Outline

Overview

This Department of Media and Communications (MECO) capstone unit of study offers Master degree students a placement with a host organisation, for 20 days (140 hours), in roles related to their degree. Internships provide work-integrated learning opportunities to enhance employability. Typical placement tasks include multi-media content creation, social media communication, digital media design and engagement, public relations and client-facing media, editing and publishing, health promotion and marketing.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Media and Communications
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	48 credit points including 18 credit points of core units from Digital Communication and Culture or Media Practice or Health Communication or Strategic Public Relations or Publishing degree tables
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	MECO6904 or MECO6905 or MECO6932 or MECO6935 or MECO6947
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Xiang Ren, x.ren@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Placement	Social media participation Conceptual media production to be created after placement.	20%	Ongoing	1500 words equivalent
Outcomes assessed:
Placement	Reflective journal Reflective journal completed after placement.	40%	Ongoing	1500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Placement	Industry research report Report completed after placement, with advice from Degree Director.	40%	Ongoing	1500 words
Outcomes assessed:
= AI allowed ?

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Demonstrates the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard.
Distinction	75 - 84	Demonstrates the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard.
Credit	65 - 74	Demonstrates the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard.
Pass	50 - 64	Demonstrates the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don鈥檛 meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.听

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.听

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed 鈥� whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as 鈥淎I restricted鈥�). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.听

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the鈥�Academic Integrity Policy聽and penalties may apply.听

The Current Students website聽provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the鈥�.听

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a聽simple extension.鈥� The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can鈥檛 complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for聽special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students,听聽includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy聽reflects the University鈥檚 commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity	Learning outcomes
Week 02	Orientation	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Academic assignments workshop	Workshop (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Prior to commencing a placement, students enrolled in MECO6928 must attend聽a 2-hour orientation tutorial, held聽prior to commencement of the internship. Otherwise,听there are no weekly classes in this unit of study.听
Preparation: Students need to complete their three assignments by reference to academic and industry source materials. Therefore, they should commit to spend approximately three 鈥撀爏ix hours聽preparation time for each assignment (reading, studying, assignment completion, etc.).

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Readings to support assessment

Media and communications professionals:

Carah, N., & Louw, E. (2015).听Media and society: production, content and participation. Sage.

Work-integrated learning:

Mumme, B., & Cameron, R. (2019). The Future of Work in Australia: Preparing Graduates for Changing Work Patterns that Require New Skill Sets. In聽The Transition from Graduation to Work聽(pp. 65-84). Springer, Singapore.

Bowen, T. (2020). Work-Integrated Learning Placements and Remote Working: Experiential Learning Online.听International Journal of Work-Integrated Learning,听21(4), 377-386.

Graduate employability:

Bridgstock, R. (2009). The graduate attributes we鈥檝e overlooked: Enhancing graduate employability through career management skills.听Higher Education Research & Development,听28(1), 31-44.

Brown, P., Hesketh, A., & Wiliams, S. (2003). Employability in a knowledge-driven economy.听Journal of education and work,听16(2), 107- 126.

Clarke, M. (2018). Rethinking graduate employability: The role of capital, individual attributes and context.听Studies in Higher Education,听43(11), 1923-1937.

Jackson, D. (2016). Re-conceptualising graduate employability: the importance of pre-professional identity.听Higher Education Research & Development,听35(5), 925-939.

Employment precarity:

O'Donnell, P. (2017). Beyond newsrooms: Younger journalists talk about job loss and re-employment in Australian journalism.听Australian Journalism Review,听39(2), 163.

O鈥橠onnell, P., & Zion, L. (2019). Precarity in Media Work. In M. Deuze & M. Prenger (Eds.).听Making Media: production, Practices, and Professions聽(pp. 223-234). Amsterdam University Press.

Soft skills:

Remedios, R. (2012). The role of soft skills in employability.听International Journal of Management Research and Reviews,听2(7), 1285.

Intercultural communication:

Yusof, N., Kaur, A., & Cheah Lynn-Sze, J. (2019). Post graduate students insights into understanding intercultural communication in global workplaces.听Innovations in Education and Teaching International,听56(1), 77-87.

Social media:

Alexander, E. C., Mader, D. R., & Mader, F. H. (2019). Using social media during the hiring process: A comparison between recruiters and job seekers.听Journal of Global Scholars of Marketing Science,听29(1), 78-87.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Apply knowledge and skills developed in the degree program to complete scheduled tasks in specific organisational settings, and be able to explain the concept of work-integrated learning.
LO2. Critically reflect and comment on the process of integrating degree and workplace learning, and evaluate its impact on your employability.
LO3. Research and write an industry report exploring the employment outlooks for digital, media, and communication professionals, and evaluate one or more current issues and/or challenges in your specific industry sector.
LO4. Create conceptual media production that supports professional practice, networking and/or job-seeking, scrutinise, and evaluate the challenges of maintaining a professional online presence.
LO5. Be familiar with the ethical issues and professional relationships encountered in media and communications industry settings, and be able to explain their importance.
LO6. Present information clearly and succinctly in written, oral, and visual forms.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all 爆料王 graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one鈥檚 personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

The Academic and Placement Coordinators in this unit work closely with students to ensure they are placed in interesting and career-relevant internships and are appropriately assessed on their work-integrated learning experience, and ancillary knowledge and skills. Each year, UoS survey results are carefully reviewed to identify students' suggestions for improving the curriculum content, assessment, and delivery of MECO6928. Following student survey feedback, we offer a two-hour workshop in Week 12 that introduces and discusses how to complete the three academic tasks. This workshop is optional. Individual consultations are also available. Be aware that informal feedback from students is welcome at any time. Those enrolling in the July or December Intensive will be provided with detailed outlines of the three assessment tasks to support the successful completion of the unit of study.

Additional information

Be aware that to meet host organisation expectations around skill-sets, we聽look for successful completion of at least three core units of your degree, with strong Credit marks (70+). We also look for a Pass grade on the Diagnostic Skills Test, which checks workplace readiness.

Work, health and safety

The University and our Placement partners have legal responsibilities to ensure the safety, health and well-being of students who are undertaking a student placement. These are explained to students, and discussed, during the Orientation Session.

For more information, please visit the WH&S pages at聽

Disclaimer

Important: the 爆料王 regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an .

爆料王

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Readings to support assessment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

MECO6928: Media and Communication Internship

Intensive May - June, 2025 [Professional practice] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Readings to support assessment

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links