Graduate Certificate of Communication

Program Overview

Deakin University's Graduate Certificate of Communication enhances students' skills in media and communication, providing specialized knowledge in journalism, television production, public relations, digital media, or visual communication design. Students can tailor their studies to their career goals and benefit from a supportive learning environment with industry professionals. The program prepares graduates for careers in public relations, journalism, media advising, and other roles requiring strategic communication and critical thinking.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Graduate Certificate of Communication offered by Deakin University is designed to enhance students' skills and advance their careers in the rapidly growing media and communication industry. It provides students with specialized knowledge and capabilities to excel in roles that influence and shape public opinion. Students have the flexibility to tailor their studies to their career goals by choosing intensive study in journalism, television production, public relations, digital media, or visual communication design, or they can explore cross-disciplinary study. The program offers a stimulating and supportive learning environment where students collaborate with like-minded peers and industry professionals. Students learn from experienced staff and experts in the field, ensuring that the course content remains up-to-date with the latest technological advancements, industry demands, and market conditions.

Outline:

Course Structure:

To complete the Graduate Certificate of Communication, students must successfully complete 4 credit points in Communication from the units listed below and the Academic Integrity Module (0-credit-point compulsory unit).

Core Units:

• Media Law and Ethics (ACC717)
• Television Studio Production (ACF701)
• Digital Publishing (ACG702)
• Design and Digital Skills (ACG703)
• Web and Interactive Design (ACG706)
• Design Thinking and Problem Solving (ACG708)
• Strategic Branding and Design (ACG709)
• Introduction to Digital Photography (ACI700)
• Communication Concepts (ACX701)
• Social Media Collaboration (ALC701)
• Making Sense of Communities Online (ALC702)
• Digital Curation in the Age of AI (ALC703)
• Social Media Content Creation (ALC708)
• Journalism for Social Change (ALJ714)
• Multimedia Storytelling (ALJ715)
• Writing the News (ALJ716)
• Global Journalism (ALJ721)
• Investigative and Narrative Journalism (ALJ722)
• Public Relations Campaigns (ALR700)
• Writing for Brands (ALR701)
• Digital Brand Storytelling (ALR703)
• Reputation Management: Crisis, Risk, and Responsibility (ALR704)
• Advanced Brand Communication (ALR710)
• Public Relations, Activism, and Social Change (ALR718)
• Public Relations Theory and Practice (ALR731)
• Advertising Theory and Practice (ALR733)
• Public Affairs and Opinion Formation (ALR782)
• Introduction to Sports Media (ASM700)
• Sport Commentary (ASM701)

Intakes by Location:

The availability of the program varies across locations and intakes.

Trimester 1 - March:

• Burwood (Melbourne)
• Online

Trimester 2 - July:

• Burwood (Melbourne)
• Online

Trimester 3 - November:

• Burwood (Melbourne)

Careers:

Graduates of the Graduate Certificate of Communication are well-prepared for various career paths that require strategic communication and critical thinking skills. Potential career opportunities include:

• Public relations specialist
• Journalist
• Media adviser
• Communications consultant
• Technical writer
• Visual designer
• Social media manager
The program also serves as an articulation pathway into the Master of Communication. Students can apply for recognition of prior learning upon successful completion of this course to continue their studies at a higher level.