Program Overview
Murdoch University's Master of Communication equips students with the knowledge and skills for strategic communications in various fields. Through hands-on projects and industry engagement, the program develops expertise in communication planning and strategy. Graduates are prepared for careers as communication professionals, advisors, and managers, and have the option to specialize through elective coursework in areas like research or professional development.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Master of Communication at Murdoch University is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in strategic communications. The program aims to enhance both personal development and professional expertise, making graduates adaptable to various industries and disciplines. The program's objectives include:
- Developing strategic communication and research plans: Students will engage in real-life client projects through in-class and work-integrated learning experiences.
- Analyzing and implementing contemporary communication practices: The program incorporates case studies and real-life scenarios, led by academics and industry guest speakers, to explore the latest communication practices in both international and Australian contexts. The program consists of 48 credit points and can be completed in as little as 1.5 years. Students can choose between a professional coursework option or a research option with a thesis.
Course Core (48 credit points):
- Required Units (18 credit points):
- MCM682 Global Media: Asia-Pacific Perspectives (3 credit points)
- MCM601 Critical and Ethical Issues in Communication (6 credit points)
- MCM605 International Strategic Communication and Culture (3 credit points)
- MCM502 Web Strategy (3 credit points)
- MCM506 Strategic Communication (3 credit points)
- Specified Elective Units (30 credit points):
- Group 1 - Research Option (30 credit points):
- ART610 Masters by Coursework Research Dissertation (12 credit points)
- MCM680 Research Project in Communication (6 credit points)
- 12 credit points of specified elective units from a list of options.
- Group 2 - Project Option (30 credit points):
- MCM683 Communication Management: Professional Perspectives (6 credit points)
- MCM680 Research Project in Communication (6 credit points)
- 18 credit points of specified elective units from a list of options.
Specified Elective Units (List of Options):
- AST6501 Culture, Communities and Sustainability in Asia (3 credit points)
- COD5051 Community, Industry and Local Government (3 credit points)
- GRD503 Design Thinking Tools (3 credit points)
- GRD504 Research Methods for Innovation (3 credit points)
- GRD508 Innovation Development (3 credit points)
- MCM507 Health Communication (3 credit points)
- MCM684 Advanced MESH Project (3 credit points)
- SIK502 Wandju Boodja (Welcome to Country) (3 credit points)
- TLC501 Communication Skills for Postgraduate Study (3 credit points)
- WEB564 Web Research (3 credit points)
- WEB566 Social Media Analysis (3 credit points)
Careers:
The Master of Communication program prepares graduates for a range of executive, managerial, and entrepreneurial positions in communication and media-related fields. Potential career paths include:
- Strategic Communication Consultant
- Media or Communications Advisor
- PR Consultant
- Community Engagement Officer
- Stakeholder Relations Manager
- Policy Advisor
- Digital Strategist Graduates can pursue careers in industry or continue their studies and research.
Other:
- The program offers professional placements through the Work Integrated Learning program, including the opportunity to work in the on-campus consultancy, MESH.
- Students can gain credit for some units based on their previous study and experience, potentially allowing them to graduate earlier.
Murdoch University
Overview:
Murdoch University is a public university located in Perth, Western Australia. It is known for its focus on practical learning, research, and engagement with the community. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.
Services Offered:
Murdoch University provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
The university offers a variety of academic support services, such as tutoring, workshops, and online resources.Career Services:
The Careers and Employability team assists students with career planning, job searching, and internship opportunities.Student Support:
The university provides support services for students with disabilities, mental health concerns, and other personal challenges.Library:
The Murdoch University Library offers a vast collection of books, journals, and online resources.Health and Wellbeing:
The university has a range of health and wellbeing services, including a chiropractic clinic, counselling services, and a psychology clinic.Sport and Recreation:
Murdoch University offers a variety of sporting and recreational activities, including fitness classes, team sports, and outdoor recreation.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Murdoch University offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience. Students can expect:
A beautiful and spacious campus:
The university's campus is located in a picturesque setting, with plenty of green spaces and modern facilities.A strong sense of community:
The university has a strong sense of community, with a variety of student clubs and societies.Opportunities for engagement:
Murdoch University encourages students to get involved in research, community service, and other extracurricular activities.Key Reasons to Study There:
Flexible study options:
Murdoch University offers a variety of flexible study options, including online learning, part-time study, and blended learning.Personalised courses:
The university offers a range of personalised courses that cater to individual student needs and interests.Career Learning Spine:
Murdoch University's Career Learning Spine helps students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen careers.World-class facilities:
The university has a range of world-class facilities, including a veterinary hospital, a media arts centre, and a state-of-the-art engineering lab.Academic Programs:
Murdoch University offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate programs:
The university offers a variety of undergraduate programs in areas such as business, law, science, engineering, and the arts.Postgraduate programs:
Murdoch University offers a range of postgraduate programs, including master's degrees, PhDs, and other research degrees.Research:
The university is a leading research institution, with a strong focus on areas such as food security, health futures, and sustainable development.Other:
Entry Requirements:
- Higher Education: Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
- Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses: Successful completion of one of the following:
- Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject
- MUPC (1 Trimester)
- Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.
- Creative Portfolio: Successful Portfolio application as assessed by the Academic Chair of the course.
- GCE A Levels: Aggregate of 6 points from:
- A maximum of the best three A-level subjects; OR
- A combination of A-level and AS-level subjects. At least two A-level subjects are included in the calculation. AS-level subject attempted at A-level is not eligible to be included. A-level grades (A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1) AS-level grades (A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5)
- Portfolio entry: For Creative Media, Arts and Design and Communications courses, a successful portfolio application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area.
- Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC): 70
- Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP): CPS 54 or higher. 50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma: Total score of 24 or higher. Higher level (HL): 3 or better. Standard Level (SL): 4 or better.
- VET course studied at school: Successful completion of a Certificate IV or higher.
- Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE): Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower.
- Certificate IV AQF level 4: Successful completion of a Certificate IV.
- Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6: Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
- Mature Age Pathway (MAP): MAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course.
- Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT): Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).
- (i) A recognised Bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) in the discipline: Students who have completed a graduate diploma or equivalent (AQF Level 8) in the disciplinary area may apply for advanced standing of up to 12 credit points. In addition, students who have at least one year of full-time relevant workplace experience, such as in public relations, journalism and media and communication sectors, may apply for advanced standing of up to an additional 12 credit points.
- **(ii) A minimum of ten years' work experience in the media and communication sectors or in a professional capacity, or a minimum of five years' work experience in a managerial role, together with evidence of ability to carry out research for and/or write professional reports.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- You must meet a minimum standard in English to study at Murdoch, which for most courses can be demonstrated by providing evidence that you have completed Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level if you are a domestic student, or through either English proficiency tests, university preparation courses, English language courses, previous tertiary study or vocational education.
- STAT Written English: 140 or higher (145 if taken prior to May 2010).