Designed for communication graduates and professionals, the Master of Communication will develop your knowledge of communication dynamics as well as your practical professional skills.

This two-year program will suit those with an approved degree in any discipline – see Program Details for entry requirements.
Choose between two fields of study: Communication for Social Change or Strategic Communication.
Focus on social change theory and practice and explore ways communication can change attitudes and behaviour. Alternatively, design professional communication solutions while expanding your engagement, crisis planning and critical thinking skills.
Undertake a combination of advanced level coursework and research, with the option of choosing to complete a research project or thesis on a topic of your choice. You will put theory into practice and apply what you've learned as you develop your ideas.

Develop highly valuable communication skills and set yourself up for career success in a range of communication industries.

Fast Facts

World rankings

Study at a top university for media and communication - UQ was ranked 27th in the world in the 2017 QS World University Rankings by Subject.
Teaching staff

Learn from the best

Many of our lecturers are award winning teachers and researchers, meaning you will be educated by experts in the field and have access to the latest research.
Alumni

The most interesting aspect of the Master of Communication (Communication for Social Change) program is how it balances theory with practice. I found the courses to be accommodating for my future work because not only did it equip me with the skills to leverage communication in social change processes, but, most importantly, it enhanced my perspectives and helped me to think more critically and methodically. Additionally, it exposed me deeper to participatory video and community radio, both of which are topics that I would like to study more about in the future. Enggar Paramita, Master of Communication (Communication for Social Change) (2017)
Alumni

The Master of Communication (Strategic Communication) program has trained my introvert personality to do public speaking, handle media, pitch campaigns and write effectively in English. Furthermore, this program advanced my professional views by giving both perspectives of ideal and critical public relations. In short, this program has empowered me to be an agent of change for my government. Puspa Ningrum, Master of Communication (Strategic Communication) (2017)

Graduates with a specialisation in Communication for Social Change find jobs as communication and facilitation specialists in government, non-government and community-based organisations and international research and development organisations, or they work as private consultants.

Graduates with a specialisation in Strategic Communication are well equipped for diverse roles within public relations and marketing communication consultancies, not-for profit organisations and government bodies, including organisational communication, crisis management, government relations, social media management and political campaigning roles.

Program details Next

Summary

Program code

5651
Faculty

Humanities and Social Sciences
Duration

2 Years full-time
Commencing

Semester 1 (24 Feb, 2020)
Semester 2 (27 Jul, 2020)
Program level

Postgraduate Coursework
Units

32
Delivery location

St Lucia
AQF

Level 9
CRICOS code

089661E

Admissions criteria

Prerequisites

Approved degree in any discipline, with a GPA of 5

English Proficiency

IELTS overall 6.5; reading 6; writing 6; speaking 6; listening 6. For other English Language Proficiency Tests and Scores approved for UQ

TOEFL IBT - Overall 87, listening 19, reading 19, writing 21 and speaking 19.

TOEFL PB - Overall 570, listening 54, reading 54, writing 59/5.

Pearsons - Overall Score of 64 and 60 in all sub bands.

BEP - A minimum overall grade of 4 plus a minimum grade of C in all macro skills.

CES - Overall 176 and 169 in all sub bands.

OET is not accepted.

view the English proficiency policy.

Visa requirements

International students who are accepted into full-time study in the Master of Communication are eligible to apply for an Australian student visa.

The Australian Government has simplified the visa application process. Now, all international students apply for the Student Visa (subclass 500).

There are a number of requirements you must satisfy before a visa is granted. Find out more about the visa application process.

Learn more about entry requirements

Program structure

Courses

The courses offered in the Master of Communication are set out in the course list. Each course is allocated a certain number of units (#).

Courses Program Rules

The Program Rules explain what is required to complete the Master of Communication. These requirements include the total number of units you need to complete in order to graduate.

Program Rules

To have your degree conferred, you also need to comply with UQ’s policies and rules.

Early exit points

Depending on your choice of courses, it might be possible to withdraw from the Master of Communication at an early exit point and graduate with one of the following awards:

Graduate Certificate in Communication (#8)

Programs and Courses

If you're a current student who has already commenced study at UQ, refer to Programs and Courses in my.UQ for full information about your program structure, rules and requirements.

Fields of study

The following is a list of fields of study available in the Master of Communication.

When you graduate, any fields of study you have finished will be listed on your degree certificate.

Strategic Communication

This fields provides students with the skills of professionally analysing communication situations and professionally designing solutions to communication problems. It also teaches the skills required to plan and implement a professional public relations campaign (including goal-setting, budgeting and evaluation); the skills of audience and public opinion analysis; a range of communication theories; and an understanding of how globalisation and the emerging information economy is impacting upon public relations practices.

You should refer to the Program Rules for more information. A full definition of "field of study" is available in the Policies and Procedures Library.

Financial aid

As an international student, you might be eligible for financial aid – either from your home country, or from the Australian Government.

Find out more about financial aid, including scholarships and financial aid programs.

Indicative annual fee

AUD $35,776

Indicative fee 2020

The "indicative annual fee" is the cost of enrolling in the Master of Communication for the 2020 academic year. It is calculated based on a standard full-time study load.

A standard full-time study load is 16 units per academic year.

If you enrol in a larger or smaller study load, your fees will be calculated on a proportionate basis.

All fees are reviewed annually.

Visit Tuition fees for more information.

Scholarships

International students are eligible to apply for a number of scholarships and prizes. These may be offered by the University, the Australian Government, foreign governments, or private organisations.

Many scholarships have specific eligibility criteria and are very competitive. More information, including information about how to apply, is available on the Scholarships website.

Applying online

Apply now

All international student applications for the Master of Communication can be lodged directly to UQ using our online application form or through an approved UQ agent in your country.

The program code for the Master of Communication is 5651. You'll need this when applying.

Find out more about applying for postgraduate coursework study.

Apply now