Graduate Diploma in Arts (Digital Communications)
Postgraduate
CUR-ADC-GDI 2025Course information for 2025 intake
Network, collaborate, and share information across the Internet
Build your communication skills with an emphasis on digital and social media. You’ll explore social networks, websites, and organisational collaboration. Create, maintain and manage online content. Become an expert comms professional.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Applications close
- 20 Aug 2025,
- 19 Nov 2025
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 1 year full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 8
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
Graduate Diploma in Arts (Digital Communications)
About this degree
On successful completion of this program the student will be able to:
- understand the discipline of Digital Communications, its theoretical underpinnings, ways of thinking and professional or creative approaches; understand and apply established knowledge, principles, and professional or creative practices in chosen aspects of the Arts
- apply logical and rational processes to analyse the components of a subject or project and engage critically with the subject matter to respond creatively within a selected communication paradigm
- determine what information is needed and where it might be found using appropriate technologies; make valid judgements and synthesise information from a range of sources and apply best practice in developing a professional or creative work in response to a particular situation. Communicate appropriately with colleagues, professional and creative contacts and the general public and develop communication skills across one or more media forms appropriate to varying situations
- understand and apply a range of learning strategies; take responsibility for one's own learning and development; sustain intellectual curiosity and engage with emerging forms of theory and practice in the Arts. Think globally and consider issues from a variety of perspectives and apply relevant international standards, tools and practices to one’s professional or creative practice
- acknowledge the interrelationship between local, national, and global perspectives and the impact of these on the Arts: recognise individual human rights, and appreciate the importance of cultural diversity and the sensitivities which may be created when engaging with and representing issues pertaining to ethnic and community groups
- acknowledge the interrelationship between local, national, and global perspectives and the impact of these on the Arts: recognise individual human rights, and appreciate the importance of cultural diversity and the sensitivities which may be created when engaging with and representing issues pertaining to ethnic and community groups.
This is a course for students who are new to their chosen major area of study. It is designed to help students develop advanced skills and understandings of contemporary practices in their field, while deepening their critical, analytical, and creative knowledges and experiences through interdisciplinary engagement with allied fields of media, creative arts and social inquiry. Students will develop specialist practical and professional skills in their chosen major, as well as the ability to conceive, research and plan a major creative or professional project suited to their interests and ambitions.
The Digital Communications Major provides you with an opportunity to learn in detail about the human dimensions of the Internet: how people network, collaborate, and share information through digital and social media. You will develop advanced skills in creating, maintaining and managing online communications for personal and commercial interactions, social network management, collaboration online, and web media production. At the same time, you will gain understanding of the political, economic and social changes associated with the Internet and social media platforms. By taking this course, you will add to your existing qualification the knowledge and skills needed for you to become an astute, engaged professional communicator via digital and social media. You will also gain generic skills that are valuable in a range of situations, including leadership, problem-solving and working collaboratively in a team.
Recommended study pattern
Students must complete 8 subjects:
- 3 compulsory core subjects
- 5 option subjects
Award requirements
Students must complete 8 subjects and meet the following requirements:
- Complete 3 compulsory core subjects
- Complete 5 option subjects
Exit points
Graduate Certificate in Arts
Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.
This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.
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Indicative total fee $21,880
The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.
Fees may vary depending on:
- the subjects you choose
- credit from previous work experience
- your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.
To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.
Start your career with Curtin’s globally recognised courses and extensive industry connections. Through OUA, their online courses offer an interactive and collaborative learning experience that gets you the same degree as if you studied on campus. Curtin is a global university with a vibrant culture of innovation and collaboration and is ranked in the top one per cent of universities worldwide.
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Entry requirements
Applicants for a Graduate Diploma are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at Study at Curtin. Applicants generally require a Bachelor Degree or Graduate Certificate. Any specific course entry and completion requirements must also be met. Specifically, applicants require a 3 or 4 year bachelor degree in any field from a recognised tertiary education institution OR successful completion of 2 or more units in the Graduate Certificate in Arts. Students who have completed more than 50 credits of undergraduate units from a discipline area cannot choose a major in that same discipline area for this Graduate Diploma.
All Curtin courses have compulsory and other core capabilities that are essential for demonstrating the achievement of course learning outcomes and graduation. Students who are unable to meet or demonstrate those requirements, now or in later stages during their studies, may seek reasonable adjustments by the University wherever possible to facilitate alternative ways of achieving those requirements. If reasonable adjustments cannot be accommodated, Curtin will discuss study options to find an alternative course of study or an exit degree. Any specific course entry and completion requirements must also be met.
Applicants need to meet Curtin's English Language requirements. You normally need ONE of the following:
- Must have a 50% minimum in English ATAR (or equivalent).
- Completion of at least one full time semester (or equivalent) of Undergraduate level studies at an Australian University
- Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Diploma or Advanced Diploma or Associate Diploma
- Successful completion of two degree level subjects via Open Universities Australia (OUA) and English proficiency
- Successful completion of two degree level subjects at an Australian university and English proficiency
- Successful completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). (Please note this test is valid for two years.)
Please refer to the 'English Language Requirements'.
Credit for Recognised Learning (CRL) is assessed on individual merit and is awarded for different types of learning, for example, studies you have previously completed or for relevant work experience. Students must be admitted in an award degree of study before lodging their completed CRL application, along with all required supporting documentation for a formal assessment. To apply for CRL, please visit the Curtin University website: Credit for recognised learning (Advanced standing).
It is important to note accepted documentation includes scans of the original Transcripts and/or Award Certificate; front and back; in colour; and original size. For further information see the scanned documents and certification requirements and guidelines. More information about the policies and procedures related to CRL assessment and appealing a CRL assessment outcome can be found in the Credit for Recognised Learning Policy (PDF).
Degree FAQs
How long does it take to finish an online degree?
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There are some degrees that are stricter about when you can take breaks, and about how many years you can take to complete your degree. Please always check with your uni what the limits are.
As a general guide, Commonwealth supported place students have 10 years to finish their undergraduate degree through OUA, However, if you're studying with Griffith University, there's a limit of 8 years to complete your studies. If you want to take a break that lasts more than two study terms, you'll need to apply for a leave of absence. You can apply for a leave of absence for up to 12 months, as long as you complete your studies within the maximum time allowed for your degree.
If you're studying with Macquarie University, with the exception of certain degrees, there's no limit to how long you can take. But, please check with Macquarie Student Administration to be sure.
If you're studying with the University of Adelaide, you have up to 9 years to complete your undergraduate degree and graduate.
If you're studying with La Trobe University and want to take a break of minimum 1 study term, you must apply for leave of absence to avoid being inadvertently withdrawn from your degree.
Through OUA, you can study all year round, so it's possible to fast-track and finish up sooner than studying at a traditional uni would allow. That said, you need to spend around 12 hours a week on each undergraduate subject you do, so taking on extra work to finish ahead of time can be challenging.
How can I pay for my studies?
You may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government, depending on your citizenship status and where you'll be living during your studies. You can also pay upfront with your credit card.
Payment options are explained in Fees, and you can contact a student advisor for more information.
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You have total control over how you study
Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We'll introduce you to flexible study options you didn't even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you.You'll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student
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How do I enrol?
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When you've made your choice, click 'Apply now' on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We'll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
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You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.