Key facts
Duration
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent
The time and cost could be reduced based on your previous qualifications and professional experience. This means you can fast track the masters degree from 2 years down to 1.5 years, or even 1 year duration. See entry requirements below for more information.
Locations
Course overview
As technology and global business keep evolving, strong communication and critical thinking skills matter more than ever. Deakin’s Master of Communication helps you build both, so you can lead, influence and thrive.
Tailor your degree to your career goals – specialise in advertising, journalism, public relations, digital media, sports media or visual communication design, with complementary electives. Enjoy a flexible, supported, collaborative and stimulating learning environment, guided by experienced staff in industry-grade facilities.
Gain practical experience through internships, volunteering and Deakin’s work-integrated learning opportunities, while building your professional network. Develop your portfolio through a capstone project and graduate as a well-rounded, reflective communications practitioner, ready for roles such as corporate affairs director, investigative journalist, PR practitioner and more.
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 3 2026 close 18 October 2026
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Master of Communication
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- A743
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 084000E Burwood (Melbourne)
- Level
- Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9
Watch Jo's story
Melbourne Vixens star Jo Weston shares how studying a Master of Communication is helping her build new skills in public affairs and crisis management and become a more well-rounded professional on and off the court.
Course structure
To complete the Master of Communication you must pass 16 credit points. The number of credit points required may vary, depending on your entry point or how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL) based on your professional experience and previous qualifications.
A 16-credit point Master of Communication includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 4 credit points of Digital Communication discipline core
- 4 credit points of Strategic Communication discipline core
- 4 credit points of capstone units chosen from the following:
- Capstone A (4 credit points)
OR - Capstone B (4 credit points)
- Capstone A (4 credit points)
- any remaining credit points can be chosen from course electives.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Compulsory 0-credit point module
To be completed in the first trimester of study:
Digital Communication Discipline Core
Strategic Communication Discipline Core
Option A
Option B
ACX704 Academic Research Project 1 [No longer available for enrolment]
ACX705 Academic Research Project 2 [No longer available for enrolment]
ACX706 Academic Research Project 3 [No longer available for enrolment]
ACX707 Professional Research Project 1 [No longer available for enrolment for this course]
ACX708 Professional Research Project 2 [No longer available for enrolment for this course]
ALX720 Minor Research Project [No longer available for enrolment]
Electives are to be chosen from units within the specialisations or discipline core units within the Master of Arts (Writing and Literature), Master of Film and Television, Master of Fine Arts or Master of Artificial Intelligence for Design and Creative Practice.
The internship unit ACC700 is also available.
Please Note: Course elective units may provide the opportunity for Work Integrated Learning
experiences.
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.
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
- Start date: November
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
Flexible course delivery
Deakin’s blend of online and on-campus learning means you can balance work, study and personal development. Achieve work-life balance – study with Deakin's dedicated support and flexible learning options.
Course duration
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
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. More information available at Disability support services.
Work experience
Elective units may provide the opportunity for Work Integrated Learning experiences.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements or higher to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
1 year full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 8 credit points
To be considered for admission to this degree (with 8 credit points of admission credit applied^*) you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree in a related discipline and at least two years of relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)
- completion of a bachelor honours degree in a related discipline
- completion of a graduate certificate or graduate diploma in a related discipline
1.5 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 12 credit points
To be considered for admission to this degree (with 4 credit points of admission credit applied^*) you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline and at least two years of relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)
- completion of a bachelor degree in a related discipline
2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 16 credit points
To be considered for admission to this degree (without admission credit applied*) you will need to meet the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline
^Recognition of prior learning into the Master of Communication may be granted to students who have successfully completed appropriate postgraduate level studies.
Examples of related discipline areas include, but not limited to digital media, journalism, public relations or visual communication design.
Examples of relevant work experience include, but not limited to digital media, journalism, public relations or visual communication design.
*Recognition of prior learning will also be considered on a case-by-case basis. Learn more below.
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.
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 recognition of prior learning (RPL) 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
$29,200 for 1 yr full-time - Full-fee paying place
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning. You may also be eligible for a FEE-HELP loan to defer all or part of your tuition fees.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship can open the door to new opportunities. Whether you have something unique to offer or simply need a bit of extra support to reach your goals, we’re here to help. Scholarships can assist with course fees, living costs and study materials – so you can focus on achieving your best. Explore the range of opportunities and find the right fit for you.
Postgraduate bursary
We love welcoming Deakin alumni back to continue their journey with us. If you're starting a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible for a 10% discount on your enrolment fees, applied per unit. It's our way of supporting your next step.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and 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.
Research information
Students will undertake a capstone research design and preparation unit worth one-credit-point, resulting in the completion of a professional practice-focused project for an industry audience. An academic research project (scholarly thesis) option is also available. Students who undertake the academic research project may be eligible to apply for future PhD study.
Pathways
Alternate exits
Career outcomes
Now more than ever is a great time to be in the media and communications industry. From media agencies and newsrooms, to publications, community relations and government organisations, anywhere in the world – the career opportunities are vast.
Our Master of Communication prepares you for roles such as:
- advertising account manager
- brand communication copywriter
- communications consultant or researcher
- corporate affairs director
- investigative journalist
- marketing manager
- media adviser or planner
- public relations specialist
- social media manager
- sports media producer, journalist or commentator
- visual designer.
For more information go to DeakinTALENT.
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.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Apply expert knowledge of contemporary communication methods in one or more specialist areas including Journalism, Public Relations, Digital Media, Sports Media, and Visual Communication Design, and in scholarly contexts. |
| Use expert, specialised skills to communicate across a range of platforms and share knowledge and research findings with diverse audiences, in a way that has impact in professional and scholarly contexts. |
| Utilize generic and specific digital technologies to address a range of communication needs in research and professional contexts and for diverse audiences within and outside the communication industries. |
| Critically analyse and evaluate complex ideas in communication theory, develop appropriate methodologies for application in industry or academic research projects, and communicate conclusions in the context of professional decision-making and scholarship. |
| Analyse, evaluate, and critique complex information in order to identify problems and develop creative solutions in a range of professional practice and scholarly contexts. |
| Employ high level autonomy, accountability and initiative in responding creatively to new situations in professional communication practice and/or in the completion of a substantial research-based project. |
| Work and learn collaboratively in professional communication practice and in scholarly contexts, including exercising initiative and accountability as a team member. |
| Critically reflect on communication-related issues 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 at Faculty Board May 2023
Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
