Master of Media and Communication
Choose your specialisation
Strategic Communication
The Strategic Communication specialisation prepares students for today’s media world. It involves learning how to manage an organisation's communications plan, handle public relations crises and how to advertise and promote a brand in the modern world.
Social Media Management
Gain skills to drive social media engagement and specialise as a social media manager, strategist or coordinator.
Overview
Whether it’s creating podcasts, filming documentaries, or writing, the Master of Media and Communication gives you a broad skillset to advance in the industry. Enhance your production, digital technology, research, and project management knowledge with a specialisation. Upon graduating you’ll have completed an industry-based project, connecting you to the sector.
Got questions about a course?
Join us for our 2026 Study Expo on Tuesday 11 November – the best place to chat with academics and teaching staff for answers to all your Swinburne questions, from entry requirements to graduation outcomes.
Upgrade your skills
- Technical and analytical skills relevant to industry
- Use technical and analytical approached to analyse contemporary media industry issues
- Critically evaluate media texts
- Interpret and communicate concepts and professional practice methodologies
Stretch your career further
- Public relations
- Web development
- Journalism
- Publishing
Key codes
International student visa
International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.
Qualifications
Applicants at the Masters level must satisfy the following requirements:
- A recognised three-year Bachelor degree with a minimum average score of 60 per cent; or
- A recognised AQF level 8 qualification in a cognate area, such as the Graduate Certificate of Media and Communication
- Completion of the Postgraduate Qualifying Program (International Applicants only) with a minimum average score of 60%.
Applicants at the Masters level must satisfy the following requirements:
- A recognised three-year Bachelor degree with a minimum average score of 60 per cent; or
- Completion of the Postgraduate Qualifying Program (International Applicants only) with a minimum average score of 60%.
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- IELTS overall band of 6.5 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 70%, all skills 65% or above
- or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.
Credit transfer
Credit is granted in recognition of previous study and/or experience and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Finding your fit
At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.
-
Graduate Certificate of Media and Communication
12 months part-timeHawthornPart-time Part-time -
Master of Marketing
2 years full-time or equivalent part-time or fast track course 2 years full-timeHawthornHawthornSemester 1Semester 2Part-time, Full-time Full-timeChoose your specialisation
Accounting
With strong links to industry partners and professional bodies, the accounting specialisation provides a strong theoretical and practical foundation.
Business Analytics
This specialisation focuses on machine learning in business and the skills used to deliver insights from data through visualisation techniques.
Business Information Systems
The Business Information Systems specialisation teaches students how businesses can exploit technology to improve their decision making.
Entrepreneurship
This specialisation gives you the tools to develop the mindset needed to lead and manage high-growth organisations through innovation.
Finance
This specialisation delivers a practical and theoretical approach to Finance and has strong links with industry partners and professional bodies.
Financial Technologies
This cutting edge FinTech specialisation blends theory with practical applications, giving you the expertise to accelerate your career.
Human Resource Management
This specialisation is designed to give you the essential theoretical skills and practical experience to create dynamic workplace cultures.
International Business
Learn how to do business within an international context during one of our innovation study tours or internship placements in Europe, America, or Asia.
Project Management
This specialisation equips you with real-world experience, and the tools, knowledge, and innovation, to manage diverse, complex projects.
Research
Become familiar with writing a research plan and then using this knowledge to conduct practical research and write a business research thesis.
Social impact
Create and lead positive social change with a Swinburne postgraduate course in Social Impact - for professionals seeking deeper skills and a more meaningful future.
Social Media
Gain a comprehensive understanding of social media platforms within social, cultural and industry contexts. Learn how to analyse new and emerging media technologies and drive their use and innovation across industry.
Supply Chain Innovation
This specialisation is co-designed with industry partners and uniquely combines supply chain management, design thinking and data analytics.
-
Master of Writing
1.5 years full-time or equivalent part-time 1.5 years full-timeHawthornHawthornFull-time, Part-time, Online Online, Full-time
How credit points work
To qualify for the award of Master of Media and Communication, students must complete 200 credit points comprising:
Your units
Graduate Certificate
Completing 4 core units entitles you to the graduate certificate.
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Video Production Practice
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
JOU60004 |
|
Media Industries
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA60008 |
|
Audio and Broadcasting Practice
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA60022 |
|
Engaging Audiences
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA70003 |
Masters degree
Completing an additional 3 core units and 2 specialisations entitles you to the masters.
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Media Ecologies
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA60021 |
|
Writing for Social and Mobile Media
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA70001 |
|
Digital Cultures: Aesthetics, Markets, Industries
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA70005 |
|
Media Industry Experience
Core unit, 25.0 credit points |
MDA80006 |
|
Data Analytics and Visualisation
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA80009 |
|
Multiplatform Media Production and Practice
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA80013 |
|
Immersive Media Experiences
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA80010 |
Specialisation 1
Students must complete four units in one of the following specialisations:
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
|
Video Production Practice
Specialisation unit, 12.5 credit points |
JOU60004 |
|
Audio and Broadcasting Practice
Specialisation unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA60022 |
|
Writing for Social and Mobile Media
Specialisation unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA70001 |
|
Multiplatform Media Production & Practice
Specialisation unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA60002 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
|
Advanced Video Production and Practice
Specialisation unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA70006 |
|
Advanced Audio and Broadcasting Practice
Specialisation unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA70007 |
|
Immersive Media Experiences
Specialisation unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA80010 |
|
Social Media Branding and Engagement
Specialisation unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA80007 |
Specialisation 2
Students must complete four units in one of the following specialisations:
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
|
Advanced Video Production and Practice
Specialisation unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA70006 |
|
Advanced Audio and Broadcasting Practice
Specialisation unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA70007 |
|
Immersive Media Experiences
Specialisation unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA80010 |
|
Social Media Branding and Engagement
Specialisation unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA80007 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
|
Advertising in the 21st Century
Specialisation unit, 12.5 credit points |
ADV80001 |
|
Communications Management
Specialisation unit, 12.5 credit points |
COM60002 |
|
Social Media Communication
Specialisation unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA70008 |
|
Public Relations: Reputation to Risk
Specialisation unit, 12.5 credit points |
PUB60001 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
|
Social Media Communication
Specialisation unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA70008 |
|
Social Media Branding and Engagement
Specialisation unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA80007 |
|
Social Media Networks and Communities
Specialisation unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA80011 |
|
Social Media Analytics
Specialisation unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA80012 |
2025 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$28,480
Total fee* ($AUD)
$56,960
Commonwealth Supported Yearly Fee* ($AUD)
$16,992
Commonwealth Supported Total Fee* ($AUD)
$33,984
2025 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$37,960.00
Fees are estimates only
The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. These fees apply for units studied in 2025 only and may change for units studied in future years. If part-time study is permitted, annual fees will be proportionally lower based on the number of units taken per semester.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
How do I pay my fees?
FEE-HELP is a loan given to eligible full-fee paying higher education students to help pay part or all of their tuition fees. The Commonwealth Government pays the amount of the loan directly to Swinburne.
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Finances
- check your Australian bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Eligibility for FEE-HELP
You’re eligible for a FEE-HELP loan if you are studying an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, or UniLink or OUA course at Swinburne, and you:
- are an Australian citizen doing at least one unit of your course in Australia; or
- hold a permanent humanitarian visa and will be living in Australia for the duration of your course; or
- hold a New Zealand Special Category visa and meet the special eligibility requirements for New Zealand citizens
- are undertaking bridging study for overseas trained professionals and will be living in Australia for the duration of this study
- have not exceeded the new combined Help Loan limit.
The HELP limit is the maximum amount you can borrow from the government in your lifetime towards your education costs. It is fixed and cannot be topped up.
Student services and amenities fee
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
The fee shown in the capped amount for 2025.
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown is the capped amount for 2025.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$373.00
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$373.00
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2025 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.
Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.
When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 20 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.
Apply through an agent
Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Apply directly
Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online!