ObjectivesThe Master of Communication is a stimulating course which creates professionals with advanced communication skills. The course recognises the advances in communication technologies and the increasing globalisation of business enterprises. The course is designed for those wanting to enter the professional communication industry and those already in the industry wanting to gain or add to their qualifications for career advancement prospects. You will undertake specific and intensive professional training in the areas of journalism, media and communication, professional writing or public relations, with the possibility of cross-disciplinary explorations. The coherent and flexible course structure allows you to build on your knowledge base so you can move across professional fields. The course acknowledges that a broader range of skills is required to remain competitive and maintain competencies in the industry.
Entry requirementsDeakin University offers admission to postgraduate courses through a number of Admission categories. In all categories of admission, selection is based primarily on academic merit as indicated by an applicants previous academic record. The minimum requirements are successful completion of a three-year undergraduate degree, or equivalent, from an approved university or other educational institution or successful completion of other equivalent qualifications gained by examination, or approved professional or industrial experience. International students must also meet the English language requirements.
Academic titleMaster of Communication (International Students)
Course descriptionFees and charges
Fee paying place - International (IFP)
A Fee paying place is one for which the university does not receive any government funding. As such, students enrolled in these places are required to contribute the full cost of their course.
Fees for international students apply to persons living in Australia with Temporary Resident status, provided that there is no limitation on study and persons living abroad who are not Australian citizens and do not have Permanent Resident status in Australia.
Equivalent Full Time Student Load (EFTSL)
EFTSL is the standard annual full time load. Eight credit points is the standard full time load for one year of study.
* The 'indicative annual course fee' cited has been provided as a guide only. It has been calculated on the basis of a typical enrolment of a student undertaking the course in 2009, and reflects the cost involved in undertaking a full-time quota of units within the specified discipline.
The actual fees charged by Deakin University will depend upon the discipline from which each individual unit is chosen, and may vary from the indicative course fee cited, particularly if units are chosen from a number of disciplines. The cost of each unit offered in 2009 can be viewed at http://www.deakin.edu.au/current-students/handbooks2009/search.php.
Please note that the fees per unit/credit point may increase annually due to rises in the cost of course delivery and service.
Deakin assumes no responsibility for persons relying on 'indicative course fees' to calculate the total future cost of their course.
Career opportunities
In addition to the traditional public relations and media positions, as a graduate of this course you may find employment in the specialised areas of public affairs, corporate affairs, community relations, customer relations, investor relations, employee relations, publicity, government relations, media relations and crisis and issues management.
If you are already practising in a field such as journalism, media and communication, professional writing and public relations, this course gives you the opportunity to move across professional fields by upgrading your qualifications and refreshing or advancing your professional skills.
Course rules
To qualify for the Master of Communication, a student must successfully complete 12 credit points of study comprising:
* at least 6 credit points of study (including core units) from one of the following specialisations: Advertising; Journalism; Public Relations; Professional Writing; or Media and Communication
* a further 6 credit points of electives selected from units offered in the specialisations above and/or from units offered in the Master of Arts (Writing and Literature) or any other elective with the permission of the Post Graduate Course Director.
See the Master of Arts (Writing and Literature) (A748) for available units.
Specialisations
Advertising
Journalism
Media and Communication
Professional Writing
Public Relations
Admission requirements - general
Deakin University offers admission to postgraduate courses through a number of Admission categories.
In all categories of admission, selection is based primarily on academic merit as indicated by an applicants previous academic record. The minimum requirements are successful completion of a three-year undergraduate degree, or equivalent, from an approved university or other educational institution or successful completion of other equivalent qualifications gained by examination, or approved professional or industrial experience. International students must also meet the English language requirements.
Advanced standing - 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 advanced standing. You will need to provide your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your advanced standing.
Your advanced standing 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 Advanced Standing System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
How to apply
* Applicant Portal: Use our online application system to submit and track your application now.
* Apply through a Deakin International office: Fill out an application form and submit it to a Deakin International office.
* Apply through a Deakin representative: Take your application form to your preferred agent for assistance.
Tracking your application:
If you have already applied and wish to enquire about your application please refer to the relevant area through which you originally applied.
* If you applied online, log back into the Applicant Portal using your username and password.
* If you applied through a Deakin representative please contact your representative.
* If you applied through a Deakin International office please contact that office.
Alternate exits
Graduate Certificate of Journalism (A549)
Graduate Certificate of Media and Communication (A539)
Graduate Certificate of Professional Writing (A561)
Graduate Certificate of Public Relations (A543)
Graduate Diploma of Journalism (A649)
Graduate Diploma of Media and Communication (A639)
Graduate Diploma of Professional Writing (A661)
Graduate Diploma of Public Relations (A643)