About the Course

Course Description:

Aims & Objectives:

• 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.

• 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.

Course Structure:

• Journalism
• Digital Content Production 
• Media and Communications Policy

Units of Study:

Employment Outcomes

Career Opportunities:

The Master 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.

Graduate Attributes:

• 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  
  Graduates will be able to 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

How To Apply

Entry Requirements:

• Completion of an approved undergraduate degree from a recognised university or equivalent institution; or
• Other relevant experience which in the opinion of the selection committee are of a satisfactory standard and are suitable preparation for entry into the course.

Applicants who do not hold an appropriate qualification but who have relevant experience may initially be admitted to the graduate certificate level.

Selection is made on the basis of the applicant’s suitability for the program as determined by a face-to-face or telephone interview. Students are expected to be computer literate and to have Internet access outside of 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.future.swinburne.edu.au/pathways/index.html

Course Fees:

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

Application Procedure:

Mid-Year Application:

Find Out More

Information Sessions:

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

Further information:

Web: Enquire online