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Graduate Certificate of Arts (Media and Communications)

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Overview

This nested suite of courses comprises the Graduate Certificate of Arts (Media and Communications), Graduate Diploma of Arts (Media and Communications) and Master of Arts (Media and Communications) . These programs have been designed to provide both a theoretical base and a portfolio of skills applicable to a wide range of media activities. They are aimed at developing the skills of those interested in working in media-related industries and enhancing the expertise of those already working in the media.
The graduate certificate, graduate diploma and master degrees equip graduates to participate in a dynamic and rapidly changing media landscape. Students can choose from three streams in Journalism, Digital Content Production and Media and Communications Policy.
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Duration6 Month/s
Campus and intakes  Calendar
Hawthorn -Semester 1, Semester 2
Course codeN0717
CRICOS code061605K
Fees*A$10,625 (total for 2013)*
*The indicative course fees shown in Course Search apply to international students studying on-campus in Australia for the relevant year only. They are based on a standard study load per year. However, please note that fees are assessed according to a student's study load in each semester, and variation to study load will result in an adjustment to tuition fees. All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.

Course in detail

On this page: course description, course structure and units of study.

Course description

This nested suite of courses comprises the Graduate Certificate of Arts (Media and Communications), Graduate Diploma of Arts (Media and Communications) and Master of Arts (Media and Communications) . These programs have been designed to provide both a theoretical base and a portfolio of skills applicable to a wide range of media activities. They are aimed at developing the skills of those interested in working in media-related industries and enhancing the expertise of those already working in the media.
The graduate certificate, graduate diploma and master degrees equip graduates to participate in a dynamic and rapidly changing media landscape. Students can choose from three streams in Journalism, Digital Content Production and Media and Communications Policy.

Course structure

The graduate certificate consists of 50 credit points. This represents one semester of full-time study or two semesters of part-time study*. 
The postgraduate programs in media and communications are structured around three key themes: journalism, digital content production, and media and communications policy. Each theme has its own recommended progression.  
International and domestic students wishing to undertake the graduate certificate program on a full-time basis may only commence in Semester 1 as the core unit HAM419 is only available in Semester 1. International students are required to be enrolled full-time.

Graduate outcomes

On this page: aims and objectives and career opportunities.

Aims and objectives

Swinburne's media and communications postgraduate programs are designed to provide opportunities for students to develop:
  • the ability to critically and theoretically analyse digital media processes and products
  • responsiveness to technological and industrial change
  • capability in applying research and reflection in the process of producing innovative media products
  • the ability to develop effective communication strategies using a variety of communicative forms and literacies
  • competencies in working collaboratively and creatively in project management and problem solving
  • effective membership and an understanding of the importance of networking within professional environments
  • development of an ongoing critical awareness of their own learning needs and the application of appropriate technologies
  • the ability to respond creatively and inventively to technological and vocational change
The programs also aim to:
  • provide knowledge of and experience in the production of a range of traditional and new media
  • provide students with real world experience in the workplace through placements and through developing projects for real clients
  • provide experience in the presentation and marketing of media production
  • introduce students to the changing face of media culture and the new technologies of electronic media
  • equip students with the skills to develop a substantial media production.

Career opportunities

The Graduate Certificate of Arts (Media and Communications) provides a broad range of writing and production skills valued in many sectors of the print, broadcasting and electronic media, such as radio production, journalism and information technology. Graduates will be equipped with the kind of digital technology skills likely to be sought by a wide array of employers in the digital content industries. Graduates are also equipped with skills in content and project management and a range of generic skills that qualify them to actively contribute to the changing nature of work and vocational training in relation to the impact of media.

Course experience

On this page: Swinburne Abroad.

Swinburne Abroad

Swinburne offers International Exchange Programs as well as other Education Abroad Programs to help internationalise your degree. International Exchange is an academic program allowing you to study at a Swinburne Partner Institution for one or two semesters during your degree. Swinburne's Partner Institutions offer many relevant subjects as well as a secure base to explore a different culture. Your studies while on exchange can be credited towards your Swinburne degree, provided they are relevant and approved by Swinburne. For further information visit the Education Abroad website.

Entry requirements

This course has academic and English language requirements.

Academic requirements

Normal entry: A recognised tertiary bachelor qualification in any area of study.  
 
Pathways Entry: Applicants not holding a tertiary qualification but with substantial relevant experience, may be eligible to continue to enrol in the Graduate Certificate, subject to the approval of the Course Panel.  
Recognition of Prior Learning: May be granted on the basis of advanced standing due to authentication, uncredentialled work experience, subject to approval by the Course Panel.  Applicants will be considered on their individual merits. University policies will apply, in accordance with the guidelines at the University’s Policies & Procedures Database: Recognition of Prior Learning - Higher Education Sector
 
Entry requirements for overseas students may include these plus additional English language requirements, the details of which are available at the website: http://www.international.swin.edu.au

English language requirements

Swinburne College English for Academic Purposes Certificate: EAP 5 Advanced: 70%; OR, obtaining a minimum IELTS overall band of 6.5 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0; OR, a TOEFL (Paper-based) minimum score of 550 (with Test of Written English (TWE) score of 5); OR, a TOEFL (Internet-based) minimum score of 79, with no individual band below 18. Refer to the English Language Requirements website for further information.

Apply

On this page: how to apply, course fees, scholarships and find out more.

How to apply

Application forms can be downloaded from the website at:

Course fees*

A$10,625 (total for 2013)

*The indicative course fees shown in Course Search apply to international students studying on-campus in Australia for the relevant year only. They are based on a standard study load per year. However, please note that fees are assessed according to a student's study load in each semester, and variation to study load will result in an adjustment to tuition fees. All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.

Scholarships

A range of scholarships are available to international students, visit our Scholarship Page for details.

Find out more

 
Phone:
+613 8676 7002 (outside Australia)
Freecall 1800 897 973 (within Australia)