Master of Strategic Communication

Admissions information

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• Course description arrow_forward_ios

  This course is tailored for communication professionals and those aspiring to enter the field, seeking to enhance their strategic communication capabilities. Choose this course to stay on top of the evolving landscape where technology, media, and societal issues intersect, influencing stakeholder engagement and organisational reputation.

  What sets this course apart is its focus on equipping you with practice-oriented knowledge and skills to tackle real-world communication challenges. You'll learn to apply a full spectrum of communication strategies and techniques for effective problem-solving, grounded in contemporary scholarship and industry insights.

  You will gain an understanding of effective communication principles and stakeholder engagement, essential to ensuring organisations achieve their goals. You'll also develop the ability to diagnose and strategise solutions for communication challenges, and master methods for gaining audience insights to inform impactful communication strategies, using both formal and informal research and evaluation techniques.

  The learning experience is interactive and practical, involving a blend of theoretical study and hands-on application. You'll engage with case studies, participate in discussions, and work on projects that simulate real-life scenarios, ensuring that you leave the course ready to drive strong stakeholder relationships and deliver positive 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-pacing environment. To keep up with these changes, many organisations strive to meet social and stakeholder expectations. However, 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.

• Important dates arrow_forward_ios

  Find out more about application dates relating to this course

• Scholarships and prizes arrow_forward_ios

  Discover our scholarships for undergraduate, postgraduate and research students. Our scholarships celebrate diversity and academic excellence. Use the scholarship search tool to find the right scholarship for you.

  Scholarships for domestic students

  Scholarships for international students

• Course duration arrow_forward_ios

  The course is offered on a one and a half (1.5) years, full-time basis, or three (3) years, part-time basis.

• Admission requirements arrow_forward_ios

  To be eligible for admission to this course, applicants must meet the following criteria.

  Applicants must have one of the following:

  • Completed Australian master’s degree, Australian graduate certificate, or Australian graduate diploma, or overseas equivalent, in any field of study

  OR

  • Completed Australian bachelor's degree, or overseas equivalent, in Management and Commerce, Society and Culture, or Creative Arts

  OR

  • Completed Australian bachelor's degree, or overseas equivalent, in any field of study AND A minimum of 2 years full-time, or equivalent part-time, relevant professional experience

   

  Applicants who do not meet the criteria above should consider applying for C06153 Graduate Diploma in Strategic Communication.

   

  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.

• Domestic course fees arrow_forward_ios

  2025 Indicative tuition fees for domestic students

  As a postgraduate student, you'll be responsible for covering your own tuition fees.

  2025 Tuition Fee

  • Indicative first-year tuition fee:  $26,760
  • Indicative total tuition fee:  $40,743

  You can choose to pay your fees upfront per session, or if you’re eligible, you can defer them using a government FEE-HELP loan. This loan helps you cover all or part of your tuition fees. Keep in mind that applications for this loan are specific to each course.

  Additional Costs 

  Your tuition fees do not include:

  • The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF), which supports student services and activities. If eligible, you can defer this fee using SA-HELP.
  • Textbooks, materials, and other course-related costs.
  • Any applicable payment processing fees (e.g., credit card surcharges).

  Important Information 

  • Fees are shown in Australian Dollars (AUD).
  • The indicative tuition fees above are based on full-time study (1 year = 48 credit points).
  • Your actual fees depend on the year you enrol, your study load and the subjects you choose. Some subjects fall into different student contribution bands.
  • You can calculate your student contribution based on the amounts listed in the student contribution table

  Alumni Advantage Program 

  As a UTS graduate, you can enjoy a 10% discount on your course fees. Just apply for the course you're interested in, and if you're accepted, the discount will automatically be applied to your enrolment invoice. Learn more about the Alumni Advantage Program. 

  If you have any questions about course fees, please feel free to make an enquiry.
 

  Information for Masters by Research students: Government-funded scholarship places available

  As a recipient of the Australian Government’s Research Training Program (RTP) Fees Offset Scholarship, you do not have to pay tuition fees for up to the maximum period of candidature. However, even with this scholarship, you should expect ongoing costs that aren’t covered, like travel, training, and professional development. These costs can vary for each person, so it’s important to plan accordingly. Additionally, scholarships are available to help with your living expenses.

  Important details: The RTP Fees Offset Scholarship covers your tuition fees, but please note that it doesn’t include additional costs related to studying or conducting research. Additional fees for domestic students. For more information visit Research student fees.

• Inherent requirements arrow_forward_ios

  Inherent requirements are academic and non-academic requirements that are essential for successfully completing a course at UTS. You can find the inherent requirements for your course via the inherent requirements directory.

• Professional recognition arrow_forward_ios

  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.

• Recognition of prior learning arrow_forward_ios

  Students who have successfully completed subjects from the Graduate Diploma in Strategic Communication (C06153) are eligible for recognition of prior learning for completed subjects.

• Articulation with UTS courses arrow_forward_ios

  This course is part of an articulated program with the Graduate Diploma in Strategic Communication (C06153).

  Students transferring from the Graduate Diploma in Strategic Communication to the Master of Strategic Communication must have successfully completed at least four subjects in the Strategic Communication postgraduate program.