Postgraduate handbook 2005 - Arts

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

Course code: 3064 + Mid-year entry available + 18 months full-time, 3 years part-time + On-campus (Melbourne city) (some electives taught at Clayton)
Course coordinator: Paul Strangio

Course description

This course seeks to further students' 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.

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.

Course structure

Candidates must satisfactorily complete 72 points of study, comprising four level 4 and two level 5, 12-point, semester-length units as outlined below:

Level 4 units

• COM4001 Researching and writing Australia (core unit)
• COM4006 New communications media (core unit)

and one of the following functional units:

• COM4005 Media communications, globalisation and policy

or

• COM4010 Communications, convergence and policy

and one of the following electives:

• COM4002 Communications and media history
• COM4008 Media, ethics and practice
• electives to the value of 12 points offered within the faculty or another faculty may be taken with the approval of the course coordinator

Level 5 units

One of the following:

• COM5005 Media communications, globalisation and policy (if COM4005 not taken)
• COM5009 Issues in international communications
• COM5010 Communications, convergence and public policy (if COM4010 not taken)

and

• COM5004 Industry research project (core unit)

Minimum pass grade

To graduate with the Master of Communications and Media Studies, students must gain a credit (60 C) or above in core units and a minimum credit average overall.

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.

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