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Graduate Certificate of Communication

Postgraduate coursework

Boost your skillset and advance your career while learning about the rapidly expanding media and communication industry.

Domestic International

Domestic student information

Key facts

Duration

0.5 year full-time or part-time equivalent

Key dates

Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2024 close 23 June 2024

Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 3 2024 close 27 October 2024

Current Deakin Students

To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook

Course overview

Graduate Certificate of Communication provides students an opportunity to expand their skills in ever-changing communications and media industries.

Communications and Media are the world's fastest-growing industries. These industries are also an area of rapid and continuous technological, political, economic and social change. You can choose from a wide range of units in Deakin's Graduate Certificate of Communication to gain distinctive interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary perspective of ever-changing media industries.

Units in Public Relations, Journalism, Digital Media, Television Production and Visual Communication Design are available in the Graduate Certificate of Communication, which also give you credits towards Deakin's Master of Communication. 

Read More

Course information

Award granted
Graduate Certificate of Communication
Year
2018 course information
Deakin code
A539
CRICOS code?
083989G Burwood (Melbourne)
Level
Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma)
Approval status
This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8.

Course structure

  • Students must complete 4 units in Communication from the list below
plus
  • AAI018
  • Academic Integrity (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
Students are strongly encouraged to look at specific concentrations and patterns of unit choice that develop their professional communication skills and should seek advice to create the best combination available to them to achieve their specific course learning outcomes. Students using the certificate as a pathway into the Master of Communication are strongly advised to complete ACX701 Communication Concepts as two of the 4 credits; students using the certificate to seek entry to a specialised diploma should take all four units from a single sub-field to permit credit for those units to be granted into the diploma.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. Click here for more information.

Intakes by location

The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.

Trimester 1 - March

  • Start date: March
  • Available at:
    • Burwood (Melbourne)
    • Cloud Campus

Trimester 2 - July

  • Start date: July
  • Available at:
    • Burwood (Melbourne)
    • Cloud Campus

Trimester 3 - November

  • Start date: November
  • Available at:
    • Burwood (Melbourne)
    • Cloud Campus

Please Note: Trimester 3 unit offerings are limited

Additional course information

Course duration - additional information

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.

Mandatory student checks

Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.

Participation requirements

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. Click here for more information.

Work experience

Elective units may provide the opportunity for Work Integrated Learning experiences.

Postgraduate Communications course guide

Take the next step to a brighter future

Kickstart your career growth. We'll prepare you for the career you've always wanted.

Download course guide

Entry requirements

Recognition of prior learning

The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin. 

You can also refer to the Credit for Prior Learning System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.

Fees and scholarships

Fee information

Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
Estimated tuition fee - (CSP)?
Not applicable

The available fee places for this course are detailed above.

Tuition fees are determined by your enrolment:

  • If you are offered a full fee paying place, your tuition fees are calculated based on your course.
  • If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are calculated depending on the units you choose. Not all courses at Deakin have Commonwealth supported places available.

The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students completing the first year of this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Credit for Prior Learning.

* One year full-time study load is typically represented by four credit points of study. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together 4 credit points of a typical combination of units for your course.

You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the Handbook.

Learn more about fees and available payment options.

FEE-HELP

You may be eligible for the Government's FEE-HELP scheme. This scheme covers your tuition fees and can help make studying significantly more affordable.

It's similar to HECS-HELP, but designed for full-fee place courses. It doesn't matter how much you earn, you may still be eligible for FEE-HELP.

Learn more about your FEE-HELP options.

FEE-HELP calculator

What is FEE-HELP?

FEE-HELP loans cover up to 100% of tuition fees for eligible students. By taking out a FEE-HELP loan, the government pays your tuition fees directly to Deakin, and the balance is repaid from your employment income - but only once you're earning over $51,550.

Please note: fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and based on 2024 rates. Actual fees may vary. We advise confirming fees with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.

Estimate your FEE-HELP

FEE-HELP payments

per pay cycle

Take-home pay
after FEE-HELP and tax

per pay cycle

Your estimated FEE-HELP repayments

  • $* is the estimated full cost for a Graduate Certificate of Communication (4 credit points), based on the 2024 fees.
  • is the annual FEE-HELP payment, based on your current salary
  • of your current salary be spent on FEE-HELP

*Disclaimer

Deakin University (Deakin):

  • gives no warranty and accepts no responsibility for the currency, accuracy or the completeness of the information provided;
  • advises users that no reliance should be placed upon on the information provided, and;
  • instructs users that they should confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.

This tool provides indicative information about the fees that will be payable in respect of courses and subjects offered to prospective students domiciled in Australia during the periods indicated.

Please note that the fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and actual fees may vary. Users are advised to confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.

The estimated course fee is based on the tuition fee costs applicable to a domestic full time student commencing the course in Trimester 1 and studying full time for the duration of the course but:

  • does not include non-tuition costs that may apply, such as Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF);
  • does not take into account any scholarships or bursaries awarded to the student (including the 10% Deakin alumni discount);
  • assumes the maximum number of units that need to be successfully completed actual number completed may be reduced if recognition of prior learning is granted;
  • assumes that no exceptional, or non-typical, circumstances apply to the proposed course of study;
  • assumes that the options that the user selects are appropriate for the course of study that they intend to undertake;
  • where fees are estimated for future years those fee will be subject to annual increases in accordance with increases in the cost of course delivery.

Scholarship options

A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.

Search or browse through our scholarships

Postgraduate bursary

If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees.

Learn more about the 10% Deakin alumni discount

Apply now

Apply direct to Deakin

Some of our courses have limited places available - for the latest on courses still open for application, visit Courses by trimester.

Create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, start your application, enter personal details, education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.

Need more information on how to apply?

For more information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage. If you're still having problems, please contact us for assistance.

Contact information

Arts and Education Student Services and Enrolment Enquiries

Burwood (Melbourne) 
Tel 03 9246 8100
artsed@deakin.edu.au

Cloud (online) 
Tel 03 5227 1359
artsed@deakin.edu.au  

Course learning outcomes

Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes

Discipline specific knowledge and capabilities

Acquire specialist knowledge and skills in professional communication.

Demonstrate specialist knowledge of, and skills in the application of contemporary communication methods in professional and scholarly contexts

Communication

Use specialist cognitive and technical skills in communicating ideas, problems and arguments in a variety of modes across a range professional communication contexts 

Digital literacy

Acquire specialist skills in generic and specific digital technologies used to address a range of communication needs in professional contexts and for diverse audiences within and outside the communications industry

Critical thinking

Acquire advanced cognitive skills in the analysis and critical evaluation of communications theory and its application in professional practice and scholarship.

Demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate complex ideas, develop appropriate methodologies and communicate conclusions in professional communication and scholarly contexts

Problem solving

Use specialist cognitive skills in communications to identify, investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems and concepts and develop creative solutions in professional practice and scholarly contexts

Self-management

Employ autonomy, accountability and initiative in responding creatively to new situations in professional contexts 

Teamwork

Demonstrate initiative and accountability in working and learning collaboratively in professional communications practice and scholarly contexts

Global citizenship

Acquire specialist understanding of, and the ability to reflect on issues in communications in both domestic and global contexts as a scholar and in professional practice, taking into consideration cultural and socio-economic diversity, social and environmental responsibility and the application of the highest ethical standards

Approved by Faculty Board November 2017

 

** QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020

+ Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our list of media references.