Master of Communications

Provides graduates in a different discipline with the opportunity to acquire advanced knowledge and understanding of a specialised field of communications and to demonstrate their understanding and research ability with a thesis. Disciplines offered for specialisation include:

- Advertising

- Creative Services

- Film & Video

- Interactive Media

- Journalism

- Mass Communication

- Media & Cultural Studies

- Photomedia

- Public Relations

- Scriptwriting

Related careers

Advertising Executive, Advertising Manager, Web Developer, Web Manager, Journalist, Public Relations Manager, Marketing Manager, Scriptwriter... [-]

Master of ScreenwritingThe Master of Screenwriting is a practice-based graduate coursework degree taking eighteen months of full-time study. Admission is based on completion of a three-year undergraduate degree, creative writing portfolio and interview. The course is designed for those who have a desire to write audience-engaged stories for a visual medium and for people wishing to work as professional screenwriters.Semester One of the three-semester course is teaching intensive, with students being introduced to many facets of screenwriting. Students take part in ‘Storytelling Workshops’ which analyse the universal essentials of storytelling. Students also attend lectures, classes and screenings dedicated to the craft of screenwriting and undertake intensive modules focusing on feature film and television writing.Semester Two focuses on writing a first draft of the student’s major project. Students develop their script with the assistance of script tutorials, feedback from their lecturer and peers and a unique script development hothouse. During this semester, students also gain skills in giving and receiving creative feedback on their scripts. A first draft feature screenplay, or a TV Bible plus episode(s) of a script, are the expected outcomes after Year One. In Third Semester, students are expected to implement skills they have learned in Year one to focus on redrafting their major project as they head towards a second or third draft of their major script. Script tutorials plus lecturer and peer feedback are maintained throughout. In this semester, students also learn about the Australian and international screenwriting landscape, concluding the course with the Business of... [-]

Master of ProducingThe Master of Producing is a practice-based graduate coursework degree, taking eighteen months of full-time study that focuses on the creative and business aspects of being a successful producer in the film, television and allied industries.The programme will extend your creative abilities and business skills by requiring you to work in the role of Producer on student films; you will develop a sound understanding of the Australian film, television and allied industries, and produce a short creative project.Admission is based on completion of a three-year undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification and an interview.The School of Film and Television at the Victorian College of the Arts has an international reputation for the high quality of its graduates and student productions. Graduates are successful in local and international film festivals, winning numerous awards for their productions and are widely employed in the industry. Many of our graduates develop high-profile careers in the film, television or allied industries.... [-]

Master of Film and Television The Master of Film and Television is a practice-based graduate coursework degree studied full time over two years, with the option to exit after Year One with a Graduate Diploma of Film and Television.Students specialise in one stream chosen from Narrative, Animation, or Documentary. Please note: there will be no entry into Year 1 for Animation in 2013. Applicants may only apply for direct entry into Year 2 (assuming the selection criteria is met)Students are trained in research methods, screen language and writing, and then write, direct and edit their own productions. Each student assumes responsibility for the creative and technical production of a major project at a professional level.The Graduate Diploma in Film and Television is an exit qualification for students who have successfully completed the first 100 points of the course. Applicants holding a Graduate Diploma in Film and Television, or equivalent, may apply for direct entry to Year 2 of the equivalent stream within the course. ... [-]

Students gain hands-on experience in reporting, editing and related production and design skills in a wide variety of text, audio and visual mediums. They have the opportunity to use, experience and think about emerging areas of journalistic practice, including drones, virtual reality and computer-assisted reporting, and work with leading practitioners in investigative, sports and entrepreneurial journalism. The overarching aim is to foster agility and innovation in the local, regional and global media landscape. This course is part of an articulated program of study and is suitable for anyone interested in learning how to fully harness the power of journalism, from existing media professionals and journalism graduates needing to upgrade skills or try new things to people interested in realising the full potential of digital disruption.... [-]

This course is designed for graduates in media production, or those with significant experience in the field, to allow them to advance their skills and theoretical understanding of the consumption and production of media products.

This course aims to provide students with the opportunity to develop advanced production and conceptual skills in media production. Through the research and production of a creative project, students increase their capacity for developing independent, creative and innovative projects. The course gives students the option to experience the creative and technical development of a significant production, or to focus their skills in one key area of the media industries. ... [-]

The program equips graduates with a deep, theoretically informed understanding of how knowledge and information are created, represented, communicated and used by individuals and groups both online and in the physical world. In addition, students develop the technical and project management skills needed to design, build and manage online information resources such as websites and digital repositories. Students gain an understanding of contemporary issues, trends, innovations and forces for change in information practice; ethical practice; and the ability to operate with integrity, rigour, self-reliance and cooperation in professional contexts.

Graduates of the program have: demonstrated sophisticated information-handling skills appropriate for professional practice in diverse environments an understanding of how to achieve organisational objectives by creating, sharing and using knowledge an understanding of contemporary issues, trends, innovations and forces for change in information and knowledge practices, as well as the broader political, policy and technological contexts an understanding of ethical practice and the ability to operate with integrity, rigour, self-reliance and cooperation in professional contexts demonstrated creative, critical, reflective problem-solving capabilities in the context of their professional roles and a commitment to lifelong learning, and demonstrated capabilities in planning and implementing a project. ... [-]

Academic staff involved in the course have substantial industry experience and have undertaken research in the field.

Graduates of this course have: advanced understanding of communication and its management the ability to synthesise communication theory and practice the ability to analyse, design, cost and evaluate a communication strategy a sensitivity to ethical and legal issues related to communication a capacity to reflect on the roles and responsibilities of communicators the capacity to apply perspectives that are intercultural and global, and a sensitivity to issues of exclusion, equity and justice.

Career options cover the fields of public relations and communication management, including those positions related to communication advising, community relations, corporate communication, integrated communication, internal communication, international communication, media liaison or public affairs.... [-]

Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework Level 7 Bachelor degree from an approved institution in either criminology, sociology, legal studies, psychology, humanities/arts or business studies.

The Master of Communication will allow you to further your career in communication by equipping you with an appropriate mix of theory and practice suited to the industry. It provides an ideal balance of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, problem-solving abilities, interpersonal skills and a high level of written communication.

Foundation Subjects (8)

The professional program follows the same structure as the Master of Communication program with an additional 20-week Professional Portfolio component.

Professional Portfolio is a 45 credit point subject available to master’s (Professional) students in the Faculty of Society & Design. This subject is strongly experientially orientated and encourages students to develop their professional skills in a real-world environment. The subject will ensure that students combine self-analysis and reflective learning skills with professional methodologies, so as to expand analytical and strategic thinking capabilities. It will provide practical experience for students to develop their skills in a profession relevant to their master’s specialisation.... [-]

The Master of Communication specialises in exploring contemporary communication theories, strategic planning and social media, and asks you to apply these in the context of a major research project.

You can choose to take the Strategic Communication path, where you concentrate on contemporary communication, social theory and how critical issues develop, or the Marketing Communication path, where you’ll explore how advertising, public relations, promotions and direct marketing combine to create effective marketing communication strategies. This course is especially suited to senior communication managers looking to develop their skills and will prepare you for opportunities in commercial, public and not-for-profit sectors.... [-]