Graduate Diploma of Communication

2020 Deakin University Handbook

Note: You are seeing the 2020 view of this course information. These details may no longer be current. [Go to the current version]

Year	2020 course information
Award granted	Graduate Diploma of Communication
Course Map	This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2020. This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 2 2020. This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 3 2020. Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central.
Campus	Offered at Burwood (Melbourne)
Cloud Campus	Yes
Duration	1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
CRICOS course code	084026F Burwood (Melbourne)
Deakin course code	A639
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

Take your career to new heights in an industry famed for its progression and pace. Advance your current skillset, expand your professional network and actively contribute to real industry challenges.

Looking for an adaptable communications qualification that will solidify your expertise and boost your employment opportunities?

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 Graduate Diploma of Communication gives you the specialist knowledge and skills to empower you to thrive in roles that influence and shape opinion.

Tailor your degree to your career goals – undertake intensive study in journalism, television production, public relations, digital media or visual communication design, or explore cross-disciplinary study. 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.

The Graduate Diploma of Communication is also an articulation pathway into the Master of Communication. Should you be interested in continuing your studies, you can apply for recognition of prior learning (RPL) upon successful completion of this course.

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

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 Graduate Diploma of Communication can prepare you for roles such as:

public relations specialist
investigative journalist
corporate affairs director
media adviser
communications consultant
technical writer
visual designer
social media manager

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, your fee category and the year you started. To find out about the fees and charges that apply to you, visit the Current students fees website.

Course Learning Outcomes

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes	Course Learning Outcomes
Discipline specific knowledge and capabilities	Acquire advanced knowledge and skills in professional communication. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of and specialist skills in the application of contemporary communication methods in professional and scholarly contexts.
Communication	Use advanced cognitive and technical skills in communicating ideas, problems and arguments in a variety of modes across a range of professional communication contexts.
Digital literacy	Acquire specialist skills in generic and specific digital technologies used to address a range of communication needs in professional contexts and for diverse audiences within and outside the communications industries.
Critical thinking	Acquire advanced cognitive skills in the analysis and critical evaluation of communications theory and its application in professional practice and scholarship. Demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate complex ideas, develop appropriate methodologies and communicate conclusions in professional communication and scholarly contexts.
Problem solving	Use advanced cognitive skills in communications to identify, investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems and concepts and develop creative solutions in professional practice and scholarly contexts.
Self-management	Employ autonomy, accountability and initiative in responding creatively to new situations in professional contexts.
Teamwork	Demonstrate initiative and accountability in working and learning collaboratively in professional communications practice and scholarly contexts.
Global citizenship	Acquire advanced understanding of and the ability to reflect on issues in communications 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 by Faculty Board November 2017

Course rules

To qualify for the award of Graduate Diploma of Communication, students must complete 8 credit points in Communication from the Course Electives List A below.

Students are strongly encouraged to look at specific concentrations and patterns of unit choice that develop their professional communication skills and should seek advice to create the best combination available to them to achieve their specific course learning outcomes. Students seeking a single specialised study experience in one area should enrol instead in the named Graduate Diplomas. Students using the Graduate Diploma of Communication as a pathway into the Master of Communication are strongly advised to complete ACX701 Communication Concepts as two of their 8 credit points of study.

Students must also complete AAI018 Academic Integrity (0-credit-point compulsory unit).