Graduate Diploma of Arts (Media and Communications)
Postgraduate course
Overview
The growth of user-generated content is transforming the ways in which media organisations produce and deliver content. Students require additional skills to be able to operate as professionals in this dynamic environment.
The Graduate Diploma of Arts (Media and Communications) is designed to equip graduates with attributes that make them attractive to prospective employers, or more valuable to current employers. The nature of expertise in such a dynamic media and communications environment is changing and the key graduate attributes of the program are adaptability, versatility and creativity.
The program also equips graduates with skills to participate in this changing landscape, offering three streams of study in Journalism, Digital Content Production and Media and Communications Policy.
Key areas of study:
- online and convergent journalism
- digital content production
- media and communication policy
- media placement
- user-generated content
Prospective applicants may also wish to consider the Graduate Certificate of Arts (Media and Communications) or the Master of Arts (Media and Communications) .
| Duration | 1 year full-time or the equivalent part-time | ||
Campus and intakes  |
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| Study mode | Full-time Part-time (day & evening) | ||
| Course code | N0817 | ||
| Fees | The total tuition fee is dependent upon the combination of units of study selected by the student. Fees are reviewed each year. For information about Swinburne's fees visit the Fees website. |
Course in detail
Course description
The growth of user-generated content is transforming the ways in which media organisations produce and deliver content. Students require additional skills to be able to operate as professionals in this dynamic environment.
The Graduate Diploma of Arts (Media and Communications) is designed to equip graduates with attributes that make them attractive to prospective employers, or more valuable to current employers. The nature of expertise in such a dynamic media and communications environment is changing and the key graduate attributes of the program are adaptability, versatility and creativity.
The program also equips graduates with skills to participate in this changing landscape, offering three streams of study in Journalism, Digital Content Production and Media and Communications Policy.
Key areas of study:
- online and convergent journalism
- digital content production
- media and communication policy
- media placement
- user-generated content
Prospective applicants may also wish to consider the Graduate Certificate of Arts (Media and Communications) or the Master of Arts (Media and Communications) .
Course structure
The graduate diploma consists of 100 credit points. This represents two semesters of full-time study or four semesters of part-time study*. All students must complete the three core units and five elective units in order to meet the requirements of the program.
The program is structured around three themes:
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 units 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
HAM419 Media Industry Seminar
Plus six 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
HAM433 Broadcast Journalism
HAM430 Journalism in Context
HAM431 Network Cultures
HAM432 Digital Media Production
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
HET723 The Internet and World Wide Web 2
HET742 Digital Video and Audio
HET745 Multimedia Imaging
HET746 Multimedia Authoring
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
HAM433 Broadcast Journalism
HAM431 Network Cultures
HAM432 Digital Media Production
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
HET723 The Internet and World Wide Web 2
HET742 Digital Video and Audio
HET745 Multimedia Imaging
HET746 Multimedia Authoring
Graduate outcomes
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 program also aims 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 Diploma 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.
Graduate attributes
Graduates should have developed the ability to respond inventively and authoritatively to the demands of media industries in transition, converged media and the changing nature of work itself in many new media contexts.
Graduates will be capable in their chosen professional areas in that they:
- will be informed and knowledgeable about the current theory and practice in the discipline of journalism, digital media production and communications policy
- will appreciate areas of uncertainty and debate within their discipline and respond confidently and appropriately in this environment
- will develop pertinent skills and abilities in media research
- will be able to engage in informed critical inquiry
Graduates will be entrepreneurial in that they will be able to:
- have the ability to critically understand innovations and developments
- think creatively and innovatively while being aware of appropriate risk levels
- have the ability to make links and connections between developments
Operate effectively and ethically in work and community situations through:
- having a sense of social responsibility for knowledge and its application
- displaying behaviours appropriate to ethical standards of their professional role in a given community context
- having a sense of both organisational and individual responsibility, sensitive and responsive to developing community standards
- maximising and seeking out opportunities to contribute to community wellbeing through professional practice
Adaptable and manage change through:
- being aware of self and one’s propensities and motivations concerning responsiveness and openness to change
- developing a general capacity for flexibility and curiosity
- understanding skills and dynamics associated with working with others in change environments
- have multi-faceted research and problem-solving skills
Be aware of environments in that they will:
- have respect for multiple and diverse points of view
- have a broad understanding of the role of corporate social responsibility in the broader society
- be able to evaluate the impact of their professional decisions in diverse and different situations
More specifically, the media and communications graduate programs are designed to provide opportunities for students to develop the following attributes, at a level appropriate to their program, by the time they graduate:
- ability to critically and theoretically analyse digital media processes and products
- capable of applying research and reflection in the process of producing innovative media products
- able to develop effective communication strategies using a variety of communicative forms and literacies
- competent in working collaboratively and creatively in project management and problem solving.
- effective membership and an understanding of the importance of networking within professional environments.
- develop an ongoing critical awareness of their own learning needs and the application of appropriate technologies.
- able to respond creatively and inventively to technological and vocational change.
So that successful graduates can be:
- socially responsible professionals who apply ethical, legal and political considerations to technological issues
- reflective and proactive learners in relation to knowledge, skills, experience and career direction
Course experience
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
Entry requirements
Applicants must satisfy the following requirements:
- completion of an approved undergraduate degree from a recognised university or equivalent institution; or
- other relevant experience that, in the opinion of the Selection Committee, is of a satisfactory standard and is suitable preparation for entry into the course.
Applicants who do not hold an appropriate qualification but who have relevant experience may initially be admitted to the graduate certificate level.
Selection is made on the basis of the applicant’s suitability for the program as determined by a face-to-face or telephone interview. Students are expected to be computer literate and to have internet access outside of Swinburne.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process where a student may be granted credit or partial credit towards a qualification in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Further details for students considering Higher Education courses: http://www.swin.edu.au/corporate/registrar/ppd/files/stuinf.htm
Apply
How to apply
Application forms can be downloaded from the website at: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/postgrad/apply/
Course fees
The total tuition fee is dependent upon the combination of units of study selected by the student. Fees are reviewed each year.
For information about Swinburne's fees visit the Fees website.
Find out more
Web: Enquire onlineTel: 1300 ASK SWIN (1300 275 794)
Email: postgrad@swinburne.edu.au
Website: www.swinburne.edu.au/lss