Communications and Media Studies - A6003

Communications and Media Studies

Expert master's degree

Position yourself for success across the communications and media landscape.

Make a real impact in the digital economy and play a leading role as an impactful communicator with a Monash Master of Communications and Media Studies.

The last decade has seen unprecedented changes in communications and media content, technology and policy – with wide-ranging implications for business, politics, and everyday life. In a world of tech giants, social media-driven agendas, and increasing polarisation, there’s a need for more powerful and empathetic communication that can transform the world and help shape a better, brighter future.

Monash is ranked #40 in the world for Communication and Media Studies (QS Subject Rankings, 2026). Whether you’re a communications and media professional seeking to take your career to the next level, or looking to move into the sector from your current career or recent undergraduate study, the Monash Master of Communications and Media Studies degree will empower you with the expert knowledge you need to thrive and excel in the competitive media and communications environment.

Who is the course suited to?

The course is designed for students and working professionals looking to work in the communications and media industries, including media research, organisational and strategic communication, policy formulation and public relations. The course aims to develop graduates who are able to take initiative and embrace leadership in this rapidly-changing environment – whether in business, politics, public administration, non-government organisations or everyday life.

How will the course help advance your career?

Monash University has a 91% graduate employability rating (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our program will prepare you for an exciting career in a range of industries, and you will graduate with comprehensive knowledge of the place of communications and media in politics, public policy and business. Our alumni have held roles in influential global organisations such as: BBC Worldwide; CNN International Ltd London; Pacific Brands; SCTV, Jakarta, Indonesia; Telstra; Time Out Beijing; Victorian Department of Human Services. Career options include:

  • Communications and stakeholder relations,
  • Digital and social media engagement,
  • Media advising and public relations,
  • Media and content production,
  • Media planning and buying,
  • Policy, research and consultation.

At a glance

Course Details

Location
  • On-campus at Caulfield: Full time & part time
  • On-campus at Malaysia: Full time & part time
Note:

For more information, refer to Monash Malaysia.

Duration
1 year/1.5 years/2 years (full time), depending on prior qualifications. See entry requirements.
Start date
First Semester (February) - Malaysia and Caulfield campus
Second Semester (July) - Caulfield campus only
Qualification
Master of Communications and Media Studies
Course Handbook

Tailor the course to suit your needs

Our master’s degrees allow you to customise your course structure so you can advance your specialisations and explore new passions as you go. You can select elective units from across specialist disciplines in:

  • Data automation and AI
  • Design and creative practice for media and communication
  • Governance, policy and leadership
  • Journalism practice
  • Screen and cultural industries
  • Social change and impact

What will you learn?

In this course, you will gain skills in:

  • Producing and evaluating communication and media plans, running focus groups, profile audiences, and analysing media coverage.
  • Making fair, informed and ethical judgments around publishing, by understanding policies, regulations and laws, and managing issues like hate speech/aggression and misinformation on social media.
  • Planning and managing media and communications projects, understanding proposals and pitches, and briefing creative teams.
  • Or take production electives to get your own hands-on experience.

Entry Requirements

You need to satisfy the following entrance requirements to be considered for entry to this course.

Minimum Entry Requirements (Domestic students)

Qualifications

Entry level 1: 96 points to complete Duration: 2 years full-time, 4 years part-time

An Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent) with at least credit (60%) average.

Entry level 2: 72 points to complete Duration: 1.5 years full-time, 3 years part-time

An Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent) in a cognate* discipline with at least credit (60%) average.

Or

An Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent) and an Australian graduate certificate (or equivalent) in a cognate* discipline with at least 50% average in both qualifications.**

** Please note that applicants for the Malaysia offering of this course will require at least 60% average in both qualifications. Applicants with an average between 50% - 60% may be considered if they have at least five years of work experience in a relevant field**.

** The Malaysian Qualifications Agency minimum program standards require applicants with less than CGPA 2.50 (equivalent to 60% average) to have at least 5 years of work experience in a relevant field.

**Applicants are required to provide a Curriculum Vitae and a reference from their employer.

Entry level 3: 48 points to complete Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time

An Australian bachelor honours degree (or equivalent) in a cognate* discipline with at least credit (60%) average.

*Cognate disciplines include: humanities or social sciences

English requirements

Applicants must also meet the English language requirements.

University entrance requirements

Minimum entrance requirements for admission to Monash University Australia.

The course structure and progression map can be viewed in the Handbook.

See also: Arts course maps

Making the application

Future students

Semester one (February)

Apply directly to Monash using course code A6003

Apply

Semester two (July) - Caulfield campus only

Apply directly to Monash using course code A6003

Apply

Self assess for credit eligibility

Check for study credit using the "Credit search" link on the Credit for prior study page.

Fees

Fees are subject to change annually.

Full fee

Fees are per 48 credit points which represents a standard full-time course load for a year. The fees for 2026 are:

A$31,300

Fee assistance

As a full fee-paying student, you may be eligible to apply for the optional FEE-HELP to assist you to pay all or part of your tuition fees.

Scholarships

We offer over 360 types of scholarships, valued at up to $280,000. Some scholarships offer one-off payments while others continue for the length of your course. Learn more about Monash Scholarships.

Other costs and fees

For information on other study costs and fees, see other study costs.

Dory Wang
Hear from our graduates

"My experience studying at Monash really paved the way for starting my career here in Australia. I found that Monash provides more practical courses with great units and internship programs. This is why I chose to study the Master of Communications and Media Studies at Monash. One of my favourite units took us to different media outlets in Australia such as the ABC and SBS. It was a great way to explore and learn about the Australian media landscape.”

DORY WANG

Master of Communications and Media Studies (2020); Mandarin Producer, SBS.

Discover more graduate stories

Why study Communications and Media at Monash?

  • Industry connections

    Our industry connections not only provide internship opportunities, they also help to increase the visibility of our graduates within industry and contribute to strong employability after graduation. The degree also has an Industry Board comprising industry leaders and professionals who provide important insights into emerging industry trends and the implications for changing skill requirements across the sector.

  • Internships

    Monash has a dedicated 'Industry Experience' team to help connect you with internship placements, and strong connections with influential organisations such as News Ltd, Fairfax, Channel 9 News, the ABC’s Q&A, The Drum, Lateline, Triple J and Radio National, Essential Media Communications, Foxtel, Nova, GetUp, Centre for Policy Development, Channel 10 and Southern Cross Austereo.

  • Academic experts & industry leaders

    Our Communications and Media Studies master’s program is made up of a global and immersive curriculum, with a strong focus on industry connection, experience and networks. Housed within the innovative School of Media, Film and Journalism, the course is led by academics with substantial industry experience in digital media, journalism, radio, public relations, film and television, as well as cutting-edge research into rapidly transforming media and communications.

  • Global change-making community

    Monash is consistently ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide for humanities and social sciences, and our graduates are globally recognised and in demand. With a broad international cohort, you’ll be able to draw on the global media experiences of your peers. We offer a truly international study experience – from the curriculum through to the classroom and then on to professional guest speakers and industry-focused field trips to media outlets in Sydney, Melbourne, New York, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Indonesia, India, and Malaysia.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    As part of the program you will join 'Creative Directions', a graduate media festival held at Monash, featuring industry talks, master classes, and opportunities for you to pitch projects and exhibit your work to industry guests. Excursions and guest lectures provide you with further opportunities to hear directly from leading practitioners in the field and to get their feedback on your work.