The Degree Transfer Extended Media and Communication programme is designed for international students who need additional academic and English preparation before progressing to Year 2 of the Bachelor of Media and Communication at the University of Newcastle. The first semester provides five bridging subjects, followed by the same Year 1 curriculum as university students plus Academic English A and B. Successful students receive 80 credit points and progress into Year 2 of the Bachelor of Media and Communication.

Key benefits include:

• Additional preparation before commencing university-level media and communication study.
• A direct pathway to Year 2 of the Bachelor of Media and Communication.
• 80 credit points toward the bachelor's degree after successful completion of the relevant Degree Transfer component.
• Work-integrated learning opportunities in the subsequent bachelor's programme.
• Development of practical and creative skills for modern media industries.
• Access to University of Newcastle facilities and the Newcastle City Campus environment.
• Exposure to media production, storytelling, social media, visual communication, photography and media theory.
• A pathway suitable for students who do not meet the standard Degree Transfer academic or English entry threshold.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The programme contains 15 core courses.

First semester: bridging courses

The five bridging courses are:

1. ICEN7100 – Academic English
2. ICCO7100 – Computing
3. ICEC7100 – Economics
4. ICLG7101 – Commercial Law Fundamentals
5. ICIT7100 – Programming

These five bridging courses are non-credit bearing.

Degree Transfer component:

The remaining courses are:

6. CMNS1240 – Commercial Social Media Production
7. CIND1004 – Creative Collaborations
8. CMNS1100 – Foundations of Media Production
9. CMNS1090 – Media Storytelling
10. CMNS1234 – Media and Communication Concepts
11. SCRN1000 – Media Literacy
12. DESN1031 – Digital Practices in Visual Communication
13. AART1700 – Foundations in Digital Photography
14. ICEN7101 – Academic English A
15. ICEN7102 – Academic English B.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The CIE Extended pathway itself does not list separate specialisations.

The destination Bachelor of Media and Communication allows students to develop expertise in areas such as:

• Media production
• News media
• Public relations
• Digital media
• Journalism
• Social media
• Documentary and filmmaking
• Podcasting
• Strategic communication
• Political and organisational communication
• Health and government communication.

Programme Highlights

• Programme: Degree Transfer Extended Media and Communication
• Study level: Undergraduate pathway
• Duration: 3 semesters / 18 months
• Intakes: April and September
• Location: Newcastle City Campus (NUspace)
• Programme fee: AUD 41,700 for 2026
• Number of courses: 15
• Bridging courses: 5
• Destination degree: Bachelor of Media and Communication
• Credit awarded toward destination degree: 80 points
• CRICOS code: 114397D.

Career Outcomes

The Extended pathway itself is a pathway programme, so students normally need to complete the subsequent Bachelor of Media and Communication before pursuing graduate-level professional careers.

The University identifies career possibilities including:

• Media, PR or communication consultant
• Foreign affairs and trade officer
• Media production editor
• Campaign manager
• Film or television director/producer
• Camera operator
• On-screen presenter
• Political speechwriter
• Radio programme producer
• Video producer/editor
• Communication manager/coordinator
• Social media manager/coordinator/specialist
• PR or social media account manager
• Public affairs consultant/adviser
• Community relations manager/coordinator
• Press journalist
• Digital media blogger
• Radio journalist
• Podcaster
• Online journalist
• Marketing communication manager/coordinator.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The programme is currently listed by CIE as a three-semester, 18-month pathway with April and September intakes and CRICOS code 114397D.

The current 2026 CIE fee schedule confirms a programme fee of AUD 41,700 for Degree Transfer Extended Media and Communication.

Important special points:

• The first five bridging courses do not provide academic credit.
• Academic English A and B are also non-credit bearing.
• Successful completion of the pathway is required for progression.
• The pathway provides 80 credit points toward the Bachelor of Media and Communication.
• SCRN1000 Media Literacy is specifically identified as an online course, although the overall pathway is campus-based.
• Students should confirm their intended progression and course selection before accepting an offer.
• The final bachelor's degree has a higher English requirement than the CIE Extended pathway.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students normally require an Australian Student visa, subclass 500, for this full-time CIE pathway, subject to their personal circumstances.

The Department of Home Affairs states that Student visa applicants must:

• Apply online in or outside Australia.
• Be enrolled in an eligible Australian course.
• Hold a valid Confirmation of Enrolment when the visa is decided.
• Hold Overseas Student Health Cover or qualify for an exemption.
• Meet applicable welfare requirements if under 18.
• Meet the other applicable visa eligibility requirements.