Master of Communication
Student type:
Quick facts
-
Entry score
Not applicable
-
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
What you will learn
Prepare for the changing world of strategic communication. Offering a diverse range of professionally oriented areas to choose from, you can specialise in what’s relevant to you.
Your career as a professional communicator
Graduates move into professional and management roles in communication and PR agencies, in management consultancies and in organisations that use communication to achieve their goals.
Details
Offered through a flexible combination of lectorials, seminars and studios, this degree provides opportunities for individual exploration, teamwork projects, engagement in industry-based work and study tours.
You can study in-person, online, and will have access to course content in advance of set class times, to allow you to study at your own pace within your other commitments. Classes tend to begin from the early evening onwards, in recognition of our students’ schedules.
With only six core subjects, this is an ideal flexible postgraduate qualification for professionals moving into the communication space, or those working within it and seeking a qualification to enhance their own career management, by ensuring you have an exposure to the breadth of communication disciplines.
With a minimum of six elective subjects, you will be able to explore these areas. You'll choose from a diverse range of electives connected to a core of digital, global and strategic communication. Working with our experienced academic advisers, you have the choice to then bundle your electives and specialise your studies in areas such as community engagement, digital communication, or strategic public relations.
Importance is placed on work-integrated learning. You will undertake the Strategic Communication Management subject, working with industry partners on industry projects. You also have the choice to build in an internship or placement using one of your electives, supported by RMIT’s strong industry links.
Research is present throughout the degree and in second year, you will complete a professional research project that will be presented as an industry report, a minor thesis or a practice-based project (perhaps with your employer) accompanied by an exegesis. The choice is yours, and our academic advisers work with you to arrive at the best selection for you and your career aspirations, including the onward study of a PhD should you so desire.
Communication can build stronger, more cohesive and sustainable communities and societies. Your diverse teaching team – bringing together academic and industry prowess from professional experience working in communication across more than ten countries – emphasise values of innovation, kindness, passion, empathy, listening and the celebration of difference in their teaching, research and practice.
We have strong links with industry, giving you opportunities to undertake work-integrated learning placements in government, corporate and not-for-profit sectors. Industry leaders and their organisations are a constant presence throughout the course, engaging at different levels whether it be via guest lecture, workshop Q&A, studio brief, internship, collaborative project, or Industry Advisory Committee.
Our teaching team – your course coordinators, lecturers, and tutors – has members drawn from industry, enabling real-world expertise to be infused into our teaching, preparing you for your career in a discipline projected to continue to grow into the future.
- 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 Communication 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 structure supports specialist studies and allows you to refine your individual approach to current communication trends. Choose focus areas including:
- communication for social change
- public relations
- community and civic engagement
- strategic communication management
- corporate communication
You will have the opportunity to study these areas alongside students from other media and communication disciplines. You'll also get to explore subjects in communication theory and practice, financial communication, leadership and corporate storytelling, communication for social change, and international advertising.
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Communication | City Campus |
2 years full-time
4 years part-time
Reduced duration available
|
2 years full-time
|
MC248 | 083948E |
Choose a program structure
Program code: MC248
Career
Graduates move into professional and management roles in communication and public relations consultancies, federal, state, and local government agencies, as well as not-for-profit and non-government organisations. In fact, roles can be found in an increasing number of organisations, as they recognise the importance and value of qualified communication professionals.
The Master of Communication can position you well for digital and social media, corporate communication, political communication and community development roles depending on the electives that you select.
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
- undertaken at least 3 years' professional experience in public relations, corporate or strategic communication, professional communication and/or editing and publishing
Selection tasks
You must include with your application a statement that outlines:
- 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
- details of any previous work experience in the industry
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).
You may also be considered if you have at least three years of professional experience in the public relations, corporate/strategic communication, professional communication and/or editing and publishing.
Entry requirements
Statement: You must include with your application a statement that outlines:
- 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
- details 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, corporate/strategic communication, digital communication strategy, journalism, professional communication and/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 media and communication discipline may also be eligible for credit transfer of up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study).
Masters exemptions
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$36,480.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2022 commencement is AU$73,920.
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.