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Graduate Certificate of Arts (Media and Communications) 

N0717      


Campus Availability Study Mode Study Level Duration
Hawthorn Full-time, Part-time (day & evening) Postgraduate One semester full-time or the equivalent part-time

This course is available for Mid-Year Intake


This nested suite of courses comprises the Graduate Certificate of Arts (Media and Communications), Graduate Diploma of Arts (Media and Communications) and Master of Arts (Media and Communications) . These programs have been designed to provide both a theoretical base and a portfolio of skills applicable to a wide range of media activities. They are aimed at developing the skills of those interested in working in media-related industries and enhancing the expertise of those already working in the media.

The graduate certificate, graduate diploma and master degree equip graduates to participate in a dynamic and rapidly changing media landscape. Students can choose from three streams in Journalism, Digital Content Productionand Media and Communications Policy.

Note: This program replaces the Graduate Certificate of Arts (Applied Media) from Semester 1 2008.  
 

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Swinburne's media and communications postgraduate programs are designed to provide opportunities for students to develop:
  • The ability to critically and theoretically analyse digital media processes and products
  • Responsiveness to technological and industrial change
  • Capability in applying research and reflection in the process of producing innovative media products
  • The ability to develop effective communication strategies using a variety of communicative forms and literacies
  • Competencies in working collaboratively and creatively in project management and problem solving
  • Effective membership and an understanding of the importance of networking within professional environments
  • Development of an ongoing critical awareness of their own learning needs and the application of appropriate technologies
  • Have the ability to respond creatively and inventively to technological and vocational change.
The programs also aim to:
  • Provide knowledge of and experience in the production of a range of traditional and new media
  • Provide students with real world experience in the workplace through placements and through developing projects for real clients
  • Provide experience in the presentation and marketing of media production
  • Introduce students to the changing face of media culture and the new technologies of electronic media
  • Equip students with the skills to develop a substantial media production.

 

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The graduate certificate consists of 50 credit points. This represents one semester of full-time study or two semesters of part-time study*. 

The postgraduate programs in media and communications are structured around three key themes: Journalism; Digital Content Production; and Media and Communications Policy. Each theme has its own recommended progression.  
 
* Please note that international students must study full-time.

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Core unit of study
HAM434 Media Arts (formerly HAM415 Media Arts in Australia)
HAM435 Network Literacies (formerly HAM410 Electronic Writing)
 
Suggested progression for Journalism (full-time)
Semester 1
 
 
Suggested progression for Digital Content Production (full-time)
Semester 1
 
Plus two electives from:
 
Suggested progression for Media and Communications Policy (full-time)
Semester 1
 
Plus two electives from:
 

 

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Swinburne offers International Exchange Programs as well as other Education Abroad Programs to help internationalise your degree. International Exchange is an academic program allowing you to study at a Swinburne Partner Institution for one or two semesters during your degree. Swinburne's Partner Institutions offer many relevant subjects as well as a secure base to explore a different culture. Your studies whilst on exchange can be credited towards your Swinburne degree, provided they are relevant and approved by Swinburne. For further information visit the Education Abroad website.

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The Graduate Certificate of Arts (Media and Communications) provides a broad range of writing and production skills valued in many sectors of the print, broadcasting and electronic media, such as radio production, journalism and information technology. Graduates will be equipped with the kind of digital technology skills likely to be sought by a wide array of employers in the digital content industries. Graduates are also equipped with skills in content and project management and a range of generic skills that qualify them to actively contribute to the changing nature of work and vocational training in relation to the impact of media.

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Key graduate attributes of the program are adaptability, versatility and creativity. Graduates will be capable in their chosen professional areas in that they:
  • will be informed and knowledgeable about the current theory and practice in the discipline of journalism, digital media production and communications policy.
  • will appreciate areas of uncertainty and debate within their discipline and respond confidently and appropriately in this environment
  • will develop pertinent skills and abilities in media research
  • will be able to engage in informed critical inquiry.
 
Graduates will be entrepreneurial in that they will be able to:
  • have the ability to critically understand innovations and developments
  • think creatively and innovatively whilst being aware of appropriate risk levels
  • have the ability make links and connections between developments  

Operate effectively and ethically in work and community situations through:
  • having a sense of social responsibility for knowledge and its application
  • displaying behaviours appropriate to ethical standards of their professional role in a given community context
  • having a sense of both organisational and individual responsibility sensitive and responsive to developing community standards
  • maximising and seeking out opportunities to contribute to community wellbeing through professional practice

Adaptable and manage change through:
  • being aware of self and one’s propensities and motivations concerning responsiveness and openness to change
  • developing a general capacity for flexibility and curiosity
  • understanding skills and dynamics associated with working with others in change environments
  • have multi-faceted research and problem solving skills

Be aware of environments in that they will:
  • have respect for multiple and diverse points of view
  • have a broad understanding of the role of corporate social responsibility in the broader society
  • be able to evaluate the impact of their professional decisions in diverse and different situations

More specifically, the Media and Communications postgraduate programs are designed to provide opportunities for students to develop the following attributes, at a level appropriate to their degree level, by the time they graduate:
  • Ability to critically and theoretically analyse digital media processes and products.
  • Capable of applying research and reflection in the process of producing innovative media products.
  • Able to develop effective communication strategies using a variety of communicative forms and literacies.
  • Competent in working collaboratively and creatively in project management and problem solving.
  • Effective membership and an understanding of the importance of networking within professional environments.
  • Develop an ongoing critical awareness of their own learning needs and the application of appropriate technologies.
  • Able to respond creatively and inventively to technological and vocational change.

So that successful graduates can be:
  • Socially responsible professionals who apply ethical, legal and political considerations to technological issues.
  • Reflective and proactive learners in relation to knowledge, skills, experience and career direction.

The programs also aim:
  • To provide knowledge of and experience in the production of a range of traditional and new media;
  • To provide students with real world experience in the workplace through placements and through developing projects for real clients;
  • To provide experience in the presentation and marketing of media production;
  • To introduce students to the changing face of media culture and the new technologies of electronic media;
  • To equip students with the skills to develop a substantial media production.

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A recognised tertiary bachelor qualification in any area of study.

 

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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

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In 2008, tuition fees for this program are based on $1350 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

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

 

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Application forms can be downloaded from the website: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/hed/postgrad/apply/

                                               

Applications for mid-year entry close on 18 July 2008.

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2008 Open Day

Sunday 17 August

10:00 am – 4:00 pm   

Only at Hawthorn, Lilydale and Prahran campuses.

For more information, visit www.swinburne.edu.au/openday

 

 

Postgraduate Information Day

Tuesday, 7 Oct 2008

4:00pm – 7:30pm

Atrium, Hawthorn campus

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Web: Enquire online

Tel: 1300 368 777

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