Doctor of Philosophy (Communication & Media Arts) (CRICOS course code 027438C) is a Doctoral Degree delivered by The University of Newcastle (UoN) over 4 years. This advanced research degree is designed for students seeking to make original contributions to the field of communication and media studies. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider 00109J), it meets Australian Government standards for international student enrolment. UoN is a government-funded university with campuses in Callaghan and Newcastle City, offering a supportive environment for doctoral research. This page provides detailed information on fees, entry requirements, delivery locations, and student visa conditions, sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026). HeadStart Academy is your free, independent resource for planning your study in Australia, covering 26,433 courses across 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers.
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Doctor of Philosophy (Communication & Media Arts) (CRICOS course code 027438C) is a Doctoral Degree (AQF Level 10) delivered by The University of Newcastle (UoN). The course code 027438C is your unique identifier on the CRICOS register, confirming the program is approved for international student enrolment. This degree falls under the field of Creative Arts (broad field 10), specifically Communication and Media Studies (narrow field 1007). It prepares graduates for academic careers, senior roles in media organisations, or research leadership in communication. UoN is a leading research-intensive university in New South Wales, with a strong reputation in creative and cultural research.
This Doctoral Degree focuses on advanced research in communication and media arts, requiring students to complete a substantial thesis that contributes new knowledge to the discipline. Areas of inquiry may include media theory, digital communication, cultural studies, journalism, film, and public relations. Students develop rigorous research methodologies, analytical skills, and critical thinking. The program is tailored to each student’s research proposal, supervised by experienced academics. Graduates emerge as experts capable of shaping media policy, leading creative projects, or teaching at university level. The course is at AQF Level 10, the highest qualification in the Australian Qualifications Framework.
According to the CRICOS register, the duration of Doctor of Philosophy (Communication & Media Arts) is 4 years (208 weeks) of full-time study. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (no dual award) and does not include foundation studies or a VET component. Students are expected to be based at one of UoN’s campuses to access supervision and facilities. Part-time options may be available but can affect visa conditions. Always confirm current duration and mode with UoN.
Tuition fees for Doctor of Philosophy (Communication & Media Arts) are indicative at A$166,212, with non-tuition fees of A$1,608, making an estimated total of A$167,820. These figures are sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are set by UoN. Important: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and the visa application charge are not included in this estimate. For current fees, always check UoN’s website at www.newcastle.edu.au. Fees are subject to change, and scholarships may be available.
For Doctor of Philosophy (Communication & Media Arts), typical entry requirements include an overall IELTS score of 6.5-7.0 (with no band below 6.0) or equivalent English language test. Candidates are expected to hold a Master’s degree (AQF Level 9) in a related field or a Bachelor’s degree with honours (AQF Level 8) that includes a research component. A strong research proposal and agreement from a potential supervisor are required. Foundation or pathway options are not standard for doctoral programs, but some universities offer pre-research courses. Check UoN’s specific requirements for international students. HeadStart Academy recommends contacting a registered migration agent for visa-specific advice.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. Work is not a requirement to complete the degree. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions.
Doctor of Philosophy (Communication & Media Arts) is delivered at two UoN campuses: The University of Newcastle (Callaghan) in CALLAGHAN, NSW, and The University of Newcastle (Newcastle City) in Newcastle, NSW. Newcastle is a vibrant regional city located about 160 km north of Sydney, with a population of over 490,000. It has a strong student community, with more than 30 CRICOS-registered providers offering diverse courses. Cost of living in Newcastle is generally lower than Sydney: indicative weekly rent A$200-350, groceries A$80-120, and public transport A$40-60. Both campuses are accessible by bus and light rail. The Callaghan campus is set in a bushland landscape, while the City campus is in the city centre.
International students enrolling in this CRICOS-registered course require a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows study at a registered provider and includes work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. You must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity. The Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act protects your rights as an international student. For detailed visa advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs. HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice.
Follow these 3 steps to apply for Doctor of Philosophy (Communication & Media Arts) at The University of Newcastle (UoN):
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use HeadStart Academy to filter by Doctoral Degree, Creative Arts field, and New South Wales. Confirm that UoN (CRICOS 00109J) is registered for course 027438C.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** – Submit an online application to UoN, including your research proposal, academic transcripts, English test scores (e.g., IELTS 6.5-7.0), and CV. Check application deadlines and any additional requirements for doctoral programs.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa** – If accepted, UoN will issue a CoE for course 027438C. Then apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs, providing evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and genuine temporary stay.
Ready to start your journey? Explore more Doctoral Degrees in Creative Arts on HeadStart Academy, or contact The University of Newcastle (UoN) directly for application details.
Doctor of Philosophy (Communication & Media Arts) is a CRICOS-registered programme at The University of Newcastle (UoN). Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.