Graduate Certificate in Communication

Program summary

Program title: Graduate Certificate in Communication
Award abbreviation: GCComn
Degree type: coursework
Study mode: on campus
Duration: 6 months minimum full-time, 2 years maximum part-time
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Fee type 2012: postgraduate coursework places, international fee-paying places
Total courses: 4
USC program code: AR541
CRICOS code: 058562J

Develop your writing proficiency and improve your job prospects.

The Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Communication offers you an opportunity to develop skills in contemporary communication. The programs will be attractive to professionals in the corporate or government sectors looking to upgrade their qualifications and expertise in a short time, and gain a qualification that has relevance, currency and credibility. The ability to write and communicate well is becoming increasingly important. Employers are looking for people with the ability to write and communicate in an effective, efficient and lucid fashion. These programs impart knowledge and skills for both professional and business writing, and written communication in general.

The coursework-based Master of Communication is for those who want to develop or enrich their expertise in the rapidly expanding field of professional communication. It is ideal if you have studied in another discipline and wish to make a transition to journalism, professional writing, editing or public relations. Many media organisations place a premium on recruiting staff with degrees in fields such as science, law and business that also have postgraduate qualifications in relevant fields of communication.

You have the opportunity to specialise in the broad area of Communication Studies or the specific fields of Journalism, Public Relations or Creative Writing. Overall, you undertake the equivalent of 12 courses. After completing eight courses, five of which are electives, you complete a research project in which you choose to either research for and write a thesis of 16,000 to 20,000 words, or complete an industry-based research project. The research component involves individualised research relevant to your key area/s of interest as a professional communicator. It is equivalent in value to four courses.

You attend lectures and tutorials with undergraduate students but learning and assessment tasks are commensurate with a postgraduate standing. Because of this standing, you will be exempt from many course prerequisites although you must complete compulsory courses in your selected areas of specialisation. Research components of the program must be approved by the Program Leader, and are based on the availability of supervisory staff with relevant expertise.

Admission requirements

A student entering the Graduate Certificate program will normally be required to hold an undergraduate degree, or equivalent, from a recognised higher education institution. Entry by non-graduates who have extensive relevant industry experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

Program objectives

On completion of this program students should be able to:

• demonstrate proficiency in areas of professional writing
• identify and evaluate a particular audience, and develop the styles of written communication and modes of delivery accordingly
• identify the generic conventions of different forms of written communication
• analyse written and oral communications in order to identify and implement proper drafting, revising, and editing techniques.
• graduate and pursue further vocational studies and apply theoretically advanced approaches to communication studies

Enquiries

Faculty of Arts and Business
Tel: +61 7 5430 1259

Program Leader
Dr Francesco Ricatti
Tel: +61 7 5430 1185
Email: fricatti@usc.edu.au

Program structure

Program requirements and notes

• Students are required to successfully complete the 4 required courses as listed below.
• Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses).
• Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
• When enrolling, refer to the Study Plan.

Introductory courses

Select 1 intrductory course from:
CMN102 Communication Theory and Practice
CMN116 Introduction to Creative Writing
CMN120 Public Relations Strategies and Tactics
CMN130 Introduction to Journalism
CMN140 Introduction to Creative Advertising

Advanced courses

Select 3 advanced courses from:
CMN213 Editing for the Communications Professional
CMN214 Computer-Assisted Reporting
CMN216 Crisis and Issues Management
CMN218 Media and Community Relations
CMN224 Advertising Campaigns
CMN226 Advertising: Copy and Image
CMN227 News Rounds
CMN228 The Writer and the Law
CMN229 Media and Promotion: Tourism and Hospitality
CMN231 Communication Campaign Planning
CMN235 News Writing: Print and Broadcast
CMN237 Online Journalism
CMN238 Creative Writing D: Paperback Hero
CMN240 Digital Photojournalism and Feature Writing
CMN243 Public Relations Events Project
CMN246 Creative Writing for Children and Young Adults
CMN247 Creative Writing for the Illustrated Book
CMN248 Creative Advertising
CMN249 Advanced News Reporting
CMN251 International Communication
CMN256 Research into Journalism
CMN260 Creative Writing B: Novel Ideas
CMN266 Creativity and Literature: Chaucer to Romantics
CMN267 Creativity and Literature: Victorians to Moderns
EGL201 Reality Bites: An Exploration of Non-Fiction
EGL285 Wonderworlds: An Exploration of English Literature
ENP240 Environment, Heritage and Tourism

TOTAL UNITS 48

Study Plan

The Graduate Certificate in Communication Study Plan is for students commencing in the current semester.

Required courses (4)

Select 1 course from:

TOTAL UNITS 48

Why choose USC? 

It’s the best of both worlds. Students choose USC for its industry focused degrees, experienced academics, student support, overseas study opportunities and relaxed campus atmosphere.

Am I eligible for university study?

Find out what qualifications you need to apply for entry into your proposed study program. If you don’t have the required qualifications, there may be alternative pathways you can take to gain entry to USC.

If you have previously undertaken university or TAFE studies, you may be eligible for credit transfer. 

If English is not your first language, you need to meet the minimum English language requirements for your chosen program. This requirement applies to all students intending to study at the University.

How do I submit an application?

• Current Year 12 students—regardless of whether you are OP-eligible or not—apply for university using the Twelve to Tertiary (TTT) application service on the QTAC website
• Non-school leavers use the Apply by Web (ABW) online application service on the QTAC website
• Postgraduate applicants apply directly to USC
• International students apply directly to USC International
• All other applicants

When should I apply?

Check if the program is offered in Semester 1 and / or Semester 2, then follow the deadlines on the application calendar. The academic calendar provides all the key dates you need to know as a student at USC.

What happens next?

Accept your offer with QTAC (if applicable) and USC, enrol in your classes and attend Orientation.

Where can I ask more questions?

If you have more questions about how to apply:

• Online: find answers to commonly asked questions in the Student FAQs
• Email: information@usc.edu.au
• Phone: Student Administration on +61 7 5430 2890
• In person: Student Central, Building C

If you have questions about your program:

• Contact the Faculty of Arts and Business

As a USC student, you will need to refer to your study plan to enrol in the appropriate courses each semester or session.

Find out more about how to enrol or follow these steps:

1. Check the open enrolment dates and the academic calendar for key dates
2. Refer to your Study Plan to plan your courses for the study period
3. Find your courses and decide on your classes in the class timetable
4. Log on to USC Central and enrol in courses and classes
5. Register your major or minor with your faculty (if applicable)
6. Apply for credit transfer or cross-institutional study (if applicable)
7. Pay required study fees by the fee due date

Useful links

• Getting Started Guide
• USC Central Guide
• Common enrolment problems
• Class timetables
• Academic Calendar
• Faculty major and minor offerings
• Student-related policies, plans and procedures
• Contact Student Administration

Where can I ask more questions?

If you have more questions about how to enrol:

• Online: Refer to the USC Central Guide
• Email: information@usc.edu.au
• Phone: Student Administration on +61 7 5430 2890
• In person: Student Central, Building C

If you have questions about your program:

• Contact the Faculty of Arts and Business