Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Course

3909 - Bachelor of Professional Communication and Bachelor of Information Technology and Systems

This course entry should be read in conjunction with information provided in the 'Faculty information' section of this Handbook by the Faculty of Arts

Managing faculty	Arts
Abbreviated title	BComn/BITS
Total credit points required	192
Standard duration of study (years)	4 years FT, 8 years PT
Study mode and location	On-campus (Berwick)
Admission, fee and application details	http://www.monash.edu/study/coursefinder/course/3909
Contact details	http://www.arts.monash.edu.au/current/coursework/contact_us/

Notes

Students have a maximum of 10 years to complete this course.
Students may select arts units from any campus, but should be aware of the teaching location as this may require travel to another campus. Students may also select units offered in off-campus mode.

Description

The course provides major studies in professional communications theory and practice, together with studies in information technology. Students have the opportunity to develop practical skills in journalism and/or public relations, complemented by contextual knowledge of the media and communications industry.

Objectives

Students develop an understanding of the practical operations of the media, the social and cultural dimensions of mass communications, and the audiences, producers and policy-makers.

In the BITS, students develop their knowledge of IT, their skills in the techniques required to develop IT-based systems and their understanding of the way in which IT and IT-based systems can be used in business, industry and government. Students may take a major in multimedia development, which will teach them about the use of computer-based multimedia, and the tools, technologies and techniques used to create multimedia products and systems.

Refer to the Bachelor of Professional Communication objectives at http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/courses/1275.html and Bachelor of Information Technology and Systems objectives at http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/courses/3334.html.

Structure

This course consists of 96 points in the professional communication component and 96 points in the information technology and systems component.

Requirements

Professional communication component

(a.) a major in one of the following professional communications disciplines (48 points):

communications
journalism
public relations

(b.) a minor in one of the remaining professional communications disciplines not taken as the major (24 points

(c.) additional arts electives, including 12 points at first year level. (24 points)

Information technology and systems component

(a.) six core information technology units (36 points):

FIT1002 Computer programming
FIT1004 Data management
FIT1031 Computers and networks
FIT2001 Systems development
FIT2002 Project management
FIT2003 IT professional practice

(b.) 10 further 6-point information technology units (60 points), comprising at least 18 points at level two and at least 36 points at level three (including 12 points at level three in industrial experience or studio units. For information on information technology majors, refer to the 'Areas of study' section in this Handbook at http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/aos/index-ug-byfaculty-it.html.

Areas of Study

Professional communications discipline major and minor

Other arts areas of study

For information on other arts units, refer to the 'Areas of study' section in this Handbook at http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2010handbooks/aos/index-ug-byfaculty-arts.html.

Information technology systems majors

For information on information technology majors, refer to the 'Areas of study' section in this Handbook at http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/aos/index-ug-byfaculty-it.html.

Alternative exit(s)

Students cannot graduate from either single degree until they have satisfied the requirements for that award and successfully completed studies to the value of 144 points in the relevant component. Students are permitted to count up to 48 points of the other faculty's component towards those 144 points. To meet Bachelor of Professional Communication requirements students must also complete at least 36 points at third-year level.

Award(s)

Bachelor of Information Technology and Systems

Bachelor of Professional Communication