Master of Communication

Course summary for international students

Year	2026 course information
Award granted	Master of Communication
Campus	Offered at Burwood (Melbourne), Online
Length	2 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Length	The time and cost could be reduced based on your previous qualifications and professional experience. This means you can fast track the masters degree from 2 years down to 1.5 years, or even 1 year duration. See entry requirements below for more information.
Fee paying annual fee - commencing 2026	$40,800 for 1 yr full-time AUD
CRICOS code	084000E Burwood (Melbourne)
Level	Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
Deakin course code	A743
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition	The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9

Course sub-headings

Course overview

The media and communications landscape is ever-changing, frequently in a state of flux. Future-proof your communications career – advance your current skill set, delve into contemporary research and develop the critical knowledge required to become a leader in this rapidly evolving industry.

Ready to become a highly sought-after, communications practitioner with thoroughly honed strategic and problem-solving skills?

With unprecedented advancement in technology and the increasing globalisation of business enterprises, strategic communication and critical thinking skills are a highly-valued, modern day commodity. Deakin’s Master of Communication will place you ahead of the game and empower you to thrive in roles that influence and shape opinion.

Tailor your degree to your career goals – specialise in advertising, journalism, public relations, digital media, sports media or visual communication design, with complementary electives. Enjoy a flexible, supported and stimulating learning environment, while collaborating with like-minded students, including those already working in industry. Learn from experienced staff and experts in the field, who ensure our course content stays up to date with the latest technological advances, industry demands and market conditions.

Explore theoretical concepts and frameworks and learn how to apply them in a practical setting. With internship and work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities available, you can enhance your employment capabilities while expanding your professional networks.

As part of a professional capstone program, you will undertake a research project designed for an industry or scholarly audience under the guidance of academic supervision.

Whether you’re looking to upskill, change roles or challenge yourself in a new discipline, you will graduate as a holistic and reflexive communications practitioner well-prepared for the inevitable industry advances, challenges and opportunities yet to come.

Fees and charges

The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.

One year full-time study load is typically represented by eight credit points of study. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for your course.

You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook. Learn more about fees and available payment options.

Career opportunities

Now more than ever is a great time to be in the media and communications industry. From media agencies and newsrooms, to publications, community relations and government organisations, anywhere in the world – the career opportunities are vast.

Our Master of Communication prepares you for roles such as:

advertising account manager
brand communication copywriter
communications consultant or researcher
corporate affairs director
investigative journalist
media adviser or planner
public relations specialist
social media manager
sports media producer, journalist or commentator
visual designer.

For more information go to DeakinTALENT.

Course learning outcomes

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes	Course Learning Outcomes
Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities	Apply expert knowledge of contemporary communication methods in one or more specialist areas including Journalism, Public Relations, Digital Media, Sports Media, and Visual Communication Design, and in scholarly contexts.
Communication	Use expert, specialised skills to communicate across a range of platforms and share knowledge and research findings with diverse audiences, in a way that has impact in professional and scholarly contexts.
Digital literacy	Utilize generic and specific digital technologies to address a range of communication needs in research and professional contexts and for diverse audiences within and outside the communication industries.
Critical thinking	Critically analyse and evaluate complex ideas in communication theory, develop appropriate methodologies for application in industry or academic research projects, and communicate conclusions in the context of professional decision-making and scholarship.
Problem solving	Analyse, evaluate, and critique complex information in order to identify problems and develop creative solutions in a range of professional practice and scholarly contexts.
Self-management	Employ high level autonomy, accountability and initiative in responding creatively to new situations in professional communication practice and/or in the completion of a substantial research-based project.
Teamwork	Work and learn collaboratively in professional communication practice and in scholarly contexts, including exercising initiative and accountability as a team member.
Global citizenship	Critically reflect on communication-related issues in both domestic and global contexts as a scholar and in professional practice, taking into consideration cultural and socio-economic diversity, social and environmental responsibility, and the application of the highest ethical standards.

Approved at Faculty Board May 2023

Course rules

To complete the Master of Communication, you must pass 8, 12 or 16 credit points. The number of credit points required may vary, depending on your entry point or how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL) based on your professional experience and previous qualifications.

A 16-credit point Master of Communication includes:

DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period
4 credit points of core units
a specialisation (8 credit points), which includes:
- 3 one credit point specialisation-specific units
- 1 credit point cross-disciplinary unit
- 4 credit point professional capstone program including a mandatory research project whose topic is relevant to that specialisation
4 credit points of course electives chosen from any specialisation

Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.

All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.

Research information

Students will undertake a capstone research design and preparation unit worth one-credit-point, resulting in the completion of a professional practice-focused project for an industry audience. An academic research project (scholarly thesis) option is also available. Students who undertake the academic research project may be eligible to apply for future PhD study.

Specialisations

Refer to the details of each specialisation for availability.

Course structure

Core units

Compulsory 0-credit point module

To be completed in the first trimester of study:

DAI001

Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin

Units

ACX701

Communication Concepts (2 credit points)##

ACX702

Applied Research Methods for Communication (2 credit points)**

** 2026 is the final year of offer for this unit

## From 2027 this unit moves from 2cp to 1cp

ACX701 Communication Concepts [Becomes 1cp from 2027. Elective required for remanining 1cp]

ACX702 Applied Research Methods for Communication [Not available for enrolment from 2027. Replaced by elective units]

Professional capstone program

Students will either take Option A or Option B noting that Option B requires approval of the Course Director; most students will normally complete Option A

Option A

ACX703

Developing a Communication Research Project

ACX707

Professional Research Project 1 ^^

ACX708

Professional Research Project 2 ^^

ACC700

Communication and Creative Arts Internship ~

Or an elective related to the research project where no appropriate internship is available

^^ 2027 is the final year of offer for this unit

~ From 2027 this unit will no longer available for enrolment in this course

Option B

(Only by approval of Course Director, achievement of a Distinction or higher average in previous coursework including ACX703, and agreement of supervisor)

ACX703

Developing a Communication Research Project

ALX720

Minor Research Project (2 credit points)**

ALX725

Masters Research Project D

** 2026 is the final year of offer for this unit

ACX703 Masters Research Project A [From 2027, no longer core requirement for Capstone B. Replaced by elective unit]

ALX720 Minor Research Project [2026 is the final year of offer for this unit, ALX723 and ALX724 replace this unit from 2027]

ACX704 Academic Research Project 1 [No longer available for enrolment]

ACX705 Academic Research Project 2 [No longer available for enrolment]

ACX706 Academic Research Project 3 [No longer available for enrolment]

Stackable short courses

Mix and match Deakin short courses (0.5 cp microcredentials) to earn up to 2 credit point(s) of open electives, subject to eligibility. Any stacking must add up to a whole number to be used for credit. See more information on Deakin stackable short course options.

Admission criteria

Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements or higher to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.

A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.

Academic requirements

1 year full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 8 credit points

To be considered for admission to this degree (with 8 credit points of admission credit applied^*) you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:

completion of a bachelor degree in a related discipline and at least two years of relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)
completion of a bachelor honours degree in a related discipline
completion of a graduate certificate or graduate diploma in a related discipline

1.5 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 12 credit points

To be considered for admission to this degree (with 4 credit points of admission credit applied^*) you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:

completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline and at least two years of relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)
completion of a bachelor degree in a related discipline

2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 16 credit points

To be considered for admission to this degree (without admission credit applied*) you will need to meet the following criteria:

completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline

^Recognition of prior learning into the Master of Communication may be granted to students who have successfully completed appropriate postgraduate level studies.

Examples of related discipline areas include, but not limited to digital media, journalism, public relations or visual communication design.

Examples of relevant work experience include, but not limited to digital media, journalism, public relations or visual communication design.

*Recognition of prior learning will also be considered on a case-by-case basis. Learn more below.

English language proficiency requirements

To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:

bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)

Admissions information

Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.

Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.

Credit for prior learning - general

If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for credit transfer. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your credit transfer. Your credit transfer is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.

You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.

Alternative exits

Graduate Certificate of Communication (A539)
Graduate Diploma of Communication (A639)

Course duration

You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.

Work experience

Elective units may provide the opportunity for Work Integrated Learning experiences.

Participation requirements

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.

Mandatory student checks

Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.