Master of Arts (Media and Communications)

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Overview
Course in detail
Graduate outcomes
Entry requirements
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This nested suite of programs comprises the Graduate Certificate of Arts (Media and Communications), Graduate Diploma of Arts (Media and Communications) and Master of Arts (Media and Communications) ( N0917). 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 degree equips 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.

Information sessions

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Duration

18 Month/s

Campus and intakes

Hawthorn -

Semester 1, Semester 2

Course code

N0917

CRICOS code

061607G

Fees*

A$21,250 (annual 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.

Related courses

Course description

Course structure

The master program consists of 150 credit points. This represents three semesters of full-time study or six semesters of part-time study*. Students must complete the three core units with the option of completing either nine elective units or five elective units and a minor thesis.

The program is structured around three themes:

journalism
digital content production
media and communications policy

As such, there are three recommended progressions that students can follow (see unit of study section below). The choice of theme and recommended progression would be determined by the student’s interests, aptitudes and expected outcomes.

* Please note that international students must study full-time.

Units of study

Core units of study HAM417 Media Project
HAM419 Media Industry Seminar

and
Option 1: Six elective units and a minor thesis to the value of 50 credit points
or
Option 2: Ten elective units

Elective units of study
HAM418 Work Experience/Placement (NB: Not available to international students)
HAM402 Radio Production and Criticism A
HAM411 Globalisation: Media and Telecommunications
HAM416 Radio Production and Criticism B
HAM420 Online and Convergent Journalism
HAM426 Communication Environments
HAM427 Media Public Policy
HAM430 Journalism in Context
HAM431 Network Cultures
HAM432 Digital Media Production
HAM433 Broadcast Journalism
HAM434 Media Arts (formerly HAM415 Media Arts in Australia)
HAM435 Network Literacies (formerly HAM410 Electronic Writing)
HAM436 Remix Culture
HAM437 Media Law and Ethics
HAM438 Media and Multimedia Research Seminar
HET773 The Internet and World Wide Web 1
HET723 The Internet and World Wide Web 2
HET742 Digital Video and Audio
HET745 Multimedia Imaging
HET746 Multimedia Authoring

Thesis units
HAM530 Thesis Part-time A (25 credit points)
and
HAM531 Thesis Part-time B (25 credit points)
or
HAM507 Thesis (Full-time) (50 credit points)

Aims and objectives

The 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
have 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 Master 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.

Academic requirements

A recognised bachelor degree.

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. Following successful completion of the Graduate Certificate, applicants may choose to apply for the Master or Graduate Diploma program.

Entry 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 http://ppd.swin.edu.au/stuinf/RecognitionOfPriorLearningHigherEducationSector.htm

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.

How to apply

Application forms can be downloaded from the website at: http://www.international.swinburne.edu.au/apply/

Course fees*

A$21,250 (annual for 2013)

Scholarships

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

Find out more

Enquire online: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/international/enquiry

Email: international@swinburne.edu.au

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

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