Graduate Diploma of Arts (Commercial Radio) at Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia

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Graduate Diploma of Arts (Commercial Radio)

Course Code: N061

Campus Availability	Study Mode	Study Level	Duration
Hawthorn	Full-time	Postgraduate	One year full-time

About the Course
Employment Outcomes
How To Apply
Find Out More

About the Course

Course Description:

This is a one year full-time program designed for people who wish to pursue a career in commercial radio broadcasting. It is a practical program using Swinburne’s excellent radio facilities with experienced lecturers and guests drawn from the radio industry.

Aims & Objectives:

Students receive two semesters of intensive tuition in all aspects of commercial radio operations, with practical training in announcing and news presentation. Other areas covered include voice training, production, copywriting, news writing and presentation, sales and marketing, promotions, music and programming, radio station management and computing skills. There is a strong focus on digital audio processing and control systems, using extensive computing facilities in studios and production areas. Broader issues are introduced including broadcasting ethics and codes of practice, media law and ownership, the impact of information technologies and audience research.

Course Structure:

The Graduate Diploma of Arts (Commercial Radio) consists of 100 credit points and represents two semesters of full-time study. The 100 credit points are spread over eight units of study (each worth 12.5 credit points). Normally students take four units of study each semester.

Units of Study:

The Graduate Diploma of Arts (Commercial Radio) consists of six core units and two electives

Core Units

HAM441 Radio in Australia
HAM442 Radio Presentation
HAM444 Radio Marketing and Promotions
HAM446 Radio Production
HAM445 Radio Advertising Copywriting

HAM447 Radio Broadcasting Practice

Electives (Choose two)

HAM443 Radio Journalism

HAM448 Radio Industry Placement **

HAM449 Radio Project

** HAM448 is not available to international students

Employment Outcomes

Career Opportunities:

The Graduate Diploma of Arts (Commercial Radio) has been operating successfully for over fifteen years with over 80% of graduates securing positions in the commercial radio industry as announcers, journalists, creative writers, promotion assistants, sales executives, scheduling, production managers and music directors. The skills gained and the contacts made during the program should place participants in an excellent position to secure employment in the commercial radio industry.

Please note: Industry placement is not available to international students.

Professional recognition:

The Graduate Diploma in Commercial Radio has the full support of Commercial Radio Australia (CRA) and the industry is actively involved in lectures, seminars and workshops.

Graduate Attributes:

Students are expected to develop a number of attributes, resulting in graduates who are:

Capable in their chosen professional areas.
Entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community.
Operate effectively and ethically in work and community situations.
Adaptable and manage change.
Aware of local and international environments.

How To Apply

Entry Requirements:

A degree from a recognised tertiary institution or approved equivalent. Special entry is available to applicants who have substantial experience in radio or related media industries.

The personal qualities sought in applicants are a clear intention and desire to make commercial radio a career, and an ability to work co-operatively in a group. A clear speaking voice is essential.

Applicants will be required to provide additional information with the postgraduate coursework application – please refer to the 'Application Procedure' section below.

Students are expected to be computer literate and are encouraged to have access to a computer and the internet outside Swinburne.

Recognition of Prior Learning:

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process where a student may be granted credit or partial credit towards a qualification in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training.

Further details for students considering Higher Education courses: http://www.swin.edu.au/corporate/registrar/ppd/files/stuinf.htm

Course Fees:

In 2008, tuition fees for this program are based on $1200 per 12.5 credit point unit of study. In the event that a unit of study is derived from another program, the applicable fee will be that of the other program. All fees are reviewed each year and may increase without notice.

HELP
The Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) is a suite of income contingent loans for Australian citizens and holders of Australian permanent resident humanitarian visas. FEE-HELP (previously PELS) is for eligible fee paying undergraduate and postgraduate students. It provides students with a loan to cover their tuition fees (lifetime maximum $80,000 indexed annually).

Note: New Zealand citizens and holders of other Australian permanent resident visas do not have access to HELP loans. These students must pay their student contributions or tuition fees up front without a discount.

For further information on your support and study options visit the 'Going to Uni' website at: http://www.goingtouni.gov.au

Application Procedure:

Application forms can be downloaded from the website at: http://www.swin.edu.au/hed/postgrad/postgrad_application.pdf

Applicants should also supply the following information with the above-mentioned postgraduate coursework application form:

Relevant experience: Provide details of any experience you have gained that will support your application. This may include broadcasting, community service, live performances or technical ability. Please type on a separate sheet and write no more than 500 words.
Personal goals: Please write about your personal goals and objectives relating any relevant history. Please type on a separate sheet and write no more than 500 words.
References: Please supply any references which you feel would support your application. Referees that know of your suitability to radio should be listed with contact telephone numbers.

Applicants will be shorlisted for interview purposes. Selection is made on the basis of the shortlisted applicant’s suitability for the program, and will be determined by a telephone or face-to-face interview and an audition tape. Enrolment quotas apply.

Applications for Febraury 2009 entry close on 7 November 2008.