Graduate Diploma in Strategic Communication

Note

This course is available from Autumn 2025.

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.

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Course aims

This course introduces students to practice-oriented knowledge and skills required in the field of communication. It serves as a stepping-stone for students who would like to apply those advanced knowledge and skills in developing, implementing, and evaluating innovative and integrated solutions to real-world communication challenges.

This course aims to:

• Build understanding of the principles of effective communication and stakeholder engagement for an organisation to achieve optimal outcomes.
• Explore and apply the foundational knowledge and skills students need to build their communication career progression.
• Explore and apply the foundational knowledge and skills students need to build their communication career progression.

Study plan

To view the study plan please visit the UTS Handbook.

Course fees

For relevant fee information, please choose from the following:

Local student

International student

For this course, the cost per credit point for 2025 is $826. The total credit points are 48.

Careers

Graduates of this course are equipped to work in roles such as: account executive, public relations/communication officer, public relations/communication manager, communication and media advisor, communications and engagement coordinator, content creator, digital ad specialist, social media marketing specialist, and publicity coordinator.

Course structure

To view the course structure please visit the UTS Handbook.

Additional information

Course duration

The course is one (1) year of full-time or one and a half (1.5) years of part-time study.

On campus - Weekly

Admission requirements

Admission requirements

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)

The English proficiency requirement for international students or local applicants with international qualifications is: IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with a writing score of 6.0; or TOEFL iBT: 79-93 overall with a writing score of 21; or AE5: Pass; or PTE: 58-64 with a writing score of 50; or C1A/C2P: 176-184 with a writing score of 169.

Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.

International students

Visa requirement: To obtain a student visa to study in Australia, international students must enrol full time and on campus. Australian student visa regulations also require international students studying on student visas to complete the course within the standard full-time duration. Students can extend their courses only in exceptional circumstances.

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.

Inherent requirements

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.

Articulation with UTS courses

This course is part of an articulated program with the Master of Strategic Communication (C04461) and the Master of Strategic Communication (Extension) (C04462).

Applicants wanting to transfer to the Master of Strategic Communication must have successfully completed at least four subjects in the Strategic Communication postgraduate program.

Professional recognition

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.

Download a course guide

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Course Guides

UTS: Handbook

See the Graduate Diploma in Strategic Communication in the UTS: Handbook for comprehensive course details.

Information for international students

Find out about support services, the Australian education system, accommodation and more to help you get the most out of your study at UTS.

Part of UTS Arts and Social Sciences

Domestic students

How to apply

This course is only available to domestic applicants. Apply via the UTS Student Portal.

Intake

Autumn Session 2025
Spring Session 2025

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International students

How to apply

International applicants apply to study via UTS International.

Intake

Autumn Session 2025
Spring Session 2025

Need more information?

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.