The College of International Education (CIE) at the University of Newcastle offers pathway programs that prepare international students for undergraduate study at the University. These Degree Transfer Extended programs include a pre-university bridging semester and the Year 1 curriculum equivalent, enabling progression directly into Year 2 of a bachelor’s degree (without needing a separate English test for progression)

 

Why Study Degree Transfer Extended Media and Communication?

• Designed for international students: Combines academic English and foundational courses to strengthen readiness for media degree study.
• Direct progression to Year 2: Successful completion lets you enter Year 2 of the Bachelor of Media and Communication at the University of Newcastle.
• Industry-relevant learning: Includes work-integrated learning (WIL) and practical media production skills.
• Strong graduate outcomes: University’s communications programs report high student satisfaction and strong employment outcomes post-graduation.
• Supportive academic environment: Small class sizes, personal support and early immersion into university study.

 

Subjects / Programme Structure

The program involves 15 core courses spanning foundational subjects and Year 1 media curriculum content.

Bridging Semester — foundational (non-creditable) courses:

1. ICEN7100 – Academic English

2. ICCO7100 – Computing

3. ICEC7100 – Economics

4. ICLG7101 – Commercial Law Fundamentals

5. ICIT7100 – Programming

Year 1 Equivalent Media Courses — credit bearing:

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 (online)

7. DESN1031 – Digital Practices in Visual Communication

8. AART1700 – Foundations in Digital Photography

9. ICEN7101 – Academic English A

10. ICEN7102 – Academic English B

 

Disciplines or Specialisations Offered

This pathway leads specifically into the Bachelor of Media and Communication at the University of Newcastle. Structurally, the full degree offers majors and specialisations such as:

• Media Production

• News Media

• Public Relations

• Digital and Social Media

 

Highlights & Benefits

• Comprehensive preparation: Includes foundations in media theory, production, storytelling, social media and digital visuals.
• Work Integrated Learning (WIL): Develops practical skills and portfolio work relevant to industry contexts.
• Direct Year 2 entry: Saves time and cost versus repeating Year 1 after university entry.
• University-level curriculum: You study the same content as first-year degree students, with extra academic support

 

Career Outcomes

Completion of the Bachelor of Media and Communication can lead to roles in sectors such as:

• Digital & Social Media Specialist
• Content Creator / Producer
• Journalist or News Reporter
• Public Relations Officer
• Media Project Coordinator
• Screen / Film Production Assistant
• Photography and Visual Communication Specialist
• Communications & Marketing Roles

 

Visa Requirements

International students must obtain an Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) to study this full-time on-campus program. Standard visa requirements include:

• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from CIE
• Proof of sufficient funds (tuition + living costs)
• OSHC health insurance
• Valid passport and supporting academic documents

 

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• Entry Requirements: CIE assesses both academic and English proficiency based on your country’s education system — check the official entry requirements page for detailed equivalences.
• Bridging Support: Degree Transfer Extended helps students who may not quite meet direct entry into Degree Transfer, by adding a preparatory semester.
• Progression to the University of Newcastle can be automatic once requirements are met; the Admissions team finalises activation and scholarship eligibility.