Postgraduate handbook 2004
Arts

Master of Communications and Media Studies (1.5-year program)

Course code: 3064 + Clayton campus based (most classes held in the CBD) + Mid-year entry available + Course coordinator: Tony Wilson

Synopsis

The course seeks to further student's understanding of the history, production and reception of traditional and new media both globally, and with particular reference to Australia, Malaysia and Singapore. Contemporary policy debates in these and other nations are studied as responses to changing processes of mediation and consumption. More widely, the degree aims to develop skills in communications and media research.

The program is particularly designed to focus on themes relevant to those employed (or seeking employment) in communications and media industries (for instance, electronic journalism, policy formulation, public relations, and tourism marketing) and to those wishing to develop expertise in communications and media studies for purposes of teaching or further study.
Most of the classes in this course are taught in the Melbourne CBD. The length of the course is 18 months full-time, during which time students must complete 72 points of study units.

Entry requirements

The minimum requirement for entry is one of the following:

• a bachelors degree with a credit average in the final year, or
• a bachelors degree with a pass average and demonstrable professional experience at a senior level in a relevant area. Such applicants will need to supply a CV, a 1000-word statement and the names of two professional referees.

Exit points

After successful completion of 24 points, students may apply to exit the program with a Graduate Certificate in Communications and Media Studies, or after successful completion of 48 points with a Graduate Diploma in Communications and Media Studies.

Course structure

Candidates must satisfactorily complete four level 4 and two level 5 12-point semester-length units as outlined below:

Level 4 core units

• COM4001 Researching and writing Australia
• COM4006 New communications media

and either

• COM4005 Media communications, globalisation and policy

or

• COM4010 Communications, convergence and policy

Level 4 electives

Students will choose one of the following electives:

• PUB4001 Publishing history, culture and commerce
• COM4002 Communications and media history
• COM4008 Media, ethics and practice

Level 5 core units

• COM5005 Media communications, globalisation and policy (if COM4005 not taken)

or

• COM5009 Issues in international communication

or

• COM5010 Communications, convergence and public policy (if COM4010 not taken)

and

• COM5004 Industry research project

Minimum pass grade

To graduate with the Master of Communications and Media Studies, students must gain a credit in core units and a credit average overall.

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