Graduate Diploma in Strategic Communication

Study Strategic Communication at UTS

It is imperative that organisations employ effective communication to inform their stakeholders, promote their products and services, and maintain their reputation and public trust. Communication is increasingly enabled through advanced technologies and conducted strategically to achieve specific objectives aligned to organisational strategy. Rewarding careers await those who master strategic communication – whether it is for business, government, specialised fields such as health promotion, or for community and social issues.

The Graduate Diploma of Strategic Communication provides access to advanced academic research, practical case studies, and guest lectures from industry experts in advertising, public relations, and corporate and organisational communication to equip graduates for today’s world.

Part of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

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Graduate Diploma in Strategic Communication

CODE

UTS: C06153 (version 1)

CRICOS: 116215K

DURATION

1 year full time
1.5 years part time

INTAKE

Autumn Session 2025
Spring Session 2025
Autumn Session 2026
Spring Session 2026

View important dates

COURSE FEES

Domestic (FT)

LOCATION

City campus

What you’ll study

This postgraduate program can be completed over one year of full-time study or 18 months part-time. You'll commence your studies with a variety of core units, giving you the opportunity to acquire critical foundational knowledge of this vast and interesting discipline.

You'll study communication planning and management, audience insights, creative appeals, sustainability, and risk/issue/crisis communication, among others. After completing the core subjects, you have a chance to curate your learning experience with your choice of two communication electives, offered on topics like advertising, creativity, corporate communication, intercultural communication, organisational storytelling and media law.

Subjects at a glance

Core subjects

Subject Code	Subject Name
57604	Communication Theory and Practice
57605	Foundations in Strategic Communication
57606	Strategic Communication Planning and Management
57607	Ethics, Responsibility and Sustainability
57608	Finding Insights for Understanding Audiences
57609	Creative Appeals in Advertising

See all subjects and majors in the UTS Handbook

Course highlights

The course includes stimulating guest lectures by leading professionals, case studies, and cutting-edge research from scholars and practitioners around the world including exploring latest trends such as the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI).

Admissions information

The Graduate Diploma of Strategic Communication is designed to respond to industry demand for competent communication professionals with a foundational understanding of use of communication strategies and techniques. Using contemporary communication scholarship and industry insights, it is also designed to address the needs of professionals who aspire to develop a communication career in driving strong stakeholder relationships and engagement for better organisational outcomes.
Facing ongoing technological and social developments, strategic communication becomes critical in every organisation’s practices. Emerging technologies, dynamic media environments, and diverse social issues shape the way individuals engage with or respond to organisations’ communication. In addition, individuals’ preferences keep changing in this fast-paced environment. To keep up with these changes, many organisations strive to meet social and stakeholder expectations. It is often challenging for organisations to do so. This is because different stakeholders exhibit different levels of motivation to engage and collaborate with those organisations. Therefore, strategic communication is required to effectively connect with those diverse stakeholders by grasping key audience insights and formulating possible strategies across complex, fragmented media ecosystems. Strategic communication builds a critical foundation of organisational success. Communication professionals are expected to understand the role of strategic communication in cultivating favourable stakeholder relationships and maintaining positive reputation for organisational survival and legitimacy.
To be eligible for admission to this course, applicants must meet the following criteria.
Applicants must have one of the following:
- Completed Australian bachelor's degree or higher qualification, or overseas equivalent, in any field of study
OR
- A minimum of 4 years full-time, or equivalent part-time, relevant professional experience
Supporting documentation to be submitted with the application

For applicants who need to demonstrate work experience:
- Curriculum Vitae AND Statement of service in one of the following formats:
  - A 'Statement of Service' provided by the employer
  - A completed 'UTS statement of service’ signed by the employer
  - A statutory declaration confirming work experience (for Australian Residents only)
  - An official letter from the applicant’s accountant or solicitor on their company letterhead confirming the applicant’s work experience or engagement with the business, duration of operations, and the nature of the business
  - A business certificate of registration in original language and English (e.g. provision of ASIC documentation or ABN or similar documentation for Australian Businesses)
Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.
The postgraduate Strategic Communication degrees are externally accredited by the Communication and Public Relations Australia (CPRA), formerly Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA). As part of this accreditation process, CPRA examines the alignment of the degrees with industry expectations and needs. Course structure, subject outlines, work integrated learning activities, and assessment briefs are assessed to ensure student learning experience is theory-informed, research-based, and industry-oriented; thereby producing graduates who are poised to thrive in the professional communication industry.

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Entry schemes and pathways

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Recognition of prior learning (RPL)

At UTS, we understand the dedication it takes to reach your current position – forging a path through prior study, work, and diverse learning experiences.

Jumbunna Admissions Program

If you're Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, Jumbunna is an alternative application process for our courses that emphasises diverse pathways to success.

UTS College

Transition smoothly to UTS with UTS College. Explore our programs now.

Changing from another postgraduate course

You can apply for our courses using your previous study. You may even be eligible for recognition of prior learning, so you won’t need to repeat subjects.

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Industry Accreditation

The UTS postgraduate degrees are reaccredited by the Communication and Public Relations Australia (CPRA), the largest professional association of communication practitioners in the country.

Your future career

As a graduate of the UTS Graduate Diploma in Strategic Communication, you'll have a host of cutting-edge, job-ready capabilities, enabling you to meaningfully connect with audiences of all types, interests and backgrounds. You'll know how to plan, design, execute and deliver communications with meaning and impact, using strategic approaches to ensure the success of your outreach activities.

With this, you'll be ready to move up in your current role or seek exciting new opportunities in communications and related roles across the public, private and non-profit sectors in Australia or internationally.

Career options

Where you’ll study

Our world-class facilities support your future-focused learning and high-impact research. They enable effective partnerships with industry and provide services to our community.

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Students shooting video in a green screen studio. — Direct productions in our Bon Marche Studio.

Undergraduate students collaborate on a project in the Building 3 sound studios — Collaborate in our media production facilities.

Aerial view of the UTS Library reading room, showing desks, study areas and shelves with books. — Find your perfect library study spot and enjoy the quiet away from the campus bustle.

Why UTS?

Why study Communication at UTS

With a degree in Communications, you'll develop a professional portfolio and learn the skills to adapt in a rapidly evolving field.

We offer innovative and interdisciplinary media, communication and creative production programs that combine theory with practical learning and industry experience.