A6003 Master of Communications and Media Studies

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

Note: If you are eligible for credit for prior studies you may elect not to receive the credit.

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

These studies draw on best practices within the field of communications and media studies to further your understanding of communications and media industries, issues and practices, both locally and globally. Studies focus on the challenges posed by digital disruption, globalisation and on methods of research and analysis for the contemporary media and communications environment.

Part B. 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:

• 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
• 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 B, however, should they wish to complete a 24 point research project as part of the course they should consult with the course coordinator.

Part C. Specialist studies (24 points)

These studies provide you with the opportunity to undertake a program of coursework study tailored to your own interests

Master's entry 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:

• If you are admitted at entry level 1 you complete 96 points, comprising Part A, Part B and Part C
• If you are admitted at entry level 2 you complete 72 points, comprising Part A and Part B
• If you are admitted at entry level 3 you complete 48 points, comprising units from Part A 

Note: If you are enrolled at the Malaysian campus you are admitted at entry level 2 or 3.

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

The course progression map provides guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study.

If you are eligible to enrol in the 1.5 year entry point, you have the option of completing this course intensively over a 12 month period by following the intensive course progression map.

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

• If you are admitted at entry level 1 you complete 96 points, comprising Part A, Part B and Part C
• If you are admitted at entry level 2 you complete 72 points, comprising Part A and Part B
• If you are admitted at entry level 3 you complete 48 points, comprising units from Part A 

Note: If you are enrolled at the Malaysian campus you are admitted at entry level 2 or 3.

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

Note: Unit codes commencing with APG are available in Australia and AMG-coded units are available in Malaysia.

The course progression map provides guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study.

If you are eligible to enrol in the 1.5 year entry point, you have the option of completing this course intensively over a 12 month period by following the intensive course progression map.

Units are 12 credit points unless otherwise stated.

Part A. Core master’s study (48 points)

You must complete the following units:

Australian Campus:

• APG5050 Media and communication research methods
• APG5397 Media and social change
• APG5398 Digital media technologies  
• APG5401 Global media industries

Malaysia Campus:

• AMG5409 Communication research
• AMG5894 Communications theories and practices
• AMG5400 Global digital media: Issues in international and transnational communication
• AMG5013 Current issues in Asia

Part B. Advanced expertise (24 points)

You must complete a. or b. below.

a. One capstone unit (12 points) from the following:

• APG5044 Professional internship
• APG5856 Research project
• APG5742 Industry project*
• APG5752 Media and communications field trip
• AMG5742 Communications research project

plus one or two discipline electives (12 points) from the list in Part C.

b. The following thesis unit/s:

• AMG5743 Communications research thesis (24 points) or
• APG5849 Research thesis A (6 points) and APG5084 Designing research (6 points) and
• APG5850 Research thesis B (12 points)

Note: If you wish to complete the 24 point research thesis you should consult with the course coordinator.

Part C. Specialist studies  (24 points)

If you are admitted at Entry Level 1 you complete Option 1 or 2 below.

Option 1 - Discipline electives 

You must complete 24 from below

Screen and Cultural Industries:

• APG5066 Shanghai city lab
• APG5184 Video-making as research
• APG5373 Engaging audiences
• APG5374 Data analytics in communications
• APG5662 Cultural and creative industries
• APG5782 Film festival study tour

Journalism:

• APG5095 Introduction to journalism practice
• APG5547 Studio and audio production 
• APG5182 Digital journalism
• APG5135 Video journalism
• APG5653 International journalism field school
• APG5640 Journalism in society

Policy:

• APG5180 Policy and political communication (6pts)
• APG5181 Intergovernmental relations (6pts)
• APG5101 Foundations of Public Policy 

Communications and Media Studies (Malaysia Campus):

• Any MCMS capstone not already undertaken
• AMG5018 Celebrity, fashion, publicity
• AMG5751 Communications industry internship

Option 2 - Complementary Electives (Entry point 1)

Up to 24 points of approved units form the following Arts Graduate coursework programs. All units are available unless marked with an asterisk (*)

These units must be selected from Core Master's study and/or Advanced expertise.

• A6001 Master of Applied Linguistics
• A6002 Master of Bioethics
• A6004 Master of Cultural and Creative Industries
• A6006 Master of International Development Practice
• A6008 Master of Journalism
• A6010 Master of International Relations
• A6012 Master of International Sustainable Tourism Management
• A6028 Master of Public Policy
• A6030 Master of Strategic Communications Management