Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Course

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 focuses on challenges posed by the emergence of digital media, globalisation and increasing levels of cross-cultural exchange. The last decade has been one of unprecedented change in communications and media content, forms, technology and policy with wide-ranging implications for business, politics, public administration and everyday life. The graduate program in communications and media studies examines these developments from a historical, political and theoretical perspective.

The program is particularly designed to focus on themes relevant to those employed (or seeking employment) in communications and media industries (for instance, policy formulation, media / public relations, audience research) and to those wishing to develop expertise in communications and media studies for purposes of teaching or further study

Students successfully completing this course will have:

• a sound knowledge of diverse aspects of the academic discipline
• an understanding of the world view of the field of study
• a critical appreciation of 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

This course consists of two 12-point core units and two 12-point elective units.

Core units

• COM4001 Researching and writing Australia or COM4209 Communication research
• COM4009 Issues in international communications or COM4211 Researching global audiences

Elective units

Select two of:*

• COM4002 The first media age
• COM4006 New communications media
• COM4008 Media, ethics and practice
• COM4010 Communications, convergence and public policy
• COM4201 Communication organisations and technologies
• COM4211 Researching global audiences
• COM4207 Strategic communication
• COM4209 Communication research

* Electives to the value of 12 points offered elsewhere 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 course 3064 Master of Communications and Media Studies.

After successful completion of 24 points, students may apply to exit the program with course 3065 Graduate Certificate in Communications and Media Studies.

Graduate Diploma in Communications and Media Studies