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Graduate Diploma of Communication

Postgraduate coursework

Delve into the technological, political, economical and social changes disrupting the communication industry while boosting your career opportunities.

Domestic International

Domestic student information

Key facts

Duration

1 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

Study technological, political, economic, and social change in the communications and media industry. Apply for a Graduate Diploma of Communication today.

Deakin’s Graduate Diploma of Communication offers a distinctive interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary mix of subjects in Digital Media, Public Relations, Journalism, Television Production and Visual Communication Design, matching the dynamic and ever-changing contemporary media industries.

You can choose from a wide range of units that suit your particular interests to gain professional knowledge in media and cognate disciplines and, further enhance your research, analytical and communication skills.

The Graduate Diploma of Communication, which will also give you credits towards Deakin’s Master of Communication, uses a flexible approach to skill-building to provide you a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving job market.

Read More

Course information

Award granted
Graduate Diploma of Communication
Year
2018 course information
Deakin code
A639
CRICOS code?
084026F 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 8 units in Communication from the list below.

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 seeking a single specialised study experience in one area should enrol instead in the named Graduate Diplomas. Students using the diploma as a pathway into the Master of Communication are strongly advised to complete ACX701 Communication Concepts as two of the 8 credits

Students must also complete

  • AAI018
  • Academic Integrity (0-credit-point compulsory unit)

    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

    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
    $19,928 for 1 yr full-time* - Full-fee paying place
    Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
    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 eight credit points of study. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together 8 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 Diploma of Communication (8 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.

    Entry pathways

    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 advanced knowledge and skills in professional communication

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

    Communication

    Use advanced 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 advanced 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 advanced 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