Gain advanced analytical, research and communication skills by undertaking multi-disciplinary Master of Communication degree. Explore the different specialisations offered at Deakin University today.
Deakin’s Master of Communication is a stimulating course which creates professionals with advanced knowledge of and skills in communications and media industries. The course recognises the advances in communication technologies and the increasing globalisation of business enterprises.
You can choose to undertake intensive study in the areas of Journalism, TV production, Visual Communication Design, Public Relations or Digital Media, or undertake cross-disciplinary units from these disciplines.
The flexible course structure allows you to build on your knowledge base so you can move across professional fields, acknowledging that a broader range of skills is required to remain competitive in the ever-changing media and cognate industries. All students complete a professional research project designed for business or creative audience under the guidance of an academic supervisor.
Deakin’s Master of Communication will advance your career prospects in one of the fastest growing group of industries such as content production companies, multimedia businesses, government agencies, marketing and entertainment industries, public relations, and social and market research entities. Students who undertake 4 credits in the independent scholarly research project will be eligible to apply for a PhD.
Professional recognition
Students taking the Public Relations stream may qualify for membership of the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA) by completing 6 credit points of ALR-coded units.
Students will undertake a practice-based research methods and design unit worth 2 credit points and a significant independent research project worth 4 credit points resulting in the completion of a major creative work and exegesis. A two credit point research project option is available.
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 and integrated understanding of one or more complex knowledge domains relating to professional communication
Demonstrate expert knowledge and specialist skills in contemporary communication methods, and their application in one or more specialist areas of communication including Journalism, Professional Writing, Public Relations, Television Production and Visual Communication Design and in scholarly contexts
Communication
Use specialist cognitive and technical skills in communicating ideas, problems and arguments in a variety of modes in a range specialist areas of communication and in scholarly research
Digital literacy
Acquire specialist skills in generic and specific digital technologies used to address a range of communication needs in research and professional contexts and for diverse audiences within and outside the communications industry
Critical thinking
Acquire expert cognitive skills in the analysis and critical evaluation of communications theory and its application in professional practice and scholarship
Demonstrate the ability to evaluate complex ideas, develop appropriate methodologies and communicate conclusions in the context of professional decision making and scholarship
Problem solving
Use expert and specialised knowledge of and 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 high level autonomy, accountability and initiative in responding creatively to new situations in professional practice and/or in the completion of a substantial research –based project
Teamwork
Demonstrate initiative and accountability in working and learning collaboratively in professional communications practice and scholarly contexts
Global citizenship
Acquire high level understanding 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 May 2014
Course rules
To qualify for the Master of Communication, a student must successfully complete 16 credit points of study comprising:
Either
> 8 credit points in one of the specialisation options (Digital Media, Journalism, Public Relations, Television Production, Visual Communication Design)
Or
> 8 credit points of Cross-disciplinary Study which must be drawn from at least 3 or more of the following areas of study: Digital Media, Journalism, Public Relations, Television Production or Visual Communication Design
Plus
2 credit points of research methods (ACX702)
2 credit points of communication concepts (ACX701); and
Either
> A further 4 credit points of independent scholarly research project (ACX703, ACX704, ACX705, ACX706)
Or
> 2 credit points of independent professional practice project (ACX707, ACX708); and
> 2 credit points of elective units from any of the specialisations in the course
Specialisations
Refer to the details of each specialisation for availability.
Note: Students wishing to qualify for membership of the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA) must select at least 6 credit points of ALR-coded units and complete their research thesis on an approved Public Relations project.
