Looking for a combined degree in media and arts at a top Australian university? The Bachelor of Media (Public Relations and Advertising)/Bachelor of Arts (CRICOS course code 099872M) is a 4-year Bachelor Degree offered by The University of New South Wales (UNSW) (CRICOS 00098G). This page provides all the details you need: indicative fees of A$198,500 total, entry requirements including IELTS 6.0-6.5, delivery at UNSW Kensington campus, and visa guidance. UNSW is a Group of Eight university located in Sydney, Australia's largest city with over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering thousands of courses. As a CRICOS-registered course (099872M), this program is approved for international student enrolment and protected under the ESOS Act. Use this guide to evaluate if this dual degree aligns with your career goals in public relations and advertising.
Bachelor of Media (Public Relations and Advertising)/Bachelor of Arts (CRICOS course code 099872M) is a Bachelor Degree delivered by The University of New South Wales (UNSW) over 4 years. This dual qualification combines specialist media and communications training with the breadth of a liberal arts education. The course is classified under field of education 080509 - Public Relations within Management and Commerce. Graduates emerge with skills in strategic communication, campaign management, media relations, and critical analysis. As a CRICOS-registered program, it meets Australian quality standards for international education. The University of New South Wales (UNSW), CRICOS 00098G, is a government-funded public university consistently ranked among the world's top 50. The course is delivered on the Kensington campus, which is well-connected by public transport to Sydney's central business district. Sydney itself hosts over 200 CRICOS-registered providers, making it a prime study destination with a vibrant international student community of over 50,000.
This dual degree immerses you in both the theory and practice of public relations and advertising, combined with a broad arts curriculum. In the media component, you will explore areas such as campaign planning, digital media strategy, stakeholder engagement, and brand management. The arts side allows you to choose majors from disciplines like sociology, politics, history, or languages, fostering analytical thinking and intercultural competence. At AQF Level 7 (Bachelor Degree), study involves critical evaluation of industry practices, ethical communication frameworks, and research methods. While specific subjects are set by UNSW, graduates typically develop skills in persuasive writing, data interpretation, project management, and cross-cultural communication. This combination is particularly relevant for entry into careers in advertising agencies, public relations consultancies, corporate communications, or government departments. The degree also prepares you for further study at postgraduate level, such as a Master of Public Relations or Master of Marketing.
The course is designed to be completed over 4 years (208 weeks on the CRICOS register). All instruction is delivered in English, reflecting the industry's global language. This is a dual qualification, meaning upon completion you receive two separate Bachelor degrees: Bachelor of Media (Public Relations and Advertising) and Bachelor of Arts. This structure allows you to gain specialised expertise alongside broad academic knowledge, enhancing employability. Study is typically full-time on campus at UNSW Kensington, with the option to attend daytime lectures, tutorials, and workshops. UNSW also offers some online components, but the program is primarily face-to-face. The university operates on a trimester system, giving flexibility in course progression. International students must maintain full-time enrolment as a condition of their Student visa (Subclass 500). The 4-year duration is fixed on the CRICOS register, but accelerated completion may be possible through summer terms, subject to visa conditions. Always confirm current study mode options directly with UNSW.
Tuition for this course is indicative A$194,500, with non-tuition fees of A$4,000, giving an estimated total of A$198,500. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Note that these fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. OSHC costs approximately A$500–A$700 per year for single cover. Living costs in Sydney are among Australia's highest: indicative weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment near campus is $500–$700, groceries $100–$150, and public transport $40–$60. The Australian Government advises international students budget at least $21,041 per year for living expenses (2026 guideline). Always check UNSW's official fee page for the most current tuition. HeadStart Academy is not responsible for fee changes; we recommend confirming with the provider before enrolling.
For this course, the indicative English language requirement is IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall, with no band below 5.5–6.0 (equivalents accepted: TOEFL, PTE, Cambridge). Academic entry typically requires completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent overseas qualification with a competitive ATAR. UNSW may consider prior tertiary study, work experience, or foundation programs. The university offers a Foundation Studies pathway for students who do not meet direct entry. Specifically, UNSW Global provides foundation programs that lead into this degree. International students should research credit transfer options if they have previous study in relevant fields. All applicants must demonstrate genuine temporary entrant (GTE) criteria as part of visa application. Entry requirements are set by UNSW and may vary by intake; always refer to UNSW's admissions page or contact their international admissions team for precise information. HeadStart Academy does not assess eligibility; we provide general guidance only.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. There is no requirement for an internship, work placement, or industry experience as part of the degree. However, students are encouraged to seek voluntary internships, part-time work, or extracurricular opportunities to gain practical experience. International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays, provided they are enrolled full-time. Sydney's vibrant media industry offers many opportunities for internships at ad agencies, PR firms, and media outlets. The UNSW Career Development Centre assists students in finding internships and placements. While not required, a work component can be highly beneficial for career readiness. Always check UNSW's course handbook for any optional industry projects or work-integrated learning opportunities.
This course is delivered at The University of New South Wales — Kensington, NSW. The Kensington campus is located approximately 7 kilometres southeast of Sydney's central business district, easily accessible by bus and light rail. Sydney is Australia's most populous city with over 5 million residents and a large international student community of more than 50,000. The city boasts over 200 CRICOS-registered educational institutions, offering rich cultural and professional opportunities. The campus itself is modern, with extensive library facilities, media labs, and student support services. Living in Sydney means access to world-class beaches, arts, and cuisine, but cost of living is high. Indicative weekly expenses for a student in Sydney are $600–$800 for accommodation, $100–$150 for food, and $40–$60 for transport. Consider these factors when planning your study abroad experience.
International students enrolling in this course must apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from UNSW, genuine temporary entrant (GTE) evidence, adequate health insurance (OSHC), and financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. As of 2026, student work rights allow 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. You must maintain full-time enrolment and satisfactory course progress. The Department of Home Affairs assesses each application on individual merit. ESOS Act protections apply to all CRICOS-registered students, including tuition assurance and complaint mechanisms. For visa-specific advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or visit homeaffairs.gov.au. HeadStart Academy provides general guidance only and does not offer immigration assistance.
Sydney is a global city with a thriving media and advertising industry. Studying here gives you access to headquarters of major agencies like Clemenger BBDO, Ogilvy, and Edelman. The city's cultural diversity mirrors the global nature of public relations. However, consider cost: Sydney is Australia's most expensive city for rent and utilities. Public transport is efficient but adds to weekly expenses. If you prefer a quieter environment, regional NSW has options like the University of Wollongong or University of Newcastle. For this dual degree, think about whether you want a broad liberal arts foundation combined with media specialisation. If you're aiming for a career in strategic communication, this program is well-suited. Always visit UNSW's open days or virtual tours to assess fit.
Follow these three steps to secure your place in Bachelor of Media (Public Relations and Advertising)/Bachelor of Arts at The University of New South Wales (UNSW):
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers:** Use the CRICOS register to confirm that UNSW (00098G) is registered for this course. Filter by course level, field (08 – Management and Commerce), and location (NSW) to compare similar programs.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution:** Visit UNSW's international admissions page, review entry requirements (including English test scores), and submit your application by the deadline. UNSW typically has three intake rounds per year (February, June, September). Provide all documents: transcripts, English test results, personal statement, and passport copy.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa:** If accepted, UNSW will issue a CoE. Use this to lodge your Student visa (Subclass 500) application online. Include OSHC evidence, financial documents, and GTE statement. Visa processing times vary; apply early. After visa grant, you can plan your travel to Sydney.
Ready to apply? Use our step-by-step guide to start your application to UNSW today.
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Bachelor of Media (Public Relations and Advertising)/Bachelor of Arts is a CRICOS-registered programme at The University of New South Wales (UNSW). 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.