Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Course

This 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 Master of Communications and Media Studies seeks to further students' understanding of communications and media systems both locally and globally.

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.

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
• advanced reading and communication skills, both written and verbal
• advanced analytical skills
• a grasp of research methodology and ethics, and an ability to undertake a small, independent research project in one of the disciplines represented in the program.

This course consists of four level-four 12-point units, plus two level-five 12-point units or a 24-point research thesis (with approval of the coordinator).

Level four

Core units

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

Electives

Two of:

• AST4000 Contemporary issues in Asia**
• 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
• COM4207 Strategic communication
• COM4209 Communication research

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 five

Core unit

• COM5004 Industry research project

Electives

Note: Some electives may not be taken if a similar unit has been previously studied (check unit prohibitions).

One of:

• AST5000 Contemporary issues in Asia **
• COM5002 The first media age
• COM5006 New communications media *
• COM5008 Media, ethics and practice
• COM5010 Communications, convergence and public policy
• COM5201 Communication organisations and technologies
• COM5207 Strategic communication
• COM5209 Communication research
• COM5211 Researching global audiences
• COM5280 Communications industry internship
• COM5303 International field trip in media and communications*

Those students who achieve a distinction average in their level four units have the option of undertaking the research dissertation at level five:

• COM5210 Research dissertation (24 points)

* Units not offered at the Sunway campus

** Units not offered at the Caulfield campus

Students may apply to exit after successful completion of:

• 24 points with course 3065 Graduate Certificate in Communications and Media Studies.
• 48 points with course 1398 Graduate Diploma in Communication and Media Studies.

Master of Communications and Media Studies