Master of Communication
2027 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2027 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Master of Communication |
| Course credit points | 16 |
| Deakin course code | A743 |
| Course version | 3 |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts and Education |
| Course information | For students who commenced from 2018 onwards |
| Campus | Offered at Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
| Duration | 2 years full-time or part-time equivalent 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. |
| Course map - enrolment planning tool | These course maps are for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2027: Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central. |
| CRICOS code | 084000E Burwood (Melbourne) |
| 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
- Career opportunities
- Inclusive support for learning and participation
- Mandatory student checks
- Alternative exits
- Research information
- Course learning outcomes
- Course rules
- Course structure
- Work experience
- Fees and charges
Course overview
As technology and global business keep evolving, strong communication and critical thinking skills are invaluable Deakin’s dynamic Master of Communication helps you build both, so you can lead, influence and thrive.
Undertake core discipline study in Digital Communication and Strategic Communication developing skills in areas from sports media to law, ethics and advanced brand communication.
Enjoy a flexible, practical, supported, collaborative and stimulating learning environment, guided by experienced staff in industry-grade facilities.
Gain hands-on experience through internships, volunteering and Deakin’s work-integrated learning opportunities, while building your professional network. Develop your portfolio through a capstone project and graduate as a well-rounded, reflective communications practitioner, ready for roles such as corporate affairs director, investigative journalist, PR practitioner and more.
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
- marketing manager
- media adviser or planner
- public relations specialist
- social media manager
- sports media producer, journalist or commentator
- visual designer.
For more information go to DeakinTALENT.
Inclusive support for learning and participation
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, you can contact our Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) team for a collaborative and confidential discussion.
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) | |
| Graduate Diploma of Communication (A639) |
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.
Course learning outcomes
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Analyse, evaluate, and critique complex information in order to identify problems and develop creative solutions in a range of professional practice and scholarly contexts. |
| 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. |
| Work and learn collaboratively in professional communication practice and in scholarly contexts, including exercising initiative and accountability as a team member. |
| 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 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 your first study period
- 4 credit points of Digital Communication discipline core
- 4 credit points of Strategic Communication discipline core
- 4 credit points of capstone units chosen from the following:
- Capstone A (4 credit points)
OR - Capstone B (4 credit points)
- Capstone A (4 credit points)
- any remaining credit points can be chosen as electives from the specialisations/disciplines within the Master of Arts (Writing and Literature), Master of Fine Arts, Master of Film and Television or Master of Artificial Intelligence for Design and Creative Practice.
- Course electives may be used to form a specialisation/discipline by selecting 4 credit points from the ONE specialisation/discipline.
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.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
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 |
Digital Communication Discipline Core
| ALC702 | Making Sense and Dollars in Communities Online |
| ALC708 | Social Media Content Creation |
| ALR703 | Digital Brand Storytelling |
| ASM700 | Sports Media in the Digital Age |
Strategic Communication Discipline Core
| ACC717 | Law, Ethics and Communication Practice |
| ALR704 | Reputation Management: Crisis, Risk and Responsibility |
| ALR710 | Advanced Brand Communication |
| ALR718 | Communication for Social Change |
Capstone units
Option A
| ACX701 | Communication Concepts |
| ACX703 | Masters Research Project A |
| ALX724 | Masters Research Project C |
| ALX725 | Masters Research Project D |
Option B
| ACX701 | Communication Concepts |
| ALX723 | Masters Research Project B |
| ALX724 | Masters Research Project C |
| ALX725 | Masters Research Project D |
Course electives
Electives are to be chosen from units within the specialisations/disciplines of the Master of Arts (Writing and Literature), Master of Fine Arts, Master of Film and Television or Master of Artificial Intelligence for Design and Creative Practice.
Course electives may be used to form a specialisation/discipline by selecting 4 credit points from the ONE specialisation/discipline.
The internship unit ACC700 is also available.
Please Note: Course elective units may provide the opportunity for Work Integrated Learning experiences.
Work experience
Elective units may provide the opportunity for Work Integrated Learning experiences.
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.
Fees and charges
Tuition fees will vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, your study load and/or unit discipline.
Your tuition fees will increase annually at the start of each calendar year. All fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD) and do not include additional costs such as textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment, mandatory checks, travel, consumables and other costs.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.
Further information
Contact Student Central for assistance in course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements. Student Central can also provide information for a wide range of services at Deakin. To help you understand the University vocabulary, please refer to our Enrolment codes and terminology page.