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Master of Arts (Media and Communications)

Postgraduate course

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Overview

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.
Duration1.5 years full-time or the equivalent part-time
Campus and intakes  Calendar
Hawthorn -Semester 1, Semester 2
Study modeFull-time
Part-time (day & evening)
Course codeN0917
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.

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.
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Course in detail

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

Course description

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.

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)
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Graduate outcomes

On this page: aims and objectives, career opportunities and graduate attributes.

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.

Graduate attributes

The key graduate attributes of the program are adaptability, versatility and creativity. Graduates of this course will be capable in their chosen professional areas in that they:
  • will be informed and knowledgeable about 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 make links and connections between developments
Graduates will be able to 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
Graduates will be 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.
Graduates will 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 postgraduate programs are designed to provide opportunities for students to develop the following attributes, at a level appropriate to their degree level:
  • 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
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
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On this page: entry requirements and recognition of prior learning

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:
 
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Apply

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

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 online
Tel: 1300 ASK SWIN (1300 275 794)
 
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