Graduate Certificate of Arts (Media and Communications)
Blended learning – on-campus and digital learning
This course has been discontinued - this course is closed for new enrolments, the information on this page is provided for continuing students.
Please note that this program is undergoing a review which, if approved, will be implemented from Semester 1, 2017.
This nested suite of programs comprises the Graduate Certificate of Arts (Media and Communications), Graduate Diploma of Arts (Media and Communications) (GD-ARTMCO1) and Master of Arts (Media and Communications) (MA-ARTMCO1). These programs have been designed to provide both a theoretical base and a portfolio of skills applicable to a wide range of media activities. They are aimed at developing the skills of those interested in working in media-related industries and enhancing the expertise of those already working in the media.
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Duration
1 semester full-time or equivalent part-time
Study modes
- Full-time,
- Part-time
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
Please note that this program is undergoing a review which, if approved, will be implemented from Semester 1, 2017.
This nested suite of programs comprises the Graduate Certificate of Arts (Media and Communications), Graduate Diploma of Arts (Media and Communications) (GD-ARTMCO1) and Master of Arts (Media and Communications) (MA-ARTMCO1). These programs have been designed to provide both a theoretical base and a portfolio of skills applicable to a wide range of media activities. They are aimed at developing the skills of those interested in working in media-related industries and enhancing the expertise of those already working in the media.
Course structure
To qualify for the award of Graduate Certificate of Arts (Media and Communications), students must complete 50 credit points comprising:
- 4 Media and Communications core units (4 x 12.5 credit points)
Units normally carry 12.5 credit points. In each year, eight units normally constitute a full-time load of 100 credit points and four units normally constitute a part-time load of 50 credit points. A given unit of study can only be counted once. Students holding an international student visa are required to study full-time and on campus.
Units of study
Media and Communications core units
Students must complete the following four units (50 credit points):
* Outcome units
Matched exemptions are generally not granted for higher education outcome units.
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities, course aims and objectives and graduate skills.
Career opportunities
The Graduate Certificate of Arts (Media and Communications) provides a broad range of writing and production skills valued in many sectors of the print, broadcasting and electronic media, such as radio production, journalism and information technology.
Graduates will be equipped with the kind of digital technology skills likely to be sought by a wide array of employers in the digital content industries. Graduates are also equipped with skills in content and project management and a range of generic skills that qualify them to actively contribute to the changing nature of work and vocational training in relation to the impact of media.
On successful completion of the Graduate Certificate of Arts (Media and Communications), graduates may be eligible to progress to the Graduate Diploma of Arts (Media and Communications).
Aims and objectives
On successful completion of the Graduate Certificate of Arts (Media and Communications), graduates will be able to:
1. Review, analyse and evaluate media texts across a range of platforms and contexts through the use of a combination of technical and cognitive approaches.
2. Use cognitive skills to critically approach and formulate responses to key problems impacting the media in Australian and international contexts.
3. Use specialised research skills to generate theoretical, creative and practical applications of media and communications concepts and skills.
4. Design, evaluate and implement basic media products using technological and creative skills.
2. Use cognitive skills to critically approach and formulate responses to key problems impacting the media in Australian and international contexts.
3. Use specialised research skills to generate theoretical, creative and practical applications of media and communications concepts and skills.
4. Design, evaluate and implement basic media products using technological and creative skills.

Graduate skills
The Swinburne graduate attributes signify that Swinburne intends that its teaching programs assist all its graduates to be:
- Capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas and have an ability to engage in critical enquiry
- Entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community
- Effective and ethical in work, community situations and reasoning skills
- Adaptable and able to manage change, and
- Aware of local and international environments in which they will be contributing (e.g. sociocultural, economic, natural)
The Swinburne experience
- Study abroad.

Study abroad opportunities
Swinburne offers International Exchange Programs as well as other Education Abroad Programs to help internationalise your degree. International Exchange is an academic program allowing you to study at a Swinburne Partner Institution for one or two semesters during your degree. Swinburne's Partner Institutions offer many relevant subjects as well as a secure base to explore a different culture. Your studies while on exchange can be credited towards your Swinburne degree, provided they are relevant and approved by Swinburne. Find out more about study abroad and exchange.
Pathways and scholarships
- Pathways, credit transfer, recognition of prior learning and scholarships.
Course fees and requirements
- Fees, entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.
Course fees
The total tuition fee is dependent upon the combination of units of study selected by the student. Fees are reviewed each year. Find out more about fees.
Entry requirements
Standard entry
- A recognised three year bachelor degree with a credit average or
- A recognised undergraduate degree with less than a credit average but evidence of five years or more continuous employment in a media or communications field
- A recognised three year bachelor degree with a credit average or
- A recognised undergraduate degree with less than a credit average but evidence of five years or more continuous employment in a media or communications field
Special entry
A special entry provision is available for applicants without an appropriate qualification but who have significant relevant work experience (usually at least five years) and evidence of academic capability (e.g. successful completion of a Certificate or Diploma course at a TAFE with high grades or attaining a GMAT of 550 or higher). Such applicants may be eligible for admission to the Graduate Certificate of Arts (Media and Communications).
A special entry provision is available for applicants without an appropriate qualification but who have significant relevant work experience (usually at least five years) and evidence of academic capability (e.g. successful completion of a Certificate or Diploma course at a TAFE with high grades or attaining a GMAT of 550 or higher). Such applicants may be eligible for admission to the Graduate Certificate of Arts (Media and Communications).
How to apply
This course is closed for new enrolments.