UTS course code: C10216
UAC code: 608010
Testamur title: Bachelor of Arts in Communication
Abbreviation: BA
Course fee: HECS (local); $7,450 per semester (international)
Total credit points: 144

Overview
Course aims
Advanced standing
Course duration
Course structure
Typical program
Professional recognition

Overview

The UTS Information Management program has a strong reputation for producing graduates with professional information skills who also have a critical understanding of the social, economic, technological and political environments in which information and communication professionals operate. The Bachelor of Arts in Communication (Information Management) is a broad-based degree which allows students to develop a portfolio of skills and knowledge suitable for information positions in a wide range of contexts. Our program is founded on a strong commitment to information equality and user-centred design of information products and services.

Course aims

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Communication (Information Management):

• have a broad and integrated body of theoretical knowledge in the multidisciplinary field of information studies, and an appreciation of the foundations and significance of this field within the wider context of the humanities and social sciences
• understand how ideas, knowledge and information are created, represented, communicated and used by individuals and groups in culturally diverse societies
• understand the plurality of professional information roles in a diverse range of contexts and in the increasingly globalised and networked environment of information work
• have an understanding of the contemporary issues, trends and innovations in the field and in practice and are able to respond to these in appropriate and professional ways
• are able to work capably as early-career information professionals in the generation, design, structuring, access, communication, use and management of information and knowledge
• possess the critical and reflective capabilities that underpin career-long learning
• articulate the values reflected in ethical information practice, and
• demonstrate commitment to justice and equity in information provision in society.

Advanced standing

Students who have completed tertiary studies at another institution can apply for exemption from specific subjects or from electives.

In addition, the Faculty has established Advanced Standing Packages with the following institutions for the courses listed:

Insearch UTS
Diploma of Communication

NSW TAFE
Diploma in Library and Information Services, Associate Diploma in Library Practice or equivalent, Associate Diploma in Business Records and Information Systems, Diploma of Business (Records and Archives), Diploma of Business (Record Keeping)

Temasek Polytechnic, Singapore
Diploma in Information Studies or Diploma in Library Studies

Graduates in these courses may be offered a standard pattern of subject exemptions as a result of their previous study.

Course duration

This course is offered on a three-year, full-time basis.

Course structure

The course consists of compulsory subjects, subjects selected from a particular Disciplinary or Professional Strand, and Elective Studies subjects.

The Disciplinary Strand is Communication and Information Studies and the Professional Strand is Information Management.

A total of 144 credit points is allocated to the course: 68 credit points for Disciplinary Strand subjects, 44 credit points for Professional Strand subjects and 32 credit points for Elective Studies subjects.

50105 Communication and Information Environments 6cp
50106 Media, Information and Society 6cp
50107 Contemporary Cultures 1 6cp
50108 Contemporary Cultures 2 6cp
50109 Power and Change in Australia 6cp
50111 Colonialism and Modernity 6cp

Two subjects at 200 level (16 credit points):

50481 People and Information 8cp
50482 Social Informatics 8cp

One subject at 300 level (8 credit points):

50172 Information, Society and Policy 8cp

One subject at 200 or 300 level from any of the three Disciplinary Strands 8cp

50486 Information Management Practice 6cp
50487 Exploring Information Resources 6cp

Two subjects at 200 level (16 credit points):

50490 Information Design for Communicating 8cp
50491 Organising Information for Access 8cp

Two subjects at 300 level (16 credit points):

50493 Managing Information 8cp
50190 Professional Information Project¹ 8cp

Footnote:
1. This subject must be completed in the final semester of study.

Students completing the subject 50189 Professional Information Initiatives as an elective must do so in their final year of study.

The Faculty of Information Technology offers a sequence of subjects in Information Technology (36 credit points) which enables students to apply for Associate Membership of the Australian Computer Society. Students who complete this elective sequence graduate with 148 credit points. The subjects in the Information Technology sequence are:

31060 Information Systems Principles 6cp
31424 Systems Modelling 6cp
31508 Programming Fundamentals 6cp
31061 Database Principles 6cp
31516 Networking Fundamentals 6cp
31478 Project Management and Quality Assurance 6cp

Typical program

Spring semester
D 50106 Media, Information and Society 6cp
D 50108 Contemporary Cultures 2 6cp
D 50111 Colonialism and Modernity 6cp
P 50487 Exploring Information Resources 6cp

Spring semester
D 50482 Social Informatics 8cp
P 50491 Organising Information for Access 8cp
E xxxxx Elective subject 8cp

Spring semester
D 50172 Information, Society and Policy 8cp
P 50190 Professional Information Project¹ 8cp
E xxxxx Elective subject 8cp

D = Disciplinary Studies subject
P = Professional Studies subject
E = Elective Studies subject

Footnote:
1. This subject must be completed in the final semester of study.

Professional recognition

The Bachelor of Arts in Communication (Information Management) is recognised by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). Graduates are eligible for professional membership of this Association.