Program Overview

Diploma of Communication (951AA.6)

The Diploma of Communication is a pathway to many exciting careers in advertising, public relations, journalism, or media and arts production. This course supports students in building language and academic skills for further studies, provides direct entry to the second year of many bachelor's degrees, and develops professional expertise to enter and confidently contribute to the communication industries.

About this Course

By studying the Diploma of Communication, students will:

• Develop oral and written communication skills, including presenting knowledge, ideas, and opinions with confidence and clarity.
• Gain a good understanding of key cultural areas.
• Develop the professional expertise to enter and confidently contribute to the communication industries.

Study Opportunities

Upon finishing the Diploma of Communication, students can directly enter into one of the following courses delivered by the Faculty of Arts and Design, with one year of credit:

• Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing)
• Bachelor of Arts (Cultural Heritage)
• Bachelor of Arts (Digital Media)
• Bachelor of Arts (Film Production)
• Bachelor of Arts (Global Studies)
• Bachelor of Communication and Media (Journalism)
• Bachelor of Communication and Media (Corporate and Public Communications)
• Bachelor of Media (Marketing Communication)
• Bachelor of Communication and Media (Sport Media)

Admission Requirements

Students are required to meet English language requirements and general admission requirements to the University of Canberra College.

• Assumed knowledge: None.
• Periods course is open for new admissions:
  • Year | Location | Teaching period | Teaching start date | Domestic | International
  • 2026 | UC College, Bruce, ACT | UC College Trimester 1 | 02 March 2026 |
  • 2026 | UC College, Bruce, ACT | UC College Trimester 2 | 29 June 2026 |
  • 2026 | UC College, Bruce, ACT | UC College Trimester 3 | 26 October 2026 |
  • 2027 | UC College, Bruce, ACT | UC College Trimester 1 | 01 March 2027 |
  • 2027 | UC College, Bruce, ACT | UC College Trimester 2 | 28 June 2027 |
  • 2027 | UC College, Bruce, ACT | UC College Trimester 3 | 25 October 2027 |

Course Requirements

• Diploma of Communication (951AA) | 24 credit points
  • Required - Must pass 12 credit points as follows:
    • Academic English (9487) | 3 credit points — Level 1
    • Visual Representation Techniques (11041) | 3 credit points — Level 1
    • Foundations of Marketing Communication (11096) | 3 credit points — Level 1
    • Marketing Fundamentals (11176) | 3 credit points — Level 1
  • Restricted Choice - Must pass 12 credit points as follows:
    • Part C - Must pass 3 credit points from the following:
      • Producing Credible Communication (11081) | 3 credit points — Level 1
      • The Responsible Communicator (12230) | 3 credit points — Level 1
    • Part A - Must pass 3 credit points from the following:
      • The Art and Power of Communication (11079) | 3 credit points — Level 1
      • Understanding Communication and Media (12217) | 3 credit points — Level 1
    • Part D - Must pass 3 credit points from the following:
      • Corporate and Public Communication Foundations (11103) | 3 credit points — Level 1
      • Communicating with Intent: Strategic Communication Foundations (12223) | 3 credit points — Level 1
    • Part B - Must pass 3 credit points from the following:
      • Digital Media Fundamentals (11080) | 3 credit points — Level 1
      • Making Media (12218) | 3 credit points — Level 1

Typical Study Pattern

• Standard Full Time, Trimester 1 Commencing:
  • Year 1
    • Trimester 1:
      • Marketing Fundamentals (11176)
      • Producing Credible Communication (11081)
      • The Art and Power of Communication (11079)
      • Visual Representation Techniques (11041)
    • Trimester 2:
      • Academic English (9487)
      • Corporate and Public Communication Foundations (11103)
      • Digital Media Fundamentals (11080)
      • Foundations of Marketing Communication (11096)
• Standard Full Time, Trimester 2 Commencing:
  • Year 1
    • Trimester 2:
      • Academic English (9487)
      • Corporate and Public Communication Foundations (11103)
      • Digital Media Fundamentals (11080)
      • Foundations of Marketing Communication (11096)
    • Trimester 3:
      • Marketing Fundamentals (11176)
      • Producing Credible Communication (11081)
      • The Art and Power of Communication (11079)
      • Visual Representation Techniques (11041)

Course Information

• Course duration: Standard 1 year full time or part-time equivalent. Maximum 4 years from date of enrolment to date of course completion.
• Learning outcomes:
  1. Develop oral and written communication skills, including presenting knowledge, ideas, and opinions with confidence and clarity.
  2. Develop the ability to independently locate, evaluate, and apply relevant information to develop creative solutions in professional practice.
  3. Develop a basic understanding of the theoretical principles and practical application of communication in society, and of the nature and functions of the communication professional.
  4. Develop analytical and critical thinking skills and apply them to professional practice and academic enquiry.
  5. Develop skills in group work, including team leader and team member roles, to work cooperatively with diverse stakeholders.
  6. Understand the socio-economic, ethical, and political context in which the communication professions are practiced and differentiate between ethical and non-ethical professional practice within that context.
• Awards:
  • Award: Diploma of Communication
  • Official abbreviation: Dip Comm
• Enrolment data:
  • 2023 enrolments for this course by location: UC - University of Canberra College, Bruce (30)