Program summary
Program title: Graduate Certificate in Communication
Award abbreviation: GCComn
Degree type: coursework
Mode of study: on campus
Duration: 6 months minimum full-time, 2 years maximum part-time
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Fee type 2011: postgraduate coursework places, international fee-paying places
Total courses: 4
USC program code: AR541
CRICOS code: 058562J
Highlights
- Enhance your writing and communication skills
- Discover the nuances of journalistic reporting
- Create a portfolio of published works
Develop your writing proficiency and improve your job prospects.
The Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Communication offers you an opportunity to develop skills in contemporary communication. The programs will be attractive to professionals in the corporate or government sectors looking to upgrade their qualifications and expertise in a short time, and gain a qualification that has relevance, currency and credibility. The ability to write and communicate well is becoming increasingly important. Employers are looking for people with the ability to write and communicate in an effective, efficient and lucid fashion. These programs impart knowledge and skills for both professional and business writing, and written communication in general.
The coursework-based Master of Communication is for those who want to develop or enrich their expertise in the rapidly expanding field of professional communication. It is ideal if you have studied in another discipline and wish to make a transition to journalism, professional writing, editing or public relations. Many media organisations place a premium on recruiting staff with degrees in fields such as science, law and business that also have postgraduate qualifications in relevant fields of communication.
You have the opportunity to specialise in the broad area of Communication Studies or the specific fields of Journalism, Public Relations or Creative Writing. Overall, you undertake the equivalent of 12 courses. After completing eight courses, five of which are electives, you complete a research project in which you choose to either research for and write a thesis of 16,000 to 20,000 words, or complete an industry-based research project. The research component involves individualised research relevant to your key area/s of interest as a professional communicator. It is equivalent in value to four courses.
You attend lectures and tutorials with undergraduate students but learning and assessment tasks are commensurate with a postgraduate standing. Because of this standing, you will be exempt from many course prerequisites although you must complete compulsory courses in your selected areas of specialisation. Research components of the program must be approved by the Program Leader, and are based on the availability of supervisory staff with relevant expertise.
Admission requirements
A student entering the Graduate Certificate program will normally be required to hold an undergraduate degree, or equivalent, from a recognised higher education institution. Entry by non-graduates who have extensive relevant industry experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
Program objectives
On completion of this program students should be able to:
- demonstrate proficiency in areas of professional writing
- identify and evaluate a particular audience, and develop the styles of written communication and modes of delivery accordingly
- identify the generic conventions of different forms of written communication
- analyse written and oral communications in order to identify and implement proper drafting, revising, and editing techniques.
- graduate and pursue further vocational studies and apply theoretically advanced approaches to communication studies
Study Plan
This Study Plan is valid from Study Period 1, 2011.
For students who commenced study in this program prior to Study Period 1, 2011:
- Find the Student Handbook for the semester in which your commenced
- Select the program in which you are enrolled.
- Scroll down to your relevant Program Structure.
Program requirements and notes
- Students are required to successfully complete the 4 required courses as listed below.
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses).
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
Program structure
Required courses: (4)
Select 1 course from:
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| CMN102 Plant Diversity and Ecology | |||
| CMN116 Environmental Impact Assessment | |||
| CMN120 Geographic Information Science and Technology | |||
| CMN130 Measuring Sustainability | |||
| CMN140 Environmental Health Risk Management |
PLUS select 3 courses from:
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| CMN213 Environmental Economics | |||
| CMN214 Integrated Environmental Management | |||
| CMN216 Indigenous Peoples and the Environment | |||
| CMN218 K'gari-Fraser Island Field Studies | |||
| CMN224 Special Field Studies Topic | |||
| CMN226 Special Research Project | |||
| CMN227 Sustainability Project | |||
| CMN228 Workplace Learning I | |||
| CMN229 Communication Theory and Practice | |||
| CMN231 Introduction to Creative Writing | |||
| CMN235 Public Relations Strategies and Tactics | |||
| CMN237 Introduction to Journalism | |||
| CMN238 Introduction to Creative Advertising | |||
| CMN240 Editing for the Communications Professional | |||
| CMN243 Computer-Assisted Reporting | |||
| CMN246 Crisis and Issues Management | |||
| CMN247 Media and Community Relations | |||
| CMN248 Advertising Campaigns | |||
| CMN249 Advertising: Copy and Image | |||
| CMN251 News Rounds | |||
| CMN256 The Writer and the Law | |||
| CMN260 Media and Promotion: Tourism and Hospitality | |||
| CMN266 Communication Campaign Planning | |||
| CMN267 News Writing: Print and Broadcast | |||
| EGL201 Online Journalism | |||
| EGL285 Creative Writing D: Paperback Hero | |||
| ENP240 Digital Photojournalism and Feature Writing |
TOTAL UNITS 48
The University attempts to ensure this information is accurate and up-to-date. However, the University reserves the right to discontinue or vary program/course information at any time without notice.
Enquiries
How to apply
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Tel: +61 7 5430 1259
Program Leader
Dr Francesco Ricatti
Tel: +61 7 5430 1185
Email: fricatti@usc.edu.au