Graduate Diploma of Digital Media

2021 Deakin University Handbook

Note: You are seeing the 2021 view of this course information. These details may no longer be current. [Go to the current version]
Year

2021 course information

Award granted Graduate Diploma of Digital Media
Course Map

This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2021.

This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 2 2021.

Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central.

CampusOffered at Burwood (Melbourne)
Cloud CampusYes
Duration1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Deakin course codeA634
Approval status

This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8.

Course sub-headings

Course overview

Designed in close consultation with industry, the Graduate Diploma of Digital Media prepares media professionals for the world's digital future. Build your expertise through extensive practical experience and access professional development opportunities that set you up for your next big role. 

Want to study and work at the forefront of digital media practice? 

In a world increasingly impacted by digital and online developments, professionals with a mastery of digital platforms are more sought-after than ever. As a result, a postgraduate qualification in digital media is incredibly valuable for career-minded content creators across media, marketing, journalism and public relations industries. You’ll graduate from the course as a confident digital storyteller, with the curiosity and desire to make a difference in the world through communication.

The course trains you in skills that reflect the evolving needs of the industry. Explore, analyse, create and share digital content while learning how to creatively select and assemble media elements to develop personal or brand identities, stories and narratives. Some of our key areas of study include:

  • designing for web
  • social media content creation
  • building online communities
  • digital curation and marketing.

Across all study areas are common themes of creative problem solving and collaboration – key capabilities of the modern digital media professional. You’ll also learn about entrepreneurship, creative business planning and developing a professional identity, giving you the confidence to build your brand from the ground up and nurture your ideas into content with impact.

A highlight of the course is having the freedom to select elective units from any other postgraduate course in the School of Communication and Creative Arts. This allows you to expand your expertise beyond just digital media and develop complementary skills in areas you’re passionate about.

As you progress through the course, you’ll see your specialist expertise grow through practical learning opportunities on and off campus. Get hands-on with:

  • real-world assessment tasks, such as designing digital content strategies
  • internships that allow you to develop digital media solutions for real clients.

While a Graduate Diploma of Digital Media opens the door to many exciting digital roles in Australia and abroad, there are also opportunities for further study upon successful completion of the course. If you want to continue building your portfolio and take part in a professional capstone program, you might like to articulate into Deakin’s Master of Communication.

Career opportunities

As a graduate, you’ll be able to confidently develop digital media content and solutions across a diverse range of platforms. This will allow you to seamlessly transition between the evolving media roles of the future.

With experience building and engaging online communities, you’ll also be prepared to excel in social media roles across any number of industries. On top of that, your training in entrepreneurship and creative business planning will ensure you have the skills to work as a freelancer or start your own business, opening the door to an exciting global career.

For more information go to DeakinTALENT

Participation requirements

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. Click here for more information.

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.

Alternative exits

Graduate Certificate of Communication (A539)

Fees and charges

Fees and charges vary depending on your course, the type of fee place you hold, your commencement year and your study load. To find out about the fees and charges that apply to you, visit the Current students fees website or our handy Fee estimator to help estimate your tuition fees.

Course Learning Outcomes

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes

Discipline specific knowledge and capabilities

Demonstrate an advanced theoretical and applied understanding of contemporary digital and online media environments, particularly in relation to processes and practices in media and cultural industry contexts.

Communication

Demonstrate advanced and effective communication skills to communicate ideas, arguments and analyses in written, digital and oral formats that meet academic and media practitioner standards for a diverse range of audiences.

Digital literacy

Demonstrate an ability to utilise a range of digital media to communicate a variety of messages online to a professional standard.

Critical thinking

Demonstrate advanced cognitive skills in engaging with contemporary media debates, issues, and industry contexts in relation to their social, cultural, economic, legal, and ethical aspects.

Problem solving

Demonstrate an advanced understanding of industry-based problems and an ability to solve these through a strategic application of digital and online media platforms.

Self-management

Demonstrate autonomy, accountability, and initiative in responding effectively and creatively to new situations in professional contexts.  

Teamwork

Demonstrate initiative and accountability in working collaboratively with peers in online environments to solve problems by completing media projects.

Global citizenship

Demonstrate and apply an advanced understanding of legal and ethical issues in relation to online media in a globalised media context, taking into account issues relating to intellectual property, social justice, diversities, and environmental impact.

Approved by Faculty Board November 2017

Course rules

To qualify for the award of Graduate Diploma of Digital Media, students must successfully complete:

  • 6 credit points in Digital Media from the units listed below, plus
  • 2 credit points of electives, plus
  • AAI018 Academic Integrity (0-credit-point compulsory unit)

Course structure

Core Units

ACA715Creating Your Arts Business

ACC700Communication and Creative Arts Internship

ACG706Designing for Web Environments

ALC701Social Media Collaboration

ALC702Making Sense of Communities Online

ALC703Digital Curation

ALC708Social Media Content Creation

ALR703Digital Marketing

Electives

Electives may be chosen from the remaining units above or from any other postgraduate course in the School of Communication and Creative Arts; students who intend to move from the diploma into the Master of Communication are strongly advised to take ACX701 Communication Concepts for their two elective credit points.

Work experience

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


Other course information

Course duration - additional information

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.

Further information

Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.