Postgraduate

Master of Strategic Communication

Do you want to be the trusted senior communications adviser in your company?
1.5-2
Years Full Time

Contact us

Address

Student Central

The University of Western Australia (M355), 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, Western Australia 6009

Telephone

131 UWA (131 892)

International

(+61 8) 6488 1000

Hours

8.30am - 5pm AWST, Monday - Friday

Frequently asked questions

Careers and further study

Explore the career opportunities available to you.

Career Pathways

Career opportunities in the communications sector are constantly growing. Almost all large organisations need a communications expert to advise on corporate communications, community liaison projects and human resources-based projects such as change management. In addition, private organisations in consumer marketing, media, public relations, advertising and digital communications require strategic communications specialists. 

Employment prospects across governmental, industry and community sectors include:

  • Strategic Communication Manager
  • Global Reputation Manager
  • Media Advisor
  • Communication Specialist
  • Corporate/Internal Communications Manager 
  • Media Planner 
  • Public affairs specialist 
  • Digital Communication Manager
  • Public Relations Manager 
  • Media Strategist

Career opportunities in the communications sector are constantly growing. Almost all large organisations need a communications expert to advise on corporate communications, community liaison projects and human resources-based projects such as change management. In addition, private organisations in consumer marketing, media, public relations, advertising and digital communications require strategic communications specialists. 

Employment prospects across governmental, industry and community sectors include:

  • Strategic Communication Manager
  • Global Reputation Manager
  • Media Advisor
  • Communication Specialist
  • Corporate/Internal Communications Manager 
  • Media Planner 
  • Public affairs specialist 
  • Digital Communication Manager
  • Public Relations Manager 
  • Media Strategist

Further Study

If you complete a dissertation as part of this course, you may choose to progress to a PhD. You may also wish to complete another postgraduate course, such as the Master of Business Administration.
If you complete a dissertation as part of this course, you may choose to progress to a PhD. You may also wish to complete another postgraduate course, such as the Master of Business Administration.

Fees and scholarships

Learn more about the fees that apply to you for this course.

Domestic Student Fees

Indicative annual course fee
2025
Commonwealth Supported Place $10,248.76

Eligible Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) students can use the HECS-HELP loan program to pay their tuition fees. For Full-Fee Paying (FFP) places, students are charged an annual course fee.

Find out more information about tuition fees, or visit the fee calculator for a more accurate cost.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.

Cost of living

There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.

International Student Fees

Indicative first year fee
2024
$38,600.00
2025
$40,700.00

Find out more about tuition fees or visit the fee calculator for the estimated total course fee.

Note, tuition fees are reviewed annually and are subject to increase up to 7.5 per cent per annum.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.

Cost of living

There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.

Admission requirements

If you’re interested in furthering your career by studying this postgraduate course, find out the admission details below

Admission Requirements

(1) To be considered for admission to this course an applicant must have—
(a) a Bachelor's degree, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA;
and
(b) the equivalent of a UWA weighted average mark of at least 50 per cent; or
(2) completed a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Strategic Communication at UWA.

Ranking and Selection Process

Where relevant, admission will be awarded to the highest ranked applicants or applicants selected based on the relevant requirements.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

English competency

English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place.

Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

How to apply

Group of smiling students wearing UWA shirts 

Ready for the next step?

Find out how to apply through our simple online application process. 

We'll guide you through our entry requirements, admission pathways available to you and application deadlines for your chosen course. 

We can’t wait for you to join us!  

Apply now

Course details

Develop expertise in designing and managing communication strategies and projects across a range of media platforms and professional contexts.  

DollarThis course is subsidised for Australian residents through Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). Visit our fee calculator for CSP rates and an estimate on your course fees.

About the course

Develop expertise and gain highly sought-after skills in designing and managing communication strategies, projects and campaigns across a range of media platforms and professional contexts. The course advances your capacity to succeed in a range of media and communication roles and provide effective strategy and leadership for industry, government and community.  
Master of Strategic Communication

Quick details

Status
  • Available
Locations
  • Perth (Crawley campus)
Attendance
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
Delivery
  • On-campus
Starting dates
  • Semester 1, Semester 2
Weekly contact time
  • 8-10 hours plus own study time
Level of study
  • Postgraduate
Course Code
  • 12540
CRICOS code
  • 083878C
Master of Strategic Communication
Status
  • Available
Locations
  • Perth (Crawley campus)
Attendance
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
Delivery
  • On-campus
Starting dates
  • Semester 1, Semester 2
Weekly contact time
  • 8-10 hours plus own study time
Level of study
  • Postgraduate
Course Code
  • 12540
CRICOS code
  • 083878C
Full time/part time duration
  • 2 years or 1.5 years with a relevant undergraduate degree as assessed by Faculty
Degrees course is available in
  • Master of Strategic Communication
Study Abroad

Taking you global

Taking you global text

Work integrated learning

Our program integrates a range of practical, project-based activities toward building up a student’s professional portfolio including specialised media training and workshops.  Work placements provide additional access to industry experience. The course has a number of options for completion depending on individual requirements and aspirations. 
STUDY YOUR WAY

Flexibility

We understand that life is busy. That's why our postgraduate courses are designed so you can balance your work and studies. Our flexible postgraduate experience includes the opportunity to study part time, a range of units that are taught after hours, and the option to learn via intensive units. Ask our Student Central team for advice on choosing the right postgraduate route for you. Find out more here.

STUDY YOUR WAY

Course structure

Postgraduate coursework degrees and combined (coursework and research) degrees comprise a number of units. Refer to the course structure for more information.

Conversion
Students who have not completed a Bachelor's degree with a relevant major as recognised by the University, must complete relevant conversion unit(s) up to the value of 24 points, as advised by the University.
Core
Take all units (24 points):
Option - Group A
For students enrolled in a course by coursework, take a minimum 4 units (24 points) from Group A and take the remaining units (up to 4 units/24 points) from Group B. For students in course by coursework and dissertation, take 4 units from Group A (24 points) and 4 units from Group C (24 points):
Option - Group B
Take units as per sequence notes in Group A.
Option - Group C
Take units as per sequence notes in Group A.

Why study this course?

  • Gain advanced skills and in-depth understanding applicable to a broad range of communications and media roles across the sector
  • Work placements provide access to real-world experience of the local and international communications environment
  • This course has a number of options for completion depending on individual requirements

You'll learn to

  • effectively participate in contemporary media and communication environments 
  • design communication strategies and projects and manage communication activities and campaigns  
  • apply a set of advanced practical, analytical and critical skills across media platforms and in a range of professional contexts and practices 

Strategic Communication explained

Person editing on a computer

Put theory into practice

Current UWA students are eligible to take one of our professional experience units. These units bridge the gap between university and the workplace by providing opportunities to gain hands-on, practical experience. You can master new skills, make connections and network, get a taste of the opportunities in the workforce and add experience to your resume, all before graduating.

Find out more about Work Integrated Learning.

STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION

Articulated courses

This course is part of an articulated sequence with the:

 
STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION

Camilla Groen

Camilla Groen

A day in the life of a communications student

Spend a day in the shoes of Jack - an artist, photographer and filmmaker pursuing a Master of Strategic Communication. 

MASTER OF STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION

Hands-on experience

We ensure our students are career ready when they graduate by gaining practical experience through:

  • Classes focused upon the development of analytical and creative communication skills
  • Project-based work toward a portfolio applicable in range of industry contexts
  • Specialised media training and workshops
  • Professional and networking opportunities
  • Opportunities for international study experiences
MASTER OF STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION

A day in the life of a communications student

Seeking a career in sports media? Katrina chose to pair her Commerce degree with a Master of Strategic Communication. Read more in A day in the life of a communications student