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Master of Arts (Communications) 

N095     


Study Mode Study Level Duration
Full-time
Part-time (evening)
Postgraduate One and a half years full-time or three years part-time.

Discontinued: This course has no new intake. This information is provided for continuing students




This program has been replaced by the Master of Arts (Media and Communications)  from 2008.
This program was developed to meet the demand of graduates, senior industry and government personnel, and international students for an advanced program in the field of media and communications. It provides students with specialised knowledge at the cutting edge of communications culture, improved research capabilities, and the development of a range of communications skills.

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The program sets out to provide:

  • Theoretical and conceptual approaches to fields of debate in communication studies and the enhancement of practical skills.
  • Exploration of subjects, research and production approaches highly relevant to contemporary society.
  • Flexibility in terms of choice across streams of media and telecommunications policy analysis, cultural theory and textual analysis, production, writing and journalism, new communications technology, and marketing.
  • Breadth of expertise which students can use in applied field work for themselves, or with an employer.
  • Opportunities for close liaison with industry personnel, including program presentations by industry specialists, and industry based research.

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The Master of Arts (Communications) comprises two core units of study plus electives/thesis units of study. In each semester a full-time load constitutes 50 credit points, and a part-time load constitutes 25 credit points.

The program provides students with the flexibility to meet particular needs. In addition to the two core units of study (50 credit points), students are required to complete either a coursework component (100 credit points), or a coursework component (50 credit points) and a minor thesis (50 credit points).

Students who choose the minor thesis have the option to write an academic dissertation or research report, case study or other form of industry related, consultancy-based research. The nature of the examinable outcome of the thesis unit can be negotiated with the supervisor.

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Core units of study  (25 credit points each)
HAM500 Globalisation: Media and Telecommunications
HAM517 Cultural Convergence
 
Elective units of study (12.5 credit points each)
Choose from:
HAM402 Radio Production and Criticism A
HAM410 Electronic Writing
HAM413 Multimedia Authoring 1        
HAM414 Multimedia Authoring 2        
HAM415 Media Arts in Australia
HAM416 Radio Production and Criticism B
HAM420 Online and Convergent Journalism
HAM421 Advanced Radio Production
HAM422 Creative Writing and New Media
HAM424 New Media Production
HAM426 Communication Environments
HAM427 Media Public Policy
HET773 The Internet and World Wide Web 1
HET723 The Internet and World Wide Web 2
HET742 Digital Video and Audio
HET745 Multimedia Imaging
HET746 Multimedia Authoring

Elective units of study (25 credit points)
Choose from:
HAM505 Workplace Practice
HAM525 Key Cultural Issues in Media and Communication       
HAM526 Communication Environments
HAM527 Media Public Policy        

Minor Thesis (50 credit points)
HAM530 Thesis Part-time A (25 credit points)
And
HAM531 Thesis Part-time B (25 credit points)
Or
HAM507 Thesis (Full-time) (50 credit points)

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Graduates find employment in media, information technology and telecommunications companies, as well as policy, advertising and education.

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  • Research skills
  • Logical and critical thinking skills
  • Thinking in theoretical terms
  • Appreciation of the history of ideas
  • Awareness of personal and ethical values§
  • Written communication skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Competence to use library and other information sources
  • Public speaking skills
  • Teamwork skills
  • Ability to elicit information from others
  • Planning skills
  • Time management skills
  • Ability to use computers

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Applicants must satisfy the following requirements:
  • An undergraduate degree from a recognised university or equivalent institution; or
  • Other qualifications or experience which in the opinion of the Selection Committee are of a satisfactory standard and are suitable preparation for entry into the course.

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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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Commencing Semester 1 2008, the program has been renamed as N0917 Master of Arts (Media and Communication). There will be no intake into N095 Master of Arts (Communications) program in 2008.
 
 
Application forms can be downloaded from the website at: http://www.swin.edu.au/hed/postgrad/postgrad_application.pdf

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Tel:  1300 368 777
Email: postgrad@swinburne.edu.au
Submit an Online Enquiry

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