Master of Advertising
Student type:
Quick facts
-
Entry score
Not applicable
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Duration
Full-time 2 years, Part-time 4 years, Reduced duration available -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
AU$27,840 (2022 annual)
Next intake
February, JulyEntry score
IELTS 6.5
Duration
Full-time 2 yearsLocation
Melbourne City
Overview
This innovative degree provides you with an industry-focused analysis of advertising and marketing communication by engaging with academic and professional sources from around the world.
You will explore a range of evolutionary communication processes to build professional knowledge and skills for today's competitive global environments related to advertising and promotional activities.
Enrolling in this degree will offer you the opportunity to develop advanced knowledge and transferable skills in advertising. You will be encouraged to build a global and local outlook on marketing and communication practices, including a creative approach to leadership, strategy planning and campaign development in the constantly evolving advertising and broader communication industries.
On completion of the degree, graduates will be responsive professional leaders with specialised knowledge of the global advertising industry. You will be able to work collaboratively in international and interdisciplinary teams and will be prepared for professional roles in advertising and promotional agencies, or consultancies and other organisations (business, government and non-profit) which use advertising to achieve their goals. You will be able to lead and manage high-quality outcomes in delivering international, integrated advertising campaigns.
As a graduate you will be able to:
- determine and apply the specialist knowledge and technical skills required to creatively solve problems, demonstrating expert judgement and ethical responsibility relating to your professional practice and discipline
- critically analyse, synthesise and reflect on complex theories and recent developments, both local and international, to extend and challenge knowledge and practice in advertising and communication
- professionally communicate propositions, processes and outcomes to address specialist and non-specialist audiences
- provide leadership within your discipline, as well as collaborate with others
- use appropriate research methods to design and execute substantial projects, evaluate the outcomes and theorise about the contribution of your learning to the profession and knowledge area
- master a body of knowledge and specific technical skills to progress your professional career within the contemporary media and communication environment.
You will be able to conduct research, develop theories, implement organisational behaviours, create effective structures within the advertising industry and respond effectively to changing societal demands on advertising practice.
Details
This degree covers key communication and advertising skills from choice and integration of media to applied research knowledge into advertising practice and strategy. Our students explore international advertising practices, taking into account intercultural diversity, emerging technologies and international advertising business environments. Such skills are a necessity for global brand management and communication strategies.
Professionals from academic and industry backgrounds combine teaching with their advertising expertise to engage with you throughout the learning and teaching process.
The lecturers will use a variety of contemporary face-to-face and online learning and teaching approaches which may include lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars, case studies, studio practice, problem-based learning, reflective techniques (e.g. blogs, journals), presentations, group-based learning, discussions and negotiated learning for the individual professional research project.
Assessments are undertaken individually and/or in groups. The assessments will include a range of activities such as reports, reflective papers, research projects, portfolio production, presentations, peer or industry review. Research projects, reports and presentations will be directly related to industry specific needs and may involve making contact with industry practitioners regarding contemporary issues.
You will also work closely with students from other disciplines such as public relations, design, media, communication and journalism. This allows for a broader learning experience and understanding of multiple disciplines in the media and communication industries.
You will have access to online resources through the myRMIT student portal.
In Australia there are no professional bodies that recognise or accredit academic qualifications in advertising. However, the RMIT Advertising degree has strong industry links to ensure the curriclum remains current and relevant to today’s diverse advertising requirements. Our Industry Advisory Committee (IAC) is made up of industry leaders from all advertising platforms and our academics have current and extensive advertising experience, locally and globally. RMIT Advertising also attracts senior industry professionals as sessional tutors and guest lecturers.
As part of their study in this degree, students apply advertising theory with practical research to develop real-life advertising campaigns from industry clients. Recent clients include Red Cross Blood Service, Metro Tunnel Project, and Bupa.
You will gain a global competence and outlook in your profession, enabling you to pursue roles both locally and internationally.
In 2015 you will have the opportunity to take part in an international study tour to New York, which follows on from the success of the 2014 tour, and the 2013 study tour to the UK. The UK tour saw various students from advertising, communication design and other related programs touring the University of Salford, the BBC studios and several media and advertising agencies.
There are also opportunities for you to undertake a semester of study overseas through our exchange partnerships, undertake industry projects, as well as do an internship.
RMIT’s Global Mobility Office supports students to undertake an exchange or short term mobility activity with over 165 partner universities worldwide.
- 2 years full-time or 4 years part-time (without advanced standing)
- 1 - 1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent (with advanced standing).
For further information about advanced standing see the Pathways section.
The Graduate Diploma of Advertising is available as an exit award of this degree. Any advanced standing you receive for the masters program is not transferrable to an exit award. If you wish to exit early with the Graduate Diploma, you must have completed all courses specified in the relevant program structure.
The degree is professionally oriented, and key study topics and practice areas include:
- complex and integrated campaign management
- brand management
- account management
- account planning
- strategy planning
- agency management
- media planning
- collaborative teamwork
- project proposal and pitching
- design thinking
- value chain and proposition
- communication perspectives
- international advertising approaches.
Promotional activities and practices that are integrated in the degree are:
- commercial sponsorship
- sales promotion
- event management
- direct response
- digital, emerging and contemporary media
- consumer behaviour and audience analysis.
As well as the professional practice areas above, subjects are offered in the areas of public relations and communication practice, communication for social change, corporate writing and editing and leading change in media and communication.
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Advertising | City Campus |
2 years full-time
4 years part-time
reduced duration available
|
2 years full-time
|
MC249 | 083949D |
Choose a program structure
Program code: MC249
Career
Upon graduation, you will be equipped to enter professional and management roles within advertising, promotions and management consultancies, as well as business, government and non-for-profit organisations that use advertising and promotional tools to achieve their goals.
This degree will prepare you for the constantly changing advertising environment and you will become a flexible and adaptable professional, who is environmentally, culturally and socially aware.
You will be able to:
- conduct and/or use research, with critical insight into its validity for decision-making
- develop and/or build theories, and understand the process of theory development
- implement changed personal and organisational behaviours in the knowledge of new or changed theories
- create the conditions for more effective and efficient structures within the advertising industry
- respond effectively to changing societal demands on advertising practice.
You will be qualified to apply for roles such as:
- account service manager
- media buyer
- media planner
- strategy planner
- advertising manager
- marketing manager
- advertising data or digital analyst.
- marketing communication coordinator or manager.
- advertising, market or communication researcher
- promotions coordinator or manager
- sales manager
- events manager.
You'll be equipped to enter professional and executive management roles in advertising, communications, promotions, market research, management consultancies and other business, government and non-profit organisations that use integrated communication to achieve their goals or even start your own practice.
Admissions
You must have successfully completed:
- an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 (out of 4.0)
OR - at least 3 years' professional experience in advertising, marketing, marketing communication, professional communication or public relations.
You must have successfully completed:
- an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 (out of 4.0)
OR - at least 3 years' professional experience in advertising, marketing, marketing communication, professional communication or public relations.
Selection tasks
You must include with your application a statement that outlines:
- your interest in studying the program
- how you feel the program will advance your career or offer new opportunities
- your awareness of current global trends in persuasive communication and brand management
- details of any previous work experience in the industry
Entry requirements
Selection Task
Statement and CV: If you are applying on the basis of professional experience, you must include with your application:
- A Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- A personal statement outlining your interest in studying the program, how you believe the program will advance your career or offer new opportunities, your awareness of current global trends in persuasive communication and brand management, and detail of any previous work experience in the industry.
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.
For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.
Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Pathways
If you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications specialising in advertising, marketing, marketing communication, professional communication or public relations, you may be eligible for advanced standing as follows:
Qualification level |
Advanced standing |
Remaining program duration |
|---|---|---|
Bachelor Degree |
48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) |
144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study) |
Bachelor Honours Degree |
96 credit points (equivalent to two semester full time study) |
96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) |
Graduate Certificate |
48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) |
144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study) |
Graduate Diploma |
96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) |
96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) |
Credit
Applicants with a bachelor honours degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or masters degree qualification majoring in a different discipline may also be eligible for credit transfer of up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study).
You may be eligible for advanced standing up to a maximum of 2 semesters (equivalent to 96 credits points). Eligibility for advanced standing is based on your previous studies and is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Learn more about eligibility for credit transfer and recognition of prior learning.
Fees
2022 indicative fees
Full-fee places: AU$27,840.
Additional expenses
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$315 maximum fee for 2022.
- Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
Annual fee adjustment
Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
Defer your payment
This program is offered on a full-fee paying basis only. If you are offered a place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.
Learn more about fees for postgraduate study.
Payments and refunds
For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.
Eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.
How does a HELP loan work?
If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.
You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.
For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2022 is $315.
For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.
The annual tuition fee for 2022 is AU$34,560.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2022 commencement is AU$71,040.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
- Some programs incur additional expenses.
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.
Applying for refunds
For information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student, please see Refunds.
Looking for answers or more general infomation?
For frequently asked questions or how to find more information regarding applications and enrolments, fees, student support services, university policies and more, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions.