Strategic Communications Management - A6030

Strategic Communications Management

Master's degree

Establish yourself as a strategic, successful communicator in any industry: corporate, public or not-for-profit.

Pursue a career of impact and influence leading effective and empathetic communication strategies that nurture stronger stakeholder relationships. In an age of constant engagement, there is a growing demand for expert communications professionals who can cut through today's crowded communication spaces to inspire innovation, action and change.

Monash is ranked 47th in the world for Communication and Media Studies (QS Subject Rankings, 2024). Our Master of Strategic Communications Management (MSCM) is an industry-responsive degree that moves beyond traditional communication programs to focus on holistic, interdisciplinary approaches that will empower graduates to develop more effective communications cultures in their organisations, drive better outcomes and positively foster public trust and support.

Who is the course suited to?

Whether you’re a communications professional seeking to boost your career and contribution value, or looking to move into the sector from your current career or recent undergraduate study, this course is designed to respond to industry demand for exceptional, influential and insightful communicators.

How will the course help advance your career?

Monash University boasts a 91% graduate employability rating (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Master of Strategic Communications Management meets industry demand for skilled professionals capable of driving impactful communication strategies. Graduates enter diverse career paths in non-profit communications and advocacy, government communications, brand and campaign management, corporate communications and public relations. Alumni hold roles in esteemed organisations like Headspace, Huawei (China), Monash University, Medibank, and the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (DJSIR). Career options include:

  • Campaign manager,
  • Communications manager,
  • Communication strategist,
  • Marketing communications manager,
  • Media management,
  • Public relations director,
  • Strategic communication advisor.

At a glance

Course Details

Location
  • On-campus at Caulfield: Full time
Duration
 1, 1.5 or 2 years full-time depending on prior qualifications. See entry requirements.
Start date
 First Semester (February), Second Semester (July)
Qualification
 Master of Strategic Communications Management
Fees

Information about fees

Course Handbook

Tailor the course to suit your needs

Our Master’s degree allows you to customise your course structure so you can build a clear career pathway and explore new passions as you go. Alongside six core subjects, students can choose specialist electives from a range of interdisciplinary Monash Master’s courses, both from within and beyond the Faculty of Arts. Electives cover areas such as:

  • Government and policy communication
  • Corporate communications and marketing
  • Health communication
  • Communication for social change and development
  • Communication for sustainability and the environment

What will you learn?

In this course, you will:

  • Choose from a range of subject areas to build a communications career in the sector of your choice, including government and policy, corporate communications and marketing, health, social change and sustainability.
  • Learn to design innovative and distinctive communication campaigns and crisis communication plans that are both effective and ethical, balancing a range of stakeholders and priorities across industry sectors.
  • Use data analytics to analyse digital platforms and audience sentiment, enabling effective engagement and mobilisation across digital and social media channels.
  • Investigate and evaluate case studies and best practices from leading global institutions and organisations, and learn how to leverage communications for organisational success and positive impact.

Entry Requirements

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

Minimum Entry Requirements (International 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.

Or

An Australian graduate certificate (or equivalent) in a cognate* discipline with at least credit (60%) average and a minimum of five years 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 entry requirements

Level A
IELTS (Academic): 6.5 Overall score, with minimum band scores: Listening 6.0, Reading 6.0, Writing 6.0 and Speaking 6.0 orPearson Test of English (Academic): 58 Overall score, with minimum scores: Listening 50, Reading 50, Speaking 50 and Writing 50orTOEFL Internet-based test: 79 Overall score, with minimum scores: Reading 13, Listening 12, Speaking 18 and Writing 21 or Equivalent approved English test

University entrance requirements

Minimum entrance requirements for admission to Monash University Australia.

The course is structured in five parts.

Click here to view the course map.

Making the application

Future students

Semester one (February)

Apply directly to Monash using course code A6030

Apply

Semester two (July)

Apply directly to Monash using course code A6030

Apply

Current Monash students

You may apply to transfer from another Monash course. Transfers are a competitive process. You may apply mid-year for available courses however consideration will be given as to whether you will be able to follow your course progression.

Please note that if you apply for a course transfer, you should still enrol in your current course as if you were continuing so as not to jeopardise your enrolment in the Faculty if your transfer application is unsuccessful. More about Course Transfer.

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.

International fee

Fees are per 48 credit points which represents a standard full-time course load for a year. The fees for 2025 are:

A$43,800

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.

Enrolment Obligations

International students enrolling in a CRICOS-registered course can study no more than one third (33%) of their course by distance and/or online learning. Students must enrol in at least one unit that is not by distance and/or online in each compulsory study period unless the student is completing the last unit of their course. See standard 8.19 and 8.20 of National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018.

CRICOS code: 099501E

HEAR FROM OUR GRADUATES

"This course uses examples of what’s happening in the world and industries around you, so in order to be more well-rounded and really excel you have to take in everything that’s happening around you. I have naturally become a better strategic planner and writer based on what this course has taught me."

SHRISHTI DOKWAL

Master of Strategic Communications Management (2021); Digital Marketing Executive, Convincely.

Why study Strategic Communications Management 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 has an Industry Advisory Board comprising industry leaders and professionals who provide important insights into emerging industry trends, internships, 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. We have strong connections with influential organisations in government, leading corporate consulting firms and the not-for-profit sector, providing excellent internship opportunities.

  • Academic experts & industry leaders

    Housed within the innovative School of Media, Film and Journalism, the course is led by expert academics with substantial industry experience in public relations, strategic communications and data analytics, as well as cutting-edge research into rapidly transforming communications environments and industries. With professional experience and vast networks, our teaching staff cover contemporary and dynamic topics which will introduce you to the latest developments and research in communications fields and practice as you progress.

  • 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 and domestic cohort, you’ll be able to draw on the global 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 communication and media organisations in Sydney, Melbourne, New York, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Indonesia, India, Singapore 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.

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International course guides

If you are an international student and wish to find out more about our courses, entry requirements, studying at Monash and more, please download our international course guides below.

International Study Grants

International study grants

International Study Grants valued at up to $10,000