Master of Communications and Media Studies

Knowledge and skills in communication are increasingly valued across a wide range of industries, particularly at the management level.

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. You will examine these developments from a historical, political and theoretical perspective and increase your understanding of communications and media systems both locally and globally.

The course 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.

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 9, the Bologna Cycle 2 and Monash Graduate AttributesAustralian Qualifications Framework level 9, the Bologna Cycle 2 and Monash Graduate Attributes (http://monash.edu/pubs/handbooks/alignmentofoutcomes.html).

Upon successful completion of this course it is expected that graduates will be able to:

1. demonstrate a sound knowledge of diverse aspects of communications and media including policy, content and technology change over time
2. articulate and apply an understanding of the world view of communications and media as it applies to politics, public administration, business and the everyday
3. demonstrate a critical appreciation of the secondary literature in the field of study and apply a critical familiarity with the key texts and cultural products pertaining to communication and media
4. apply advanced reading, communication and analytical skills, both written and verbal
5. demonstrate a thorough understanding of research methodology and ethics, and an ability to undertake a small, independent research project.

The course is structured in three parts. Part A. Foundations for advanced communications and media studies, Part B. Core master's study and Part C. Advanced expertise. All students complete Part B. Depending upon prior qualifications, you may receive credit for Part A or Part C or a combination of the two.

Note that if you are eligible for credit for prior studies you may elect not to receive the credit.

Part A. Foundations for advanced communications and media studies (24 points)

These studies will introduce you to communications and media studies at advanced undergraduate or graduate level. They are intended for students whose previous qualification is not in a cognate field.

Part B. Core master's study (48 points)

These studies draw on best practices within the broad realm of communications and media studies practice and research to further your understanding of communications and media systems both locally and globally. Studies focus on the challenges posed by the emergence of digital media, globalisation and increasing levels of cross-cultural exchange.

Part C. Advanced expertise (24 points)

The focus of these studies is professional or scholarly work that can contribute to a portfolio of professional development. You have two options.

The first option is a program of coursework study where you select the units to suit your own interests. This option includes the opportunity to undertake an internship in the field.

The second option is a 24 point research thesis. Students wishing to use this master's course as a pathway to a higher degree by research should take this second option.

Students admitted to the course, who have a recognised honours degree in a cognate discipline including humanities or social sciences, will receive credit for Part C, however, should they wish to complete a 24 point research project as part of the course they should consult with the course coordinator.

The course comprises 96 points structured into three parts: Part A. Foundations for advanced communications and media studies (24 points), Part B. Core master's study (48 points) and Part C. Advanced expertise (24 points).

Depending on prior qualifications you may receive entry level credit (a form of block credit) which determines your point of entry to the course:

• Students admitted at Entry level 1 complete 96 points, comprising Part A, Part B and Part C.
• Students admitted at Entry level 2 complete 72 points, comprising Part B and Part C.
• Students admitted at Entry level 3 complete 48 points, comprising Part B.

Note: Students at the Malaysian campus are admitted at entry level 2 or 3.

Note: Students eligible for credit for prior studies may elect not to receive the credit and complete one of the higher credit-point options.

Unless otherwise stated, units with codes beginning with ATS are 6 points, and units with codes beginning with APG/AMG are 12 points. Unit codes commencing with APG are available in Australia and AMG-coded units are available in Malaysia.

Part A. Foundations for advanced communications and media studies (24 points)

Students complete:

a. Two units (12 points) from the following, taken during the first full time equivalent year of study:

• ATS2439 Youth media: Understanding media research
• ATS2440 The public sphere
• ATS2446 Australian media histories
• ATS2490 Advanced professional writing
• ATS2784 News and power (6 points)
• ATS3437 Communication and creativity (6 points)
• ATS3539 Asian cinema and television (6 points)
• ATS3732 Communications and media studies: Contemporary debates
• ATS3917 War and the media: Communication technology and the representation of war
• MGF5991 Professional development - Career dynamics

b. One unit (12 points) from the electives listed in Part C.

Part B. Core master's study (48 points)

Note: APG-coded units are available in Australia and AMG-coded units are available in Malaysia.

Students complete:

a. The following units (24 points):

• APG5050/AMG4409 Communication research methods
• APG5894/AMG4894 Communications theories and practices

b. The following capstone unit (12 points):

• APG5742/AMG5742 Communications research project*

* Students electing to take the research option in Part C(a) may consider that as their capstone and replace the capstone requirement with one of the electives in Part C. They should not complete both the research thesis and APG5742/AMG5742. Students admitted to the course at Entry level 3 who wish to complete the 24 point research thesis in Part C(a) should consult with the course coordinator.

c. One level 5 unit (12 points) from the electives listed in Part C.

Part C. Advanced expertise (24 points)

Students complete either a. or b. below.

a. The following unit/s:

• APG5848/AMG5743 Research thesis (24 points)** or APG5849 Research thesis A (12 points) and APG5850 Research thesis B (12 points)

** Students admitted to the course at Entry level 3 who wish to complete this 24 point research thesis should consult with the course coordinator.

b. Two elective units (24 points) from the following:

• APG5044 Professional internship
• APG5397 Media, technologies and social change
• APG5398 New communications media
• APG4400 Issues in international communications
• APG5401 Media empires and entrepreneurs
• APG5018/AMG5018 Celebrity, fashion, publicity
• APG5752 Field trip in media and communications
• APG5782 Film festival study tour
• AMG4400 Global digital media: Issues in international and transnational communication
• AMG4382 Contemporary issues in Asia
• AMG5751 Communications industry internship
• AMG5721 Media practices in Southeast Asia

Students entering at Entry levels 1 and 2 can complete a research thesis (24 points) that will provide a pathway to a higher degree by research. Students entering at entry level 3 will normally already have an honours degree, however, students in this group who wish to complete a research thesis in communications and media studies should discuss the options with the course coordinator.

Students may exit this course early and apply to graduate with one of the following awards, provided they have satisfied the requirements indicated for that award during their enrolment in this master's course:

• Graduate Certificate in Arts after successful completion of 24 credit points of study with a minimum of 18 credit points at level 4 or above
• Graduate Diploma in Arts after successful completion 48 credit points of study with a minimum of 36 credit points at level 4 or above.