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Graduate Certificate of Arts (Media and Communications) 

N0717

Campus Availability

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Study Level

Duration

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Hawthorn

Full-time, Part-time (day & evening)

Postgraduate

1 semester full-time or the equivalent part-time

Feb, Aug

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 degrees equip graduates to participate in a dynamic and rapidly changing media landscape. Students can choose from three streams in Journalism, Digital Content Production and Media and Communications Policy.



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
  • 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.



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.  
 
International and domestic students wishing to undertake the graduate certificate program on a full-time basis may only commence in Semester 1 as the core unit HAM419 is only available in Semester 1. International students are required to be enrolled full-time.



Core unit of study
HAM419 Media Industry Seminar (only available in Semester 1)



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 while 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.



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.



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 while being aware of appropriate risk levels;
  • have the ability to 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.



A recognised tertiary bachelor qualification in any area of study.



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



The total tuition fee is dependent upon the combination of units of study selected by the student. Fees are reviewed each year.

For information about Swinburne's fees visit: www.swinburne.edu.au/fees



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



Web: Enquire online

Tel: 1300 ASK SWIN (1300 275 794)