Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Media and Communication)

Students will gain considerable knowledge in an area of media and communication and engage in critical assessment of major debates and professional practices. The postgraduate diploma allows students to undertake a research project in a specialist field of study. The course provides a pathway to higher degree research for students who have not completed a four year BA (honours) with a research component in media and communication. Alternatively, students may continue towards the professional masters in global media communications.

Students who complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Media and Communication) should be able to:

• complete either the equivalent of fourth year honours with a research component or the equivalent of the first year of the Master of Global Media Communication;
• demonstrate the knowledge and capacities required to work in industry, government and advocacy;
• understand the fundamental principles for making critical and ethical judgments regarding professional practice;
• evaluate the dynamic processes of change operating in contemporary media and communication industries;
• develop strategy, write policy and communicate through written and oral presentations in academic, policy and cross-cultural forums;
• combine the perspectives of industry, public sector and civil society professionals with the research skills and methodologies of professional media and communication; and
• demonstrate advanced skills in research, analysis and interpretation with particular emphasis on questions of globalisation/localisation, identity, citizenship and democracy.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Media and Communication) requires:

Coursework Only Option:

• minimum six core Media and Communication subjects (75 points)
• maximum two electives (25 points)

or

Minor Thesis Option:

• minimum four core Media and Communication subjects (50 points)
• maximum of one elective subject (12.5 points)
• Media and Communications Thesis (37.5 points)

Please note: the thesis must be taken over two consecutive semesters

Total 100 points

For policies that govern this degree, see Academic Services Policy in the University Melbourne Policy Framework. Students also should also refer to information in the Student Policy Directory.

Media and Communication Core Subjects

Coursework Only Option:

• minimum six core Media and Communication subjects (75 points)

or

Minor Thesis Option:

• minimum four core Media and Communication subjects (50 points)

Elective Subjects

Coursework Only Option:

• maximum two electives (25 points)

or

Minor Thesis Option:

• maximum of one elective subject (12.5 points)
• Media and Communications Thesis (37.5 points)

Please note: the thesis requires two consecutive semesters of enrolment.

The Selection Committee will evaluate the applicant’s ability to successfully pursue the course using the following criteria:

• An undergraduate degree with a minimum grade average of at least H2B (70%) The Selection Committee may conduct interviews or tests and may call for referee reports and employer references to elucidate any of the matter referred to above.

Applicants seeking recognition of prior professional experience must provide the following documentation in support of their application:

• Brief curriculum vitae, detailing work experience; contact details of two referees; a covering letter outlining the applicants professional background and how this prepares them to successfully undertake the program.

In some cases, an interview and/or two reference letters from employers/managers detailing the period of employment and areas of responsibility, and/or evidence of written work or reports undertaken during the period of employment may be requested.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this course are articulated in the Course Description, Course Objectives and Generic Skills of this entry.
The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

The course provides a pathway either to the Master of Global Media and Communication or to higher degree research for students who have not completed a four year BA (honours) with a research component in media and communication.

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