Diploma in Creative Industries and Communication

This program prepares you to thrive in fields such as communications, design, and other creative industries. You could be a creative writer or a market researcher, or continue further study with entry to the second year of a range of Bachelor programs at Western.

Diploma in Creative Industries and Communication

Duration

Full Time: 1 Year

Next Start Date

21 July 2025

02 March 2026

Closing Date

Campuses^
Penrith UAC 729262
Indicative 2025 Annual Fee
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Indicative annual fee from $11,885

Additional Information

Program Code: 7194

Diploma in Creative Industries and Communication

Modular learning
Western is launching modular learning in 2025 at The College. We’ve re-imagined the way our courses are delivered using research on the best ways for students to learn. Learn more about Modular Learning.

Introduction
The Diploma in Creative Industries and Communication is your pathway to a vibrant and diverse realm of creativity. Want to turn your creative ideas into commercial reality? This Diploma prepares you to thrive in fields such as communications, design, and other creative industries. You could be a creative writer, a digital content producer, a graphic designer, or a market researcher, or continue further study with a direct pathway to the second year of a range of Bachelor programs at Western, without losing any time.

Immersed in small classes with practical learning, and the ability to focus on one course-specific subject at a time – you will gain in-depth knowledge across a range of creative fields of study. Provided with hands-on learning, you will develop transferable skills in communication, design, digital literacy, creativity, and media, unlocking your boundless creative potential.

Whether you aspire to secure a job or pursue further academic endeavours, this Diploma sets you on a path to success.

What pathways to further study does this Diploma provide?
Upon successful completion of this Diploma course, you can transition with 80-credit points that can be applied across your degree in one of the following Bachelor programs:

^The Bachelor of Creative Industries includes a major in Screen Media, which can be completed in the same duration as the Bachelor of Screen Media with equivalent career outcomes.

What are the entry requirements for this course? 
To be admitted to this course, you don’t need an ATAR. This program is open to Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents who are aged 17 years or over.

Register your interest now.

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How it works

Our Modular Learning Model offers an immersive study experience with workshop-style classes focused on one course-specific subject at a time, in 4-week blocks. Classes are held on campus - the average timetable includes 3 hours of classes, 3 days a week, meaning you can fit study around your other commitments.

Additional preparatory subjects run across 17 weeks, predominantly online, with one in-person class every 4 weeks. These subjects help you develop confidence in your studies, and transition into further study or the workforce.

You will complete 10 subjects in total for this Diploma. These can be completed over 1 year (full time).

What you can expect to study

This subject introduces students to university culture and life, and explores a range of skills, attributes and behaviours that will gear students for success in their first year of tertiary study. A range of topics will be covered to facilitate increased confidence in students as they embark upon their university journey, as well as enhance students’ capacities to engage critically and actively in their chosen field of study. This subject will equip students with a range of academic study skills, research techniques and multi-literacies, and support students to develop their own individualised learning model, personal learning objectives and academic capacities. Academic integrity is further positioned as a critical component of university life and this subject will prepare students to engage effectively in their future professional fields and as active citizens.

With rapidly increasing industry advancements and emerging technologies, professionals need to develop a well-rounded skill set, making them adept in today's technology-driven business environment. This subject delivers a combination of information technology, communications and creative concepts that will give you the ability and skills to excel in your future workplace. You will also develop an understanding of audiences from cross-cultural and international perspectives and develop your ability to creatively communicate complex ideas to a variety of stakeholders. Students will develop the ability to not only consider current challenges and opportunities, but also anticipate what the future may require.

Professional and emerging visual communicators all share a goal: to create unique imagery that conveys a narrative to meet a design brief. This subject introduces you to photographic image making and applications of photomedia in visual communication design contexts. You will learn practical and theoretical skills that provide you with an understanding of composition, exposure, light, interpreting and responding to a design brief, and constructing a visual narrative. This subject offers a context for you to understand photography by examining the contributions to established historical and contemporary visual communicators. As you advance through the subject, you will investigate and reflect on the components of image design, explore imaginative methods for creating photomedia, and develop your ability to critically assess traditional visual forms of communication. By the end of this subject, you will have developed the skills and ability to create a narrative and visualise the world through images

The interactive digital media industry requires professionals whose knowledge extends across a wide range of visual communication skills and web technologies. With a focus on both creative and technical aspects, the web design subject will address how to apply principles of visual design, usability, accessibility, and information architecture to web design. Web Design is a practical subject that involves hands-on exploration of the processes involved in the creation, design, and development of web content. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the roles, functions and features of key screen-based technologies, design production context for online delivery, current industry best practices, and a working understanding of the responsibilities inherent in the digital design and production process. By the end of this subject, you will understand web design principles, from concept to execution, and how you can create web design outcomes that align with client and user expectations.

Careers in the Creative Industries are on the rise. They're innovation-led, mobile, global and adaptable. In the short-term success can be a matter of luck but a long-term career requires tactics, talent, and savvy business acumen. In this hands-on subject we'll introduce you to some of the key opportunities in the Creative Industries in fields as diverse as Communication, Media, Music, Design, Writing and associated aspects of Intellectual Property Law and Entrepreneurship. We'll look at the Creative Industries from historical and contemporary perspectives and hear from industry contributors working in the field right now. You'll be introduced to 'future of work' skillsets, including entrepreneurship, leadership, collaboration, and communication capabilities, and you'll learn how to situate your own creative knowledge within them. Available to students from all disciplines, this subject will suit you if you're passionate about taking your creative career to the next level.

This subject examines the primary role played by data in determining how we live in the world. This includes how we interact with the world, its people, and digital artefacts, in terms of communication and meaning. The subject focuses on technologies of control and governance related to algorithmic architectures and data economies. Who benefits from data and mediation and what are the limits and possibilities of data? Ultimately, this kind of critical analysis invites us to think about what constitutes a just, democratic society and what constitutes an ethical media life.

This subject is designed to complement the first six months of study in a College Diploma program by developing the skills required to be successful at University and beyond. The subject is delivered online with students accessing learning modules and connecting with their learner community in their own time and at their own pace to allow maximum flexibility. At the beginning of the subject students use diagnostic tools to identify their specific strengths and areas for improvement, and develop an individualised learning journey through the content. This learning journey will help to address individual study skill needs, while also developing employability skills, facilitating connection with peers and with the University community, as well as the student’s future career.

This subject is designed to assist students to take the next step in their academic development by helping them build higher level reflective skills that will allow them to critically consider their own learning and professional journey and make the adjustments required to achieve their goals. Students will begin to take ownership of their learning by developing proactive strategies that will allow them to study on their own terms. Students will begin engaging with their intended profession and reflect on the skills, attributes and qualifications that will be required to reach their goals. Students will also develop a transition plan to help them navigate the next steps in their academic journey so that they can identify the challenges they might encounter as they move forward, and develop the skills to overcome them.

You can see the course credit points for each subject outlined in our handbook.

Career Opportunities

As a graduate of this Diploma, you can look forward to a broad range of exciting career opportunities in different sectors and industries. Below are some examples of the possible careers you can pursue with this Diploma:

  • Creative Writing
  • Advertising 
  • Music Performance
  • Photographer
  • Social Media Management
  • Graphic Design
  • Public relations professional

Looking for jobs that are in demand?

Check out these helpful tools that you can use to find out more:

Jobs and Skills Atlas

Jobs and Skills Atlas

You can use this tool to research different jobs and industries, including 5-years trends of how many people are employed and the demand in different regions and LGAs.

Provided by Jobs and Skills Australia, part of the Australian Government.

Skills Priority List

Skills Priority List

You can use this tool to research the likely future need for different jobs and skills, as well as filter by your State or Territory.

Provided by Jobs and Skills Australia, part of the Australian Government.

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Alumni

"What I love the most is the interactive learning experience, there’s no exam stress or big lectures."

— Susan, Diploma in Culture, Society and Justice

B Psychological and Social Sciences

Entry requirements for domestic students

Please consult the handbook for more information regarding entry requirements for this course.

You can read more about special requirements here.

B Psychological and Social Sciences

Entry requirements for international students

**Please note, if this course lists a part-time option, this is not available to International Students on a Student Visa.

Please consult the handbook for more information regarding entry requirements for this course.

You can read more about international academic entry requirements here.

Indicative annual fee

UG Direct

This indicative annual fee is based on a full time study load of 10 subjects (110 credit points) and is partially subsidised by the Commonwealth – this is known as a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP). The above fee is what the student owes, known as the Student Contribution.

The fee estimates provided are indicative only and subject to change. These estimates are based on the current fee structures for a normal full time study load. However, the final fees may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study, and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that these estimates do not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee. We encourage all prospective and current students to consult with our Student Services Hub for the most current fee information.

As a multi-campus institution, Western Sydney University and its entities reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary.

Your student contribution amount will be calculated based on the general discipline area of the subjects you study (this may be different to the discipline area of your course). To work out your fees in advance, visit the Student contribution calculations page.

FEE-HELP

Students that are eligible for HELP (Higher Education Loan Program) loan can use this to avoid paying upfront and instead pay your Student Contribution over time.

HECS-HELP is a Government loan system designed to help eligible domestic students afford higher education. You will only be required to start repaying the loan once your annual income exceeds the compulsory threshold for the relevant income year.

In order to receive HECS-HELP you must be enrolled in a commonwealth supported place (CSP) and be:

  • an Australian citizen studying at least some of your course in Australia; or
  • a New Zealand Special Category Visa (SCV) holder, or eligible former New Zealand SCV holder; who meets the long-term residency requirements and who studies the entire course while living in Australia; or
  • a permanent humanitarian visa holder, or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who will be resident in Australia for the duration of your unit(s); or
  • a pacific engagement visa (PEV) holder who will be resident in Australia for the duration of your unit(s) (a PEV holder becomes eligible from 1 February 2024)

Find out more about HECS-HELP

Find out more about OS-HELP

Apply as a Domestic Student

If you are a domestic student, you can apply through our Western Application system which is free of charge.

Domestic students are:

  • Australian Citizens
  • New Zealand Citizens
  • Australian permanent residents
  • Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders

Scholarships

Western Sydney University recognises and rewards students who demonstrate community engagement, outstanding academic ability and superior leadership skills. Donor-funded scholarships are also available, providing support for students based on both academic achievements and equity considerations. There are also scholarships available for specific degrees. 

No application
B Education (Early Childhood)

FAQs

12 months (full time).

There are no exams in our Diplomas. Instead, our programs employ a variety of assessment types which may include portfolios, applied project work, fieldwork, and practical tasks. Assessments are authentic, maintain high standards and aim to be reflective of real-world tasks. In addition, teachers work closely with students in small, interactive workshop-style classes, and provide students with individual support. This approach ensures a robust evaluation of students’ skills and knowledge. Non-exam assessments develop essential skills, such as critical thinking and time management, preparing students for traditional exams in later years of their programs.

All of our Diplomas commence with the same subject, providing students with an introduction to University life and allowing them to further explore their chosen professional fields. Should you discover a different diploma better suits your personal goals, you can transfer at this stage with no time lost. Transfers to other diplomas are available at any time throughout the duration of your course, and you will receive credit for any common subjects you have already completed.

Diplomas are recognised in the workforce, and can be used to help you stand out from other job candidates. You can take a look at the potential career opportunities in the careers tab.

In this Diploma, there are two electives which students generally complete as the last two subjects in their course. With a wide range of elective options, you can explore a number of topics and align your studies with your specific interests and career goals.

You can view elective options for this course here.

*Please note, for those students wishing to pathway to a Bachelor of Creative Industries (majoring in Screen Media) after completing their Diploma in Creative Industries and Communication, it is recommended that ‘FINC – 1004 Financial Concepts and the Language of Business’ and ‘ECON1015 - Understanding the Economic Context of Enterprises’ are taken as electives in the Diploma. This will ensure that students who progress to the Bachelor of Creative Industries (majoring in Screen Media) can complete their Bachelor degree in the minimum time.

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What's the difference between a Bachelor degree and a Diploma?

Ever wondered about the difference?

A Diploma offers specialised learning, focused on gaining job-ready skills or preparing you for further study in a particular field. It is:

  • Generally more accessible than a Bachelor with flexible entry requirements.
  • Faster to complete - on average 12 months of full time study.
  • Ideal for anyone who wants to upskill, earn credit towards a Bachelor degree, or start a career.

With a Western Diploma, you study for 12 months through our Modular Learning model at The College.

Upon completion, you graduate job-ready or can transition into the second year of a Bachelor at Western - gaining two qualifications in the time of one. This makes it the ideal choice for those who:

  • are looking to do their first year of uni differently, and/or
  • need more time to uncover their passion - most of our Diplomas provide pathways (and 12 months credit) into more than one Bachelor course, and/or
  • are aspiring for a career in a high-growth industry that doesn't require a Bachelor.
Kingswood campus

PATHWAY OPTIONS

Upon successful completion of this Diploma course, you can skip ahead to the second year of one of the following Bachelor programs:

Bachelor of Communication

Full Time: 3 Years (Available Part Time)*

Bachelor of Creative Industries

Full Time: 3 Years (Available Part Time)*

Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication)

Full Time: 4 Years (Available Part Time)*

The fee estimates provided are indicative only and subject to change. These estimates are based on the current fee structures for a normal full time study load. However, the final fees may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study, and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that these estimates do not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee. We encourage all prospective and current students to consult with our Student Services Hub for the most current fee information.

As a multi-campus institution, The College reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary.