200 Point Master of Publishing and Communications

The Master of Publishing and Communications provides students with vocational skills, theoretical knowledge and industry exposure to build a successful career in the publishing and communication sectors. Alongside a strong focus on publishing practices and technologies, with hands-on subjects in editing, production and business practices, the course offers sustained and stimulating analyses of the political, commercial and historical dynamics of print and digital cultures.

Students who complete the Master of Publishing and Communications should have:

• an advanced knowledge of editorial principles and methods across a range of genres and media;
• a detailed understanding of the use of computers in editing and publishing for print and digital media;
• a sound knowledge of the commercial aspects of publishing;
• a highly developed understanding of the organisation and operation of the publishing industries in Australia and the Asia Pacific region;
• a detailed and practical knowledge of effective communications strategies in business and professional contexts; and
• advanced skills in researching, writing and thinking critically about challenges facing the publishing and communications industries.

200 point program

Duration: 2 years full-time / up to 4 years part-time

Coursework Only Option

First 100 points:

• three compulsory subjects (37.5 points)
• minimum of three elective subjects from List A (37.5 points)
• maximum of two elective subjects from List B (25 points)

Second 100 points:

• elective subjects from List C (100 points)

or

Minor Thesis Option

First 100 points:

• three compulsory subjects (37.5 points)
• minimum of three elective subjects from List A (37.5 points)
• maximum of two elective subjects from List B (25 points)

Second 100 points:

• PUBL90017 Publishing and Communications Thesis (37.5 points)
• MULT50001 Research Principles and Practices (12.5 points)
• four elective subjects from List C (50 points)

Capstone Requirement:

All students are required to complete the Capstone Requirement for the program (at least 25 points). Students must complete one capstone option:

Capstone Stream 1: PUBL90017 Publishing and Communications Thesis (37.5 points)

Purpose: An opportunity to integrate knowledge and research skills to address a research question

Capstone Stream 2: MULT90019 Internship II (Sesmeter Long) (25 points)

Purpose: An opportunity to apply knowledge and research skills to solve problems that arise in professional contexts and develop an integrated understanding of theory and practice

Capstone Stream 3: PUBL90009 Advanced Editing for Digital Media + PUBL90021 Editing Masterclass (12.5 + 12.5 = 25 points)

Purpose: Multiple opportunities to develop knowledge and skills through sustained projects

Capstone Stream 4: PUBL90020 Advanced Book Publishing (25 points)

Purpose: An opportunity to apply knowledge, methodologies and production skills through a sustained project

Capstone Stream 5: PUBL90003 The Contemporary Publishing Industry + PUBL90015 Publishing and Communications 5A or PUBL90016 Publishing and Communications 5B (12.5 + 12.5 = 25 points)

Purpose: An opportunity to apply methodologies, skills and a critical knowledge of industry practices to address a research topic, integrating theory and practice

Capstone Stream 6: PUBL90003 The Contemporary Publishing Industry + PUBL90021 Editing Masterclass (12.5 + 12.5 = 25 points)

Purpose: An opportunity to apply methodologies, skills and a critical knowledge of industry practices to a sustained project, integrating theory and practice

For policies that govern this degree, see Academic Services Policy in the University Melbourne Policy Framework.

First 100 Points

Compulsory Subjects

3 compulsory subjects (37.5 points)

Please note: the compulsory subjects should be completed in the first 100 points of the program

Elective Subjects - List A

Minimum of 3 elective subjects from List A (37.5 points)

Elective Subjects - List B

Maximum of 2 elective subjects from List B (25 points)

Second 100 Points

Coursework Only Option:

• Elective subjects from List C (100 points)

or

Minor Thesis Option:

• PUBL90017 Publishing and Communications Thesis (37.5 points)
• MULT50001 Research Principles and Practices (12.5 points)
• Four elective subjects from List C (50 points)

Minor Thesis Subjects

• PUBL90017 Publishing and Communications Thesis (37.5 points)
• MULT50001 Research Principles and Practices (12.5 points)

Please note the following:

• the thesis requires two consecutive semesters of enrolment
• students enrolled in the thesis subject PUBL90017 must complete the core subject MULT50001 Research Principles and Practices

Elective Subjects - List C

Coursework Only Option:

• elective subjects from List C (100 points)

or

Minor Thesis Option:

• elective subjects from List C (50 points)

Additional Elective Subjects

Please note: the following elective subjects are available with written permission of the subject coordinator, based on the submission of a 5,000 word folio.