1398 - Graduate Diploma in Communications and Media Studies

The course is designed for candidates who wish to obtain a one-year postgraduate qualification as preparation for employment in the print or electronic media, public affairs or policy fields. The course also offers suitably experienced people the opportunity to further develop and upgrade their skills and expertise in the field of communications and to familiarise themselves with contemporary debates and developments in this field.

Students completing this course will have:

• an understanding of diverse aspects of the academic discipline
• an understanding of the world view of the field of study
• a familiarity with the secondary literature in the field of study
• a familiarity with many of the key texts and cultural products pertaining to the field of study
• advanced reading and communication skills, both written and verbal
• developed sound analytical skills
• developed the ability to use relevant technology such as databases, information management systems and search engines effectively.

Candidates complete two core units and two elective units at level four.

Core units

• COM4001 Researching and writing Australia
• COM4009 Issues in international communications

Elective units

Select one of the following:

• COM4006 New communications media
• COM4010 Communications, convergence and public policy

Select one of the following:

• COM4002 Communications and media history
• COM4008 Media, ethics and practice

Electives to the value of 12 points offered within the faculty or from another faculty may be taken with the approval of the course coordinator.

Students who complete the graduate diploma with a minimum credit average, may apply to enter a relevant masters degree.

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

Graduate Diploma in Communications and Media Studies

* Where more than one award is listed, or in the case of double degrees, where more than one award is listed for one or both components of the double degree, the actual award/s conferred may depend on units/majors/streams/specialisations studied, the level of academic merit achieved (eg in the case of 'with honours' programs), or other factors relevant to the individual student's program of study.