What is a Diploma?

A Diploma is a 12-month course that gives you the foundational skills and knowledge in a specific stream. A Diploma in Media & Communication will take you straight into Second Year of a Bachelor of Media at UNSW.

It's a great option for international students, if you need a bit more support, but don't want to add extra time to your degree. If you've just missed out on direct entry into your preferred bachelor's degree, or hold qualifications that aren't recognised by UNSW Sydney, this could also be the program for you. 

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

107827A
(Jan 2024, May 2024)

113048M
(From Aug 2024)

*For full details on intakes, please view Key dates.
*From August 2024, this program will be delivered as Diploma of Media and Communications.

Your journey with a Diploma Program

High School Year 12 progresses to UNSW Diploma Program progresses to Second Year at UNSW Sydney High School Year 12 progresses to UNSW Diploma Program progresses to Second Year at UNSW Sydney

Who is this program for?

The UNSW Diploma Program has been designed specifically for international students. Our Diplomas make it easy to adjust to university, with: 

  • smaller classes and at least 20% extra teaching time 
  • additional English and academic skill support 
  • course material equivalent to First Year courses within the UNSW Sydney degree, and 
  • access to the same facilities and resources as undergraduate students. 

Once you successfully complete a UNSW Diploma in Media & Communication, you will progress onto Second Year at UNSW to study a Bachelor of Media, preparing you for your future career. 

Why study media at UNSW Sydney?

Contemporary media is a dynamic, global, and increasingly complex topic. By studying media at UNSW, you will investigate the professional, social, cultural, political, economic and philosophical impacts that contemporary media has on our daily lives. 

It’s the place to tap into your creativity while learning about the world around you. 

Led by academics actively engaged in media industries, this bachelor’s degree opens a world of opportunities to help you pursue your media career. 

By studying media, you will develop practical vocational skills and conceptual, strategic, creative, and critical capabilities to help set you apart within the industry. 

Career opportunities

  • Corporate Communications Manager 
  • Advertising Strategist 
  • Public Relations Consultant 
  • Brand Manager 
  • Journalist 
  • Filmmaker 
  • Animator 
  • Copywriter 
  • Publicist 
  • Media Advisor 

Your future at UNSW

Once you successfully complete a UNSW Diploma (and meet the entry requirements), you will be guaranteed entry into Second Year at UNSW Sydney. UNSW is one of Australia's leading research and teaching universities, ranked in the top 20 worldwide. Boasting a career-focused education, vibrant community and flexibility in study options, UNSW will help you discover the best version of yourself.

Want to know more about specific progression requirements for your chosen UNSW Sydney bachelor’s degree?

The Diploma in Media and Communication is designed to provide you with a pathway to Second Year of a Bachelor of Media where you will have the opportunity to choose from one of five specialisations below:

Bachelor of Media specialisations:

  • Cinema Studies
  • Communication & Journalism
  • Media Studies
  • Public Relations and Advertising
  • Screen Production

Note: Diploma in Media & Communication 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 program at UNSW.

  • Top 20
    Worldwide

    QS World University Rankings, 2024.

  • Most
    Employable Graduates

    AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.

  • Leading
    Innovation

    #1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.

Program structure

UNSW Diploma students learn the fundamentals required for their future studies in courses that are equivalent to First Year undergraduate courses at UNSW Sydney. 

You get the added benefit of extra support to equip you with the academic and English skills you need to succeed. This will give you a strong basis for your journey into Second Year at UNSW Sydney.

For a list of the specialisations you will choose from, see below:

  • Cinema Studies
  • Communication & Journalism
  • Media Studies
  • Public Relations and Advertising
  • Screen Production

Note: Diploma in Media & Communication 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 program at UNSW.

Entry requirements

The UNSW Diploma Program 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.

View entry requirements

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 UNSW Diploma Program, 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 UNSW Diploma Program.

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.

Diploma fees

2023 tuition fees

A$39,450

2024 tuition fees

A$40,710

Course 2023 Indicative Fees Per Course ($AUD) 2024 Indicative Fees Per Course ($AUD) Courses to complete
Media & Communications $4,890 $5,040 7
Communications and Academic Literacy (CAL) $5,220 $5,430 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 2023, however you may undertake courses in 2024.
    • Studying elective courses outside of your main program area. For example you may be enrolled in the Diploma in Business however you may have undertaken an elective unit from the Diploma in 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

International Student Award
If you start a UNSW Diploma Program in 2023 or 2024, you could be eligible to receive a 15% contribution towards your tuition fees, for the duration of your studies at UNSW.

Ready to apply?

If you’re ready to start your UNSW Diploma application, you can apply directly to UNSW.

Eligible students can apply through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). Find out if you are eligible to apply to UAC.

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.

UNSW Program Code

7005

UAC Code

440500

Why study with UNSW College?

  • Your path to a global top 20 university

    Successfully complete a Diploma Program and progress directly to Second Year of a Bachelor of Media at UNSW Sydney.

  • Support as you learn

    The Diploma Program is designed for international students like you, so you can develop English language and academic skills to take the next step with confidence.

  • Directly connected to UNSW

    The program is accredited by UNSW Sydney and provides full access to UNSW’s world class libraries, clubs and societies.

Diploma in Science student Claudia from Indonesia
The UNSW 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.

Claudia Velda Widjaja

Diploma student

UNSW Global Pty Limited ABN 62 086 418 582 trading as UNSW College™.

Diploma & Foundation Studies
UNSW College™ currently delivers Diplomas and Foundation Studies on behalf of UNSW Sydney - CRICOS Provider Code 00098G; UNSW Sydney TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12055 (Australian University).

From 26 August 2024, UNSW College™ will commence delivery of Diplomas and Foundation Studies under its own CRICOS Provider Code - 01020K and TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education).

Pre-Masters
From 6 May 2024, UNSW College™ will commence delivery of the Pre-Masters Program under CRICOS Provider Code 01020K and TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education).

Academic English
UNSW College™ delivers Academic English under CRICOS Provider code 01020K. See unswcollege.edu.au/esos for more information.

© 2024 UNSW Global Pty Limited