virtual workplaces both create a demand for graduates with a grounding in international media and communication studies. This major focuses on strengthening skills in negotiating cultural difference and diversity, introducing students to international media networks and infrastructure, and on building capacity among students to produce and interpret media content within a range of local, national and international contexts. The major draws from a range of disciplines. At its core, the IMAC major is designed to produce graduates who have a cosmopolitan outlook and a strong sense of their opportunities and responsibilities as global media citizens. Minor A minor in International Media and Communication requires students to complete BCM 111 and any three subjects from the major including one at 300-level.
At 200-Level Students must complete three of these, including at least one from each strand
Subject Code	Subject Name	Credit Points	Session
BCM 232	Key concepts in International Media and Communication	8	Autumn
BCM 240	Media, Audience, Place	8	Spring
BCM 288	Transnational Media and Culture Industries	8	Spring
CST 222	Global Television Revolution	8	Autumn
DIGC202	Global Networks	8	Spring
ELL 210	Communication across cultures	8	Autumn
At 300-Level Students must complete three of these, including BCM 332
BCM 330	Australian Content, Global Contexts	8	Autumn
BCM 332	Global Media Citizenship	8	Spring
BCM 390	Media, War and Peace	8	Autumn
CST 333	Hollywood and Beyond: Genres across cultures	8	Spring
DIGC330	Digital Asia	8	Spring


Major (50 - 52 credit points) Journalism and Professional Writing Students must complete JOUR101 (Introduction to Journalism & Professional Writing) and PHIL106 (Media, Ethics and Law) before commencing this major. The Journalism and Professional Writing major equips its graduates with the core skills in a range of fields, including journalism, government and corporate communications. The program recognises that writing and research are the skills that underpin modern communications, and that online delivery is central to the provision of information and cultural participation. With this in mind, students learn to source stories and write for a range of publications within the overall news ecology, including newspapers, magazines and websites. In the professional writing subjects they learn how to produce a range of corporate documents, ranging from briefing papers and speeches to company reports and policy documents. All students learn how to publish their work. Students wishing to develop broadcast skills may apply for entry into the six month Graduate Certificate in Broadcast Journalism offered by the Faculty of Law, Humanities and Arts. Minor A minor in Journalism and Professional Writing requires students to complete JOUR101 and 3 subjects from 200-level and 300-level (with at least one subject at 300-level)
Students must complete the following subjects:
Subject Code	Subject Name	Credit Points	Session
JOUR101	Introduction to Journalism and professional writing	6	Spring
JOUR206	Convergent Digital Journalism	8	Spring
JOUR202	Feature Writing	8	Autumn
JOUR205	Professional Writing 1: Writing for Organisations	6	Autumn
Plus two of the subjects below:
JOUR302	Directed Study/ Practice	8	Autumn/Spring
JOUR301	Investigative Reporting	8	Autumn
JOUR311	Newsroom Practice	8	Autumn/Spring
Plus one subject below:
JOUR305	Professional Writing 2: Editing and Publication	6	Autumn
JOUR345	Professional Writing 3: Professional Editing for Industry	8	Spring
JOUR350	Lifestyle & Arts Journalism subject to approval	6	Spring


Major (48 credit points) Marketing Communication and Advertising This major will provide an understanding of the important roles that business and marketing communication play in engaging, building and maintaining key relationships with a diverse set of stakeholder groups, including employees and customers. Compulsory communication-orientated subjects including Advertising, Public Relations and Corporate Branding ensure that students are exposed to relational concepts via an appropriate mix of theory, practice and application. Elective subjects allow students to consider and apply these concepts within other important marketing contexts, such as International Marketing, Internet Marketing, Tourism Marketing and Social Marketing. Students undertaking this Major will gain access to real world organisations and communication projects, aiding understanding while providing critical experience in preparation for future employment. Minor A minor in Marketing Communication and Advertising will require students to complete the following: MARK101 MARK250 PRMM201 PRMM303 Students may not cross-count any subjects from the minor in any other minor or major study. This version of the minor is therefore not available to students undertaking the Bachelor of Commerce either as a single degree or in any double degree combination. Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Commerce and related double degrees, for whom MARK101 is a compulsory subject, may complete a minor in Marketing Communication and Advertising by substituting MGMT102 as follows: MGMT102 MARK250 PRMM201 PRMM303
Students must complete the following subjects
Subject Code	Subject Name	Credit Points	Session
MGMT102	Business Communication	6	Autumn
MARK101	Marketing Principles	6	Autumn/Spring
PRMM201	Public Relations Concepts	6	Autumn
MARK250	Advertising Practice and Creative Strategies	6	Spring
MARK333	Marketing Communication and Advertising	6	Autumn
PRMM303	Corporate Identity and Branding	6	Spring
And two of the following subjects:
MARK301	Internet Applications for Marketing	6	Autumn
MARK320	Social Marketing	6	Spring
MARK343	International Marketing	6	Autumn
MARK395	Tourism Marketing	6	Spring

Internship and International Subjects

The Faculty of Law, Humanities and Arts internship program provides students with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in their degree in a workplace setting. The internship subject ARTS301 is offered in autumn and spring sessions, all Arts students can enrol into ARTS301 providing they meet the pre-requisites. Another popular internship facilitated by the Faculty of Law, Humanities and Arts is the Politics Internships. The Politics internship subject POL 301 presents interested students with the opportunity to be an intern at Washington, New York or Canberra.

One of the Faculty's aims is to encourage students to study in an overseas university. Students can study abroad for a full session taking three to four subjects, or can study abroad for a shorter period of time by taking a study tour. The Faculty's study tour subjects currently focus on War History and incorporate visits to Gallipoli and the Western Front. Both subjects are listed below:

HIST265	Gallipoli Study Tour	N/O 2013
HIST270	Western Front Study Tour	Winter

Honours

See separate entry for the Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies Honours

Transfer option into the BCMS Dean's Scholars Degree or Double Degree

In January of each year, the Faculty of Law, Humanities and Arts invites applications from high achieving students to apply to transfer into the Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies Dean's Scholars Degree or Double Degree.

Selection Criteria

To be eligible to apply for a place in the BCMS Dean's Scholars Degree or Double Degree, applicants would normally meet the following criteria:

Currently enrolled in the BCMS 798 or any other degree;

Full-time student;

Have successfully completed two full sessions of study or 8 subjects;

Have a WAM (weighted average mark) of at least 80.

Credit Arrangements

Please see General Course Rules for more Information.

Assessment

Assessment in this course varies between subjects and typically includes a combination of essays, tutorial/seminar presentations, WebCT exercises and, in some subjects, in-class tests and/or exams. Some subjects may have an additional practical component. The assessment requirements of each subject are set out in the individual subject outlines, which students receive in the first week of session.