Bachelor of Communication in Journalism Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation – University of Technology Sydney (CRICOS 087780C)

Course overview

Bachelor of Communication in Journalism Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation (CRICOS 087780C) is a Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7) offered by University of Technology Sydney (UTS) at its City Campus in Haymarket, NSW. The course spans 4 years (208 weeks) and is taught entirely in English. As a dual qualification, students earn two bachelor’s degrees simultaneously: a Bachelor of Communication in Journalism and a Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation. This structure allows you to develop deep expertise in journalistic practice—covering news writing, multimedia storytelling, and media ethics—while also mastering innovation methodologies such as design thinking, foresight, and creative leadership. The field of education is Creative Arts (10), specifically Communication and Media Studies (1007) and Journalism (100703). Graduates are prepared for careers as journalists, content creators, communication strategists, or innovation consultants in Australia and globally. UTS is renowned for its strong industry connections and practical approach, ensuring that what you learn is directly applicable in the workplace. The course includes a mandatory work component, giving you real-world experience before you graduate. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets the requirements for international student visas and is protected under the ESOS Act. All information on this page is sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026, with fees and details subject to change by the provider.

What you'll study

This dual bachelor's degree covers two complementary fields. In the journalism component, you'll study news reporting, feature writing, digital media production, media law, and investigative journalism. You'll learn to produce content for print, broadcast, and online platforms, with a strong emphasis on accuracy, ethics, and storytelling. The creative intelligence component focuses on innovation skills: design thinking, systems thinking, creativity theory, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. You'll work on real-world projects, often in teams, and learn to apply creative problem-solving in business, social, and cultural contexts. The combination is designed to produce graduates who can not only tell compelling stories but also drive change and innovation in their organisations. While this is not a detailed syllabus, typical learning outcomes at AQF Level 7 include critical analysis, communication skills, adaptability, and the ability to work independently and in teams. UTS regularly updates its curriculum to reflect industry trends, so you'll be learning cutting-edge practices. The course is delivered through lectures, tutorials, workshops, and online resources, with assessment via assignments, portfolios, exams, and project work. International students benefit from UTS's strong support services, including academic skills development and English language assistance.

Duration and study mode

The course is scheduled for 4 years (208 weeks) as indicated on the CRICOS register. This is a full-time, on-campus program delivered in English. The dual qualification means you study both degrees concurrently, completing requirements for each. Typically, you'll take a mix of journalism and creative intelligence subjects each semester. The long duration allows for in-depth learning, multiple work placements, and an honours-level project in creative intelligence. Study mode is face-to-face at UTS City Campus, though some components may be online. International students must maintain full-time enrolment as per visa conditions. The 208-week period includes scheduled breaks; the actual academic weeks may be less. Always confirm the exact course structure with UTS, as study sequences can vary. Language of instruction is English, and you'll need to meet the English proficiency requirements (see entry requirements). No foundation or VET components are attached to this course. For students seeking a shorter pathway, UTS offers other related degrees; however, this dual program is designed for those wanting both journalism and innovation expertise.

Fees (indicative – set by University of Technology Sydney)

Tuition fees for this course are indicative and sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. The total tuition fee is A$252,325 for the full 4-year program. There are no non-tuition fees listed (A$0), bringing the estimated total to A$252,325. This does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. OSHC is mandatory for international students; single cover typically costs A$500–$700 per year. Living costs in Sydney—one of Australia's most expensive cities—are estimated at A$25,000–$30,000 annually, covering rent (A$450–$600/week for a one-bedroom), groceries, transport, and utilities. The Student visa (Subclass 500) requires evidence of sufficient funds for travel, tuition, and living expenses for the first year (currently at least A$29,710 in living costs plus tuition and airfares). Fees are subject to change, so always check UTS's official website (uts.edu.au) for the most current information. UTS may also offer scholarships; explore options on their website. Remember, HeadStart Academy is a free resource—we do not charge referral fees or commissions.

Entry requirements (general guidance)

For this Bachelor degree, you typically need an Australian Year 12 qualification or equivalent overseas secondary schooling. If your prior education was not in English, you must demonstrate English proficiency. For this course, a guide is IELTS (Academic) 6.0–6.5 overall, with no band below 5.5–6.0 (depending on component). Equivalent tests like TOEFL or PTE are also accepted. In addition, you may need to submit a personal statement or portfolio for the creative component. Foundation studies are not required as part of this course, but UTS offers foundation programs for students who do not meet direct entry requirements. Check UTS's website for specific prerequisites and country-specific requirements. Meeting the minimum does not guarantee admission; places are competitive. You can also apply via a pathway provider like UTS Insearch (now UTS College) which offers diplomas leading to degree entry. Always consult UTS admissions or a registered education agent for personalised advice. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent; for visa-related entry requirements, refer to the Department of Home Affairs.

Work component

Yes, this course includes a work component: 19 weeks, 4 hours per week (approximately 76 total hours). This work-integrated learning (WIL) is built into the curriculum, typically as an internship, industry placement, or project-based work with an external organisation. For journalism students, placements may be in newsrooms, media agencies, or corporate communications departments. Creative intelligence projects often involve consulting with real businesses on innovation challenges. This practical exposure is a hallmark of UTS's applied learning approach, helping you build professional networks and a portfolio before graduation. The work component is supervised and assessed, and you'll likely need to comply with workplace policies. International students can undertake this as part of their course; it does not affect student visa work limits (48 hours per fortnight during term), but the placement hours count toward your study load. Always confirm the exact nature of the work component with UTS, as it may vary by year. This real-world experience enhances employability and can lead to job offers post-study.

Delivery locations

This course is delivered at University of Technology Sydney (City Campus) in Haymarket, NSW. The campus is located in Sydney's central business district (CBD), within walking distance of Central Station, Chinatown, and Darling Harbour. Sydney is Australia's largest city, with a population of over 5 million, including a large international student community (over 200,000 studying in NSW). The city boasts excellent public transport—trains, buses, light rail, and ferries—making the campus easily accessible. Living in Sydney offers a vibrant lifestyle with multicultural food, arts, and beaches. As a student, you'll have access to UTS's state-of-the-art facilities, including media studios, innovation labs, and libraries. The Haymarket area is known for its affordable Asian eateries and markets. While the campus is urban, there are also green spaces nearby like Hyde Park. When considering your choice, remember that Sydney is one of the most expensive cities in Australia for rent and living costs. However, the part-time work opportunities (48 hours per fortnight during term) can help offset expenses. Always explore accommodation options early, from on-campus housing to private rentals.

Is Sydney right for you?

Sydney offers a dynamic environment for studying journalism and creative innovation. With over 200 CRICOS-registered providers in the city, you'll be part of a diverse student ecosystem. The media industry in Sydney is strong—home to major news outlets like the ABC, Channel 9, and News Corp Australia. Creative industries thrive in hubs like Surry Hills and Pyrmont. However, the cost of living is high: average weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city is A$500–$700, and a monthly transport pass costs around A$180–$200. Groceries for one person run about A$80–$120 per week. Part-time work can help, but many students rely on savings or family support. Australia's ESOS Act protects your rights as an international student, including refunds, complaints, and support services. UTS offers dedicated international student support. If you enjoy a fast-paced urban lifestyle with access to beaches and cultural events, Sydney could be a great fit. For a more affordable option, consider other Australian cities like Brisbane or Adelaide, but ensure they have similar course offerings. HeadStart Academy has resources to compare states: check our /states/nsw page for more information.

Student visa

International students require a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this full-time course in Australia. You must be enrolled as a full-time student and maintain satisfactory course progress. Key conditions: work rights of 48 hours per fortnight during term time, unlimited during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions). You must hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire visa period. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement asks you to demonstrate your intention to stay temporarily for study. You'll also need to show financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, travel, and OSHC. After graduation, you may be eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) if your skills are in demand. Always check the latest Department of Home Affairs policies. HeadStart Academy provides general visa guidance, but we are not registered migration agents. For specific advice, consult a MARA-registered agent. Our visa pages offer detailed information: see /visa/student-visa-subclass-500 and /visa/oshc-health-cover.

How to apply

Follow these three steps to apply for Bachelor of Communication in Journalism Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation at University of Technology Sydney (UTS):

1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers:** Use our course search to filter by Bachelor Degree, Journalism, and New South Wales. Confirm UTS is registered (CRICOS 00099F) and the course is current (087780C). Compare other providers offering similar dual qualifications.

2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution:** Visit UTS's official website (uts.edu.au) to check application deadlines, entry requirements (including English test scores), and submit an application online. You may need to provide academic transcripts, English test results, and a personal statement. UTS typically has two intake semesters (February and July). Apply early to secure a place.

3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500):** If UTS offers you a place, they will issue a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application online via the Department of Home Affairs. Provide evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE. For visa help, consult our visa guides or a registered migration agent. Once granted, you can travel to Australia and commence your studies.

Start your application journey today. Research more CRICOS-registered courses on HeadStart Academy, or visit University of Technology Sydney's website to apply directly. Remember, all data is sourced from the official CRICOS register – your trusted guide to studying in Australia.

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