Why Study / Key Benefits

• The Master of Media and Communication is designed for students who want advanced skills across contemporary media production, digital technology, research and project management.
• The programme combines theoretical understanding with practical, industry-oriented learning.
• Students work with areas such as media production, writing, digital cultures, data analytics, immersive media and audience engagement.
• A major benefit for international students is the Media Industry Experience unit, which provides an industry-based component and helps connect study with professional practice.
• The course develops technical and analytical skills for analysing contemporary media-industry issues, critically evaluating media texts, and communicating professional concepts and methodologies.
• Students can specialise in Strategic Communication or Social Media Management, allowing the degree to be tailored towards communications, public relations, branding, social media and digital engagement careers.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The 200-credit master's degree consists of core study plus one specialisation.

Core units currently listed by Swinburne include:

• Media Ecologies – 12.5 credit points
• Writing for Social and Mobile Media – 12.5 credit points
• Digital Cultures: Aesthetics, Markets, Industries – 12.5 credit points
• Media Industry Experience – 25 credit points
• Data Analytics and Visualisation – 12.5 credit points
• Multiplatform Media Production and Practice – 12.5 credit points
• Immersive Media Experiences – 12.5 credit points

Disciplines / Specialisations

Students currently choose one of the following specialisations:

Strategic Communication

This specialisation focuses on organisational communication, public relations, advertising, branding and managing communication in the contemporary media environment.

Current units include:

• Advertising in the 21st Century – ADV80001
• Communications Management – COM60002
• Social Media Communication – MDA70008
• Public Relations: Reputation to Risk – PUB60001

Social Media Management

This specialisation focuses on developing and managing social-media engagement and preparing students for social-media management, strategy and coordination roles.

Current units include:

• Social Media Communication – MDA70008
• Social Media Branding and Engagement – MDA80007
• Social Media Networks and Communities – MDA80011
• Social Media Analytics – MDA80012

Programme Highlights

• 200-credit master's qualification.
• Two-year standard full-time duration.
• Option for eligible students to complete in 1.5 years through advanced standing.
• Two career-focused specialisations.
• Practical media production and digital-media components.
• Data analytics and visualisation.
• Multiplatform media production.
• Immersive media experiences.
• 25-credit-point Media Industry Experience component.
• Industry connection through project/experience-based learning.
• Hawthorn campus in Melbourne.
• CRICOS-registered course suitable for international students.

Career Outcomes

Swinburne identifies potential career areas including:

• Public relations
• Web development
• Journalism
• Publishing

Depending on their specialisation and prior experience, graduates may also pursue roles in areas such as:

• Digital communications
• Social media strategy
• Corporate communications
• Brand communication
• Content production
• Media coordination
• Communications management
• Digital audience engagement

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The current course page lists 2027 commencement dates of 1 March and 2 August.
• The course remains CRICOS registered under 093362D.
• International students in Australia on Student visas must study full-time and on campus.
• Swinburne states that online-only courses are not available to international students in Australia holding a Student visa.
• Advanced standing/credit is assessed individually.
• Applicants seeking admission based on more than five years of relevant work experience must provide a CV and supporting evidence.
• Unit offerings and course structures can be subject to change, so the final study plan should be confirmed with Swinburne before enrolment.

International Student Visa Requirements

The relevant visa is Australia's Student visa (subclass 500).

Key requirements and conditions include:

• The course must be a registered course for international students and the student must hold a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is required unless an exemption applies.
• Students must satisfy Australia's Genuine Student requirement.
• Applicants may need to demonstrate sufficient financial capacity for tuition, travel and living expenses, including relevant costs for accompanying family members.
• Health and character requirements apply.
• International students studying this Swinburne master's in Australia on a Student visa must study full-time and on campus.
• Student visa holders can generally work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session. The unlimited-work exception applies to students undertaking master's by research or doctoral degrees, not this coursework master's.