Communications and media studies program
The National Centre for Australian Studies (NCAS) offers an innovative, vocationally oriented graduate program in communications and media studies. It is focused particularly on challenges posed by the emergence of digital media, globalisation and increasing levels of cross-cultural exchange. The last decade has been one of unprecedented change in communications and media content, forms, technology and policy with wideranging implications for business, politics, public administration and everyday life.
The graduate program in communications and media studies examines these developments from a historical, political and theoretical perspective. The Master of Communications and Media Studies seeks to further students’understanding of communications and media systems both locally and globally.
Graduates will be able to:
- assess national policy responses to issues arising from media convergence and globalisation
- engage in vocationally relevant communications practice informed by current research
- assess quantitative and qualitative research methods
- establish criteria for 'best practice' in traditional and new media authorship
- integrate their academic studies with professional practice in their Industry Research Project.
Industry relevance
The program is theoretically grounded and vocationally relevant. Units introduce students to the industry applications of their field of study. The Industry Research Project, undertaken in the final semester, allows students to apply their knowledge of screen-centred mediating processes to a substantive issue. Previous examples include: cross-cultural advertising, music, politics and Singapore, and reality television in China.
International field trip
A recently introduced elective unit offers students a unique opportunity to visit leading international media organizations. In previous years, students in this program have travelled to New York, London and Brussels, visiting such organizations as CNN, Fox TV, CBS TV, News Corporation, the BBC, the United Nations, the European Union’s Media Unit and the Institute of War and Peace Reporting.
Beautiful, cosmopolitan location and campus
The Caulfield campus of Monash University, where the Communications and Media Studies staff are located, is 12 minutes by train away from Melbourne and the dynamic, cosmopolitan centre of Australia’s most liveable city. The campus is a lively, multicultural environment for over 14,000 students and staff engaged in a wide range of activities, surrounded by beautiful inner garden suburbs. Learn more about the location of the campus.
Course description
The following courses are offered:
Download the Communications and media studies course brochure [PDF 606kb].
Units available
Core units
- APG4894 / APG5894 Communications theories and practices
- APG4396 Researching and Writing Australia
- APG5742 Industry Research Project (Final Semester)
Elective units
Students choose 2 electives at 4th year level (during Semester 1 and Semester 2) and one elective at 5th year level in their final semester from:
- APG4397 / 5397 The First Media Age
- APG4398 / 5398 New Communications Media
- APG4399 / 5399 Media, Ethics and Practice
- APG4401 / 5401 Media Empires and Entrepreneurs
- APG5752 Field Trip in Media and Communications
- APG5400 Issues in International Communications
- APG5751 Communications Industry Internship
Alternatively, students may undertake the following, if they have achieved a minimum distinction average and with the approval of the coordinator:
Other electives are available with permission from the course coordinator.
English language requirements
To gain entry to courses in the Faculty of Arts at Monash University as an international student, as well as meeting academic requirements, applicants must also meet Monash University's English language requirements. View details of English language requirements.
Monash Study Abroad Program
The Monash Study Abroad Program offers students the opportunity to study at Monash for one or two semesters. Students can use semester breaks to travel around Victoria, Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. View details of Monash study abroad options.
How do I apply?
The application process can be quite involved and you will need to supply information to the university. View detailed information about the application process on the Faculty of Arts Future Students website.
The closing date for domestic applicants for the Semester 1 intake is 30 November.
To qualify for Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) please apply before this date. Late applications will be accepted but may only be offered a full fee place.
International applicants may apply any time through Monash International.
Who do I contact for more information?
- Program Director, Dr Mark Gibson: Mark.Gibson@monash.edu
- General queries, contact the Faculty of Arts
