The University of Newcastle College of International Education (CIE) offers pre-university pathway programs that prepare international students for undergraduate degrees at the University of Newcastle (UoN) in Australia. These pathways are matched to the academic level of the first year of a bachelor’s degree but include additional support such as language, academic and study skills.

 

The Degree Transfer Extended Media and Communication program is designed to prepare you for Year 2 of the Bachelor of Media and Communication at the University of Newcastle — one of Australia’s leading communications degrees.

 

Why Study Degree Transfer Extended Media and Communication?

• Direct Progression to Year 2: Successful completion leads straight into Year 2 of the Bachelor of Media and Communication without the need for additional English testing for progression.
• Extra Academic Preparation: Includes a bridging semester that strengthens your academic English, computing, economics and foundational skills before core media subjects.
• Industry-Balanced Curriculum: Combines theory and practice — from storytelling and production to digital communication skills relevant across media industries.
• Work Integrated Learning (WIL): Opportunities to gain practical, hands-on project experience that can boost employability.

 

Programme Structure

This extended pathway consists of fifteen core courses, blending foundational preparation with media subjects:

Bridging Semester Courses (Non-credit bearing)

These build your core academic and digital skills:

• ICEN7100 – Academic English

• ICCO7100 – Computing

• ICEC7100 – Economics

• ICLG7101 – Commercial Law Fundamentals

• ICIT7100 – Programming

Core Media & Communication Courses (Credit bearing)

These mirror first-year university subjects:

• CMNS1240 – Commercial Social Media Production

• CIND1004 – Creative Collaborations

• CMNS1100 – Foundations of Media Production

• CMNS1090 – Media Storytelling

• CMNS1234 – Media and Communication Concepts

• SCRN1000 – Media Literacy (online)

• DESN1031 – Digital Practices in Visual Communication

• AART1700 – Foundations in Digital Photography

• ICEN7101 – Academic English A

• ICEN7102 – Academic English B

 

Disciplines & Specialisations Offered

Upon progression into Year 2 at the University of Newcastle, you can pursue the Bachelor of Media and Communication, which often includes majors and focus areas such as:

• Commercial Media Production

• Social Media & Digital Communication

• Media Theory and Culture

• Visual Communication and Photography

 

Highlights & Benefits

• Blended academic preparation: The extended format gives extra support in academic English and foundational subjects before diving into media content.
• Work Integrated Learning (WIL): Develop practical skills and media portfolios relevant to real job contexts.
• Direct Year 2 progression: Saves time and tuition relative to starting your degree from scratch.
• University resources access: Students enjoy full access to UoN facilities and student services from the start.

 

Career Outcomes

Completing the Bachelor of Media and Communication (after progression) can lead to careers such as:

• Media Producer / Content Creator
• Social Media Strategist
• Digital Communications Specialist
• Journalist / Reporter
• Visual Media Designer / Photographer
• Public Relations Officer
• Broadcast and Screen Roles

 

Visa Requirements

International students must apply for an Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) to study this on-campus pathway. Standard requirements include:

• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from CIE
• Proof of adequate funds for tuition and living costs
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
• Valid passport and academic records

 

Latest Updates & Notes

• Degree Transfer Extended programs offer March/April and September/October intakes for most streams; the official current site lists April and September for Media and Communication.
• Entry and English requirements (e.g. IELTS 5.5) apply uniformly across Degree Transfer Extended programs.
• Upon successful completion, students are activated into Year 2 of their university degree and advised via their student email.