Degree Transfer Media and Communication at the University of Newcastle College of International Education (CIE) is a pathway program designed for international students who want to progress into Year 2 of the Bachelor of Media and Communication at the University of Newcastle.

Key benefits include:

• Students study the same Year 1 curriculum as Bachelor of Media and Communication students and receive 80 credit points toward the bachelor’s degree.
• Successful completion provides entry into Year 2 of the Bachelor of Media and Communication at the University of Newcastle.
• The program combines media production, storytelling, social media, visual communication, digital photography and media theory.
• Students can develop practical and creative skills for contemporary media industries.
• The pathway includes work-integrated learning opportunities through the subsequent Bachelor of Media and Communication.
• Students study at Newcastle City Campus (NUspace), providing access to the University’s creative industries and communication learning environment.
• The University of Newcastle reports 93.5% of undergraduate Communications graduates were employed within four months, based on the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022–2024. This is a broader University statistic and is not a guaranteed employment outcome for CIE pathway students.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The program contains 10 core courses:

1. CMNS1240 Commercial Social Media Production
2. CIND1004 Creative Collaborations
3. CMNS1100 Foundations of Media Production
4. CMNS1090 Media Storytelling
5. CMNS1234 Media and Communication Concepts
6. SCRN1000 Media Literacy
7. DESN1031 Digital Practices in Visual Communication
8. AART1700 Foundations in Digital Photography
9. ICEN7101 Academic English A
10. ICEN7102 Academic English B.

Academic English A and Academic English B are non-credit-bearing.

The curriculum covers:

• Commercial social media production
• Creative collaboration
• Media production
• Storytelling
• Media and communication theory
• Media literacy
• Digital visual communication
• Digital photography
• Academic English and university study skills.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The CIE Degree Transfer program itself does not list separate specialisations.

The pathway leads to the Bachelor of Media and Communication at the University of Newcastle. The University's degree provides opportunities to tailor study toward areas including:

• Documentary and filmmaking
• Podcasting and multiplatform journalism
• Social media content creation
• Strategic communication campaigns
• Political or organisational communication
• Health communication
• Government communication.

Programme Highlights

• Program: Degree Transfer Media and Communication
• CRICOS code: 114391K
• Duration: 12 months
• Structure: 2 semesters
• Number of courses: 10
• 80 credit points toward the Bachelor of Media and Communication
• January and August intakes
• Campus: Newcastle City Campus (NUspace)
• 2026 tuition fee: AUD 34,800
• Direct pathway to Year 2 of the Bachelor of Media and Communication
• Curriculum includes media production, storytelling, commercial social media, visual communication and digital photography.
• Academic English A and B are included but are non-credit-bearing.

Career Outcomes

The Degree Transfer program is a pathway and does not itself represent the final bachelor's qualification. Career outcomes primarily depend on completing the Bachelor of Media and Communication after progressing to Year 2.

The University of Newcastle identifies potential careers including:

• Media consultant
• Public relations consultant
• Media production editor
• Campaign manager
• Film or television director/producer
• Camera operator
• On-screen presenter
• Political speechwriter
• Radio program producer
• Video producer/editor
• Communication manager/coordinator
• Social media manager/coordinator/specialist
• PR/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 current CIE information identifies:

• CRICOS code: 114391K.
• 2026 program fee: AUD 34,800.
• 12-month duration.
• 10-course structure.
• January and August intakes.
• Newcastle City Campus (NUspace).
• 80 credit points toward the Bachelor of Media and Communication.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students normally require an Australian Student visa (subclass 500).

The Australian Department of Home Affairs states that this visa allows eligible students to study in Australia and currently permits students to work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session.

Key requirements include:

• Enrolment in an eligible course.
• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), unless exempt.
• Meeting applicable health and character requirements.
• Meeting the Genuine Student requirement.
• Providing financial-capacity evidence where required by the visa application/document checklist.