Master of Arts (Digital Communications)

On successful completion of this program the student will be able to:

1. 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
2. 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
3. gain the technology and decision-making skills necessary to obtain, assess and represent relevant information from a range of sources to develop a professional or creative work; assess the application of existing technologies as well as the impact of emerging technologies on a selected communication or media discipline to create an effective professional or creative work. 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
4. understand and apply a range of learning strategies; take responsibility for one's own learning and development; sustain intellectual curiosity and develop a commitment to professional research, publication or performance to 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
5. 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
6. demonstrate professional behaviour and standards and work collaboratively to apply them in all aspects of creative practice and production-related activities.

This is a course for students who are new to their chosen major area of study. It is designed to allow students to develop and apply advanced skills and understandings of contemporary practices in their field while developing and extending 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 orientated towards professional or creative engagement in fields of their chosen major. They will also gain analytical, collaborative, and problem-solving skills through the critically informed practice of designing, planning, and producing a major project in the form of a creative production, portfolio work, report, or thesis. The course also provides opportunities for students to take internships in their respective fields and to demonstrate qualification for possible entry into Curtin University’s PhD program.

This 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, as well as gaining knowledge of the social and cultural contexts within which those interactions occur. The approach is interdisciplinary: you develop skills in websites, public communication, social network management, collaboration via virtual organisations, and web media production. At the same time you will understand the political, economic and social changes associated with the Internet. By taking this course, you will develop the skills needed for you to become an astute, engaged professional communicator via the Internet. You will master writing skills and extend your creative and critical capacities by undertaking a project in your second year of study. You will also have an option to practice these skills and develop a portfolio through internship with a professional organisation. Students with outstanding results will have an option to further strengthen their critical capacity in preparation for possible PhD study.

Recommended study pattern

In Year 2 of the course, you choose to do a 50 credit project or a 100 credit research project. If choosing to do the 100 credit research project, you must first enrol in HUMN600 Masters Research Project 1 from the Option List, and follow up with HUMN610 Masters Research Project 2 in the following study period. HUMN600 and HUMN610 cannot be taken in the same semester.

The following 3 subjects, HUMN600 Masters Research Project 1, COM610 Masters Professional or Creative Project, and COM600 Masters Professional Experience all require completion of 100 credits as a pre-requisite for enrolment.

Award requirements

Students must complete 15 subjects and meet the following requirements:

• Complete 4 compulsory core subjects
• Complete 11 option subjects

Exit points

Graduate Certificate in Arts or Graduate Diploma 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.

• Core Subjects

• Option Subjects

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $43,760

The amounts shown here are 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.

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Applicants for a Master Degree (Coursework) are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at Study at Curtin. Subject to the duration of the course applicants usually require a Bachelor Degree or equivalent (and may require relevant work experience), Bachelor Honours Degree, Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma. 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 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 Masters course.

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).