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Communications & Creative Industries

The Diploma of Communications & Creative Industries is the perfect stepping stone into your future creative career.

Course overview

This course has been Accredited by TEQSA as an AQF Level 5 – Diploma course.

Diploma of Communications & Creative Industries (Year 1) focuses on both theoretical and practical dimensions of communications and creativity. The units you will study are designed to enhance your learning experience, and provide you with the underpinning knowledge necessary to prepare you for further studies at university level.

Diploma of Communications & Creative Industries (Year 2) focuses on both theoretical and practical dimensions of communications and creativity. It provides introductory level units in which you will acquire the fundamental skills that are essential to the course and your future career. Students who complete the ECC Diploma of Communications and Creative Industries (Year 2) will receive up to 8 units (120 credit points) advanced standing, the equivalent of the first year, in the respective bachelor’s degree at ECU. A minimum of 50% pass in all units is required for progression to ECU.

Duration

Year 1: 8 units (8-12 months)
Year 2: 8 units (8-12 months)

Intake Dates

Year 1: February, June, October
Year 2: February, June, October

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Campus Location

ECU Joondalup Campus West

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International Fees

2025 Year 1: A$26,500
2025 Year 2: A$31,000

Scholarships

Domestic Fees

2025 Year 1: A$17,200
2025 Year 2: A$17,500

FEE-HELP available

Leads to ECU

Your Diploma of Communications & Creative Industries can lead into ECU second year of below degrees:

Diploma of Communications & Creative Industries units (Year 1)

CRICOS Code 092033G

The program consists of 8 units of study and can be completed over 2 or 3 trimesters, and provides opportunities for scaffolded learning and the development of core academic and employability skills. Students will study the 5 core units outlined below, plus 3 Year 1 Electives.

This course will provide students entry into ECC Diploma of Communications and Creative Industries (Year 2).

COM210 – Communication Skills

This unit introduces the foundations of academic writing – from library research using databases, selection of approved academic resources, to writing paragraphs and essays, using the APA referencing system and delivering oral presentations using multi-media.  The unit also includes essential study skills to assist with time management, note-taking and the use of memory aids for study purposes.

Pre-Requisite Units: None

Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Class

Credits: 15

CPT107 – Introductory Computing

This unit develops knowledge and skills in computing systems – software, hardware, digital security, communication networks, internet, information and data management. Students will develop their digital literacy and gain practical skills in specific computing applications from the Microsoft Office Suite. Students will also be introduced to some basic hands-on skills in program design using Pseudocode.

Pre-Requisite Units: None

Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Class

Credits: 15

MTH104 – Introductory Mathematics

This unit is designed for students who require a general mathematics background suitable for studies in business, health sciences and computing/IT courses.  Students will learn to use a scientific calculator and develop critical thinking skills to identify, analyse, synthesize and solve mathematical calculations in arithmetic, statistics, algebra, functions and their graphs, optimisation, sequences, series, growth and decay, trigonometry, geometric sequences, series, set theory and interest.

Pre-Requisite Units: None

Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Class

Credits: 15

COM220 – Workplace Communication – Employability

Students will identify, analyse and apply communication, social and intercultural skills for effective interpersonal and workplace relationships.  This unit develops written skills, oral presentation skills and research skills, to prepare students for academic or professional environments.  Students will make connections between learning and future employability through topics such as effective workplace relationships, negotiation, managing conflict, and skills for teamwork and leadership.

Pre-Requisite Units: None

Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Class

Credits: 15

PMG100 – Project Management

This unit introduces concepts and skills used by managers to propose, plan, secure resources, budget and lead project teams to successful project completion.  Students will examine and apply fundamental principles, strategies and approaches for project management in a variety of contexts that are universally applicable across organisations and project types.

Pre-Requisite Units: None

Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Class

Credits: 15

Year 1 Recommended Electives (choose 3)

ICS100 Intercultural Studies

The unit introduces students to intercultural interaction in the contemporary world, focusing on multiple and diverse audiences, modalities, globalisation, cultural symbols and values, language, and interpretations of intercultural sites. Accounting for the international students’ experiences, they are given a practical introduction to relevant processes leading to expanding their cultural knowledge. Global citizenship, including intercultural communication skills, is introduced and enhanced, focusing on cultural diversity and contemporary implications for professional practice. Students will explore, report and present on their intercultural communication journey, and its’ relevance to their discipline / professional interests.

CPT100 – Information Design

This unit introduces fundamentals of information design and how best to present information using graphics, colour and layout.  Students will investigate principles and elements of visual communication – and learn to apply them in practical workshops.   It includes a range of information products (paper-based media, way-finding systems, exhibition installations, desktop publishing and electronic media) and uses desktop publishing to plan, coordinate, evaluate and justify choices in the development of a website and other information products.

BUS129 – Introductory Marketing

This unit explains theoretical principles/practices for marketing in changing environments.  It introduces fundamental marketing concepts across many institutions (government, manufacturing, services and not-for-profit sectors) and how marketing concepts are applied in the real world.   Students identify, analyse and combine key marketing tools to develop a marketing mix for specific markets and market segments; identify, collect and evaluate data for different marketing requirements and apply them in simulated contexts.   Students will also investigate social media and develop communication skills as part of a marketing campaign pitch.

Pre-Requisite Units: None

Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Class

Credits: 15

Diploma of Communications & Creative Industries units (Year 2)

CRICOS Code 092033G

The course consists of 8 units of study and can be completed over 2 or 3 trimesters.

SAH1150D – Creativity

This unit examines the importance and use of creativity in professional practice. Examining the theory, history and methods commonly associated with creativity, students will explore what constitutes a creative person, creative product, processes and strategies for creativity and what constitutes a creative environment.

Pre-Requisite Units: None

Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Class

Credits: 15

SAH1250D – Storytelling and Meaning

In this unit students examine a range of spoken, written and visual narratives to identify and evaluate conventions and effects, and the beliefs and values underpinning them from Aboriginal Australian oral traditions, to listening, observation, archival research, textual analysis, imagination and experimentation. Students apply knowledge gained from interdisciplinary analysis, research and discussion to either critically analyse an existing narrative or develop a new one, e.g. site-specific artwork, artist book, graphic novel, broadcast, film, campaign or literary fiction.

Pre-Requisite Units: None

Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Class

Credits: 15

SAH1100D – Communicating Ideas

This unit examines communication in contemporary culture and the ways in which it contributes to the construction of meaning. The unit promotes critical thinking about the messages encoded in texts, images, objects and sound. Students will develop their academic literacy, with a focus on on analysis and synthesis of academic literature and information, effective writing and the acknowledgment of sources.

Pre-Requisite Units: None

Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Class

Credits: 15

SAH1200D – Media and Culture

This unit considers how dominant ideas are created through forms of cultural production such as film, music, news, fashion, and photography. It considers how they can be forces of social change. There will be a focus on contemporary issues in society, notions of truth, power and the ‘popular,’ as well as an examination of ideas of difference, diversity, and consumption.

Pre-Requisite Units: None

Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Class

Credits: 15

PAC1100D – Professional and Academic Communication

This core unit equips students with the knowledge and skills to communicate effectively within Australian academic and professional environments. Students acquire essential skills in research, essay-writing, oral presentations and job-search.

Pre-Requisite Units: None

Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Class

Credits: 15

SBL1800D – Work and Career

This unit provides students with the opportunity to explore contemporary labour markets. Students analyse and orally present on future careers developing their appreciation of labour market demands across diverse sectors and industries. Through hands-on activities an reflective practices, students develop their self-awareness and understanding of professional self. Students learn about aspects of professional practice, including responsibly in work ,health and safety; diversity and inclusion at work; risk, legal and ethical considerations; managing well-being and self-care at work; professional conduct and organisation culture.

Pre-Requisite Units: None

Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Class

Credits: 15

MKT1600D – Marketing Principles and Practices

This unit introduces principles/concepts of marketing that encompass the marketing planning process, marketing environment, consumer behaviour, market segmentation, and marketing mix elements. The unit’s major feature is the trimester-long marketing plan project based on a marketing case.

Understanding of IMM graphics creation including their manipulation and use. It introduces applications software and hardware which supports development of image resources for interactive multi-media.

Pre-Requisite Units: None

Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Class

Credits: 15

Year 2 Recommended Electives (choose 1)

SBL1100D – Foundations of Business

This unit provides learners with a broad overview of the various disciplines and functions within a business and how they interrelate to create value. Key business dimensions such as structure, type, sector and purpose are explored in the local, national and international contexts. The unit also illustrates the connection between business ethics, legal and regulatory frameworks, and the responsibility of business in society.

SBL1300D – Business Environments and Markets

This unit introduces students to the complex external environment in which businesses operate. The disruptive power of new technologies, rapid social change and shifting political scene are just some of the factors that influence how managers make business decisions. Students trace product and service development practices of businesses and explore new ways of connecting and engaging with customers and stakeholders at a local, national and international level.

SBL1400D – Introduction to Business Analytics

The unit provides students with a basic understanding of business analytics using Excel, and exposure to various other business intelligence systems and tools. It aims to provide students with an early appreciation of the fundamentals of using analytic skills to enhance reasoning in business decision-making across various business disciplines, and to solve complex problems through anticipating change and managing risk factors.

SBL1200D – Accounting and Finance Essentials

Accounting and Finance Essentials is an introductory unit designed to help students understand, prepare and use financial information. Gaining an understanding of the foundations of accounting and finance elements will assist future graduates to make business decisions within diverse organisational settings. Students also develop effective problem solving and critical thinking skills to interpret and analyse financial performance of an organisation.

ECF1110D – Economics

This unit’s main focus is ‘economic literacy’: being able to recognise, understand and apply the economic principles which give us insight into personal, corporate and government behaviour. Its secondary focus is to introduce techniques which economists use to help them think logically about problems and their solutions. This unit provides students with an ‘economic toolkit’ which will be useful in many situations in the future. The unit also emphasises the application of economic concepts to the current climate in Australia and internationally.

SBL1500D – Ethics and Responsibility in Business

In this unit students examine the ethics of business, the origins and assumptions underpinning these ethics, and the agents and institutional arrangements that manage them. Recognising that ethical responsibly can never be safely or fully outsourced to others, students are led through a structured programs that develops their awareness of their own value systems and their individual abilities to voice ethical issues to have real impact in their professional lives.

Pre-Requisite Units: None

Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Class

Credits: 15

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