Program Overview

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Overview

The Diploma of Professional Communication is a one-year program designed to build strong communication skills and develop professional, industry-relevant knowledge in advertising, public relations, and journalism. This diploma is ideal for those seeking a university qualification without committing to a full bachelor degree.

Career Outcomes

As a graduate, you will have developed skills that are highly valued across the arts, entertainment, design, finance, media, and professional services industries. You can apply for jobs as a:

• Public relations assistant
• Marketing assistant
• Journalism and media assistant
• Corporate communications officer
• Community engagement officer

Why Study Arts and Communication at UniSQ?

• Learn from the best: Rated 5/5 stars for skill development and teaching quality in communications.
• Be future-ready, today: UniSQ is future-focused, teaching skills that are directly transferable to today's workplace and jobs of the future.
• Gain a competitive edge: Develop professional communication, analytical, and critical skills to make you stand out in the job market.

What You'll Study

To graduate from the Diploma of Professional Communication, you must successfully complete 8 units of study.

Degree Structure

An undergraduate university degree typically consists of a combination of core, major, and elective courses designed to provide you with foundational knowledge and opportunities for an in-depth deeper dive into your chosen field.

Core Courses

(2 Units)

• CCI1000 - Introduction to Creative Industries
• CCI1002 - Content Creation

Course Selection

(6 Units) Select six (6) courses from the following:

• CCI1001 - Understanding Media
• CCI2000 - Audience and Analytics
• CCI2001 - Social Media, Publicity and Promotion
• CCI2002 - Legal and Ethical Frameworks
• JRN1010 - Fake News and the Fourth Estate
• JRN1030 - Reporting the News
• JRN2009 - Features and Investigation
• JRN2100 - Digital Storytelling in Journalism
• JRN2200 - Communication Design
• PCM1000 - Your Media Toolkit
• PCM1001 - Pitching, Copywriting and Concept Design
• PCM2000 - Running Campaigns
• PRL2002 - Community Consultation and Engagement
• PRL2006 - Event Planning
• TVR1003 - Sound Design for Production

Entry Requirements

There are many ways to be considered for entry into a UniSQ degree based on your education, work experience, and relevant personal attributes.

I am a Current or Recent Year 12 Student

• You need to satisfy the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.
• ATAR 63.00
• This is the lowest adjusted score to which UniSQ made an offer in Trimester 1, 2025. Meeting the lowest adjusted score doesn't guarantee admission.
• To study this degree, we assume you have sound knowledge in:
  • English (Units 3 & 4, C), or equivalent

I am an Applicant with Higher Education Study

This information applies if you've previously completed or started higher education study at university.

• If you've done any study at UniSQ or another university, you may be eligible to apply based on your previous studies.

I am an Applicant with Vocational Education and Training

If you have completed a qualification from a TAFE or qualified private provider, you can use your Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) awards of:

• Certificate III
• Certificate IV
• Diploma
• Advanced Diploma to apply to study with UniSQ.

I am an Applicant with Work Experience and Life Experience

If it's been over two years since you completed secondary education and you haven't pursued any vocational education training (VET) or higher education since, you're still eligible to study at UniSQ.

• Your work experience and other adjustment factors may help you meet UniSQ's entry requirements.

English Language Requirements

You'll need to meet the applicable English language requirements, and this degree requires:

• IELTS (Academic) - Minimum overall score of 6.0 and a minimum score of 5.5 in each of the four components - listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

Fees and Scholarships

• Commonwealth supported: AUD 17,392
• The Federal Government contributes to the cost of your degree, and you need to pay a student contribution.
• This estimated 2026 annual fee is based on the current average rate for your first year of study (8 units per year) and does not include the cost of materials such as textbooks, additional costs, or the Student Services and Amenities fee.

How to Apply

You can apply to study at UniSQ via the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) website.

1. Copy the QTAC code for the study location you've chosen for this degree.
2. Click on the location you've chosen in the below table to take you to the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) website.
3. Select 'Apply Now' to create a QTAC account.

Study Dates

You can select to start your study in Trimester 1, 2, or 3.

• Trimester 1, 2026: Application closing date - Monday, 16 February; Orientation - Monday, 9 February; Start date - Monday, 16 February
• Trimester 2, 2026: Application closing date - Monday, 1 June; Orientation - Monday, 25 May; Start date - Monday, 1 June
• Trimester 3, 2026: Application closing date - Monday, 14 September; Orientation - Monday, 7 September; Start date - Monday, 14 September

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Entry Requirements and Pathways to Entry?

The entry requirements for a communications diploma will vary depending on the learning provider you choose to study with.

• At UniSQ, to gain entry into our Diploma in Professional Communication, you need to meet a specific ATAR, pre-requisites, and assumed knowledge requirements.

Can the Credits from this Certificate be Applied to Further Studies?

Yes. You can use your communications diploma as a stepping-stone to further study.

• At UniSQ, after you complete your Diploma of Professional Communication, you have the option to take these credits into our Bachelor of Communication and Creative Industries.

How Long Does a Communications Diploma Take to Complete?

The duration of a communications diploma will vary depending on the education provider you choose.

• At UniSQ, an Arts and Communication Diploma in Professional Communication will take you approximately one year to complete. Some students choose to study part-time, which increases the time it takes to finish the required courses to finish your Diploma of Communication subjects.

Are Flexible Study Options Available?

How you can study a Diploma of Communication will vary depending on the learning provider you choose to study with.

• At UniSQ, you can study our professional diploma of communication online as an external student. If you want to immerse yourself in on-campus life, you can study at our Toowoomba or Springfield campus. When you study externally, you learn your subject theory online and come on campus when required.