Master of Communication
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2025
You're viewing degree information for International students
You're considered an International student if you are:
- NOT an Australian or New Zealand citizen
- NOT an Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Program Code
DMCO
Fees
AUD$ 34,100 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025
English Language Requirements
- IELTS total [6.5]
- IELTS reading [6.0]
- IELTS writing [6.0]
- IELTS speaking [6.0]
- IELTS listening [6.0]
International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements
CRICOS Code
0100167
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Entry requirements
Applicants seeking admission to the program will normally have:
- A completed Bachelor degree from a recognised higher education institution; or
- A completed Graduate Certificate from a recognised higher education institution; or
- A completed Graduate Diploma from a recognised higher education institution.
English language entry requirements
In addition to meeting academic entry requirements, international students who speak English as a second or additional language must also meet the University's English language entry requirements. The minimum language requirements for this program are:English language testPlease access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by UniSA and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements: English Language Equivalence Table (PDF)- IELTS total [6.5]
- IELTS reading [6.0]
- IELTS writing [6.0]
- IELTS speaking [6.0]
- IELTS listening [6.0]
Degree overview
- Gain specialised skills and advanced knowledge to be well-prepared for management roles within the communication, media and creative industries sectors.
- Gain specialised knowledge in Social and Digital Media Management and Strategic Communication.
- Elevate your qualification to a Masters and gain credit from prior studies through the nested Graduate Diploma in Communication.
- Develop projects with affiliated industry partners to apply your knowledge and skills, while gaining practical experience.
- You’ll have the opportunity to complete 320 professional placement hours in an industry project in the final year.
- Set yourself apart with a qualification that responds to the fast-changing needs of current work environments.
- Learn and study in a supportive, flexible learning environment.
- Engage with industry experts.
Snapshot
Gain the advanced knowledge needed for management roles in the media and communications sector.
Build your professional skills in social and digital media management, public relations and strategic communication. Develop your knowledge of the social and political aspects of communication underpinned by advanced research methods and planning skills.
Study in a collaborative, team-based environment with connections to industry partners, real-world projects, and placement and networking opportunities Benefit from your choice of electives and flexible learning options, including part-time and some online study.
What you'll learn
Graduates of this postgraduate qualification will have advanced management and writing skills, along with knowledge of contemporary practice, social and digital media management, ethical communication, strategic communication plans and practices.
The first year of the Master of Communication comprises industry relevant and informed courses covering emerging communication discipline areas including:
- Communication and Media: Advanced
- Social Media Management
- Digital Design
- Communication Contexts
- Content Creation
- Campaigns and Crisis Management
- Professional Communication
In your second year, you will undertake an 18-unit professional project supported by a supervisor and industry partner.
Study hours
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
Your studies at UniSA will incorporate both practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
- portfolios
- reports
- essays
- projects
- online activities
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.
You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.
Take a look at the global opportunities available.
Why Master of Communication
The Master of Communication responds to the fast-changing needs of employment and society encompassing communication and media, which is one of the fastest growing sectors of employment globally.
The Master of Communication provides you with industry informed courses in Communication and Media, Social Media Management, Public Relations, Strategic Communication and Digital Design, which are strengthened through courses in research and work-integrated learning.
Our curriculum is informed and continuously updated through industry engagement with well-regarded communication and media companies. You can be assured that the skills you learn will be industry-relevant and highly sought after. You’ll have the opportunity to complete a professional project working with industry in your final year.
You will develop an advanced understanding of the required competencies of an effective communication professional and what it takes to thrive in today’s fast-changing workforce.
Students who have successfully completed UniSA’s Bachelor of Communication and Media; Bachelor of Journalism and Professional Writing and Bachelor of Creative Industries are eligible for 18 units of advanced standing for this master’s qualification.
Your career
Communication is at the core of everything we do – and skilled communicators are essential in every organisation. Graduates of this qualification can gain careers as:
- Strategic communication manager: develop integrated communication and marketing campaigns, set clear communication goals and objectives, develop strategies, tactics, budgets and schedules for a campaign – and learn to measure the effectiveness of each medium to monitor success
- Social media manager: responsible for developing and implementing marketing strategies for an organisation’s social media sites
- Marketing manager
- Public relations account manager: understand and support client needs – and use all forms of media and communication to build, maintain and manage their reputation
- Media liaison officer: liaise between two organisations to communicate and coordinate activities
- Content creator and writer: write for a range of channels and media including web, blogs, news, social media, search engine optimisation, publications and advertising.
How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.
Scholarships
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.
Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship
Recipients can get a 50% reduction on tuition fees for up to four years of full-time study for selected degrees.
International Merit Scholarship
Recipients can get a 15% reduction on tuition fees for the duration of their chosen degree.
Your study experience and support
As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.
Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
Student services
Our international student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:
- career advice and mentoring
- help with student visas and health cover
- personal counselling
- academic counselling
- fees and finance help
- common rooms
- prayer rooms
- security officers
- accommodation services
- as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.
We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.
24/7 digital environment
Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
Your program director
Fae is the Program Director for the Masters of Communication (DMCO) at UniSA Creative and a lecturer in communication and media. Fae has ten years of industry experience as a strategic communications professional, having worked in public health communication for the Department of Health in the UK and in Adelaide, and as stakeholder engagement manager in the disability sector. Fae also has more than ten years’ experience teaching public relations, communication and media students across four universities in Australia, making innovative use of teaching technologies to engage students in face-to-face and online learning.
Ask UniSA
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How do I apply?
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.
Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.
If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.
Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.
The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.
Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.
We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.
