Course overview
Informed by global research and best practice in a range of topics including social media, cultural and media studies, global communication and strategic communication - this degree will extend your personal development and professional expertise, allowing you to apply it to a range of industries and disciplines.
Create strategic communication and research plans for real life clients through in-class and work integrated learning experiences. You’ll analyse and implement the latest practices in communication in both international and Australian contexts through the analysis of case studies and real-life scenarios led by academics and industry guest speakers.
Examine the purposes and means by which leaders, organisations and interest groups create, coordinate and direct communication through strategy, planning, and engagement with society, the media and government.
3 reasons to study a Master of Communication at Murdoch
- Put theory into practice with professional placements through our Work Integrated Learning program which includes the opportunity to work in our on campus consultancy, MESH. You’ll learn through working with real clients on real projects.
- This course can be completed in as little as 1.5 years and your previous study and experience might mean you can gain credit for some units and graduate earlier.
- Customise your degree, with the choice of professional coursework or research with a thesis that could contribute to a higher degree by research.
Develop your skills
Build essential skills and knowledge to meet your career or study goals. Topics you’ll cover include:
- Critical and ethical issues in communication
- Web strategy
- Strategic communication
- Public relations, communication and culture
- People, corporates and globalisation in communication
Your career
The Master of Communication will prepare you for executive, managerial and entrepreneurial positions in communication and media related fields. Careers could include:
- Strategic Communication Consultant
- Media or Communications Advisor
- PR Consultant
- Community Engagement Officer
- Stakeholder Relations Manager
- Policy Advisor
- Digital Strategist
Depending on your own career aspirations, you could pursue a career in industry or continue to study and research.
Start dates
| Starting period | Location | Face to Face | Online |
Mixed mode
In this attendance mode, teaching and learning activities are delivered both face-to-face and online, with scheduled or flexible learning times. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1, 2026 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
| Semester 2, 2026 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
| Semester 1, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
| Semester 2, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.
| Starting period | Location | Face to Face | Online |
Mixed mode
In this attendance mode, teaching and learning activities are delivered both face-to-face and online, with scheduled or flexible learning times. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1, 2026 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
| Semester 2, 2026 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
| Semester 1, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
| Semester 2, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.
Admission requirements
English Requirements
You must meet a minimum standard in English to study at Murdoch, which for most courses can be demonstrated by providing evidence that you have completed Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level if you are a domestic student, or through either English proficiency tests, university preparation courses, English language courses, previous tertiary study or vocational education.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.
Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.
This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai and Singapore campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.
Plan your course
Explore the sample course structure below to get an idea of what your degree could look like, or take the next step in planning your degree:
Use the Course Visualiser - build your personalised study plan interactively
Visit the Course Handbook - Get detailed information on units, prerequisites, and pathways.
To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.
| Unit code | Unit name | Credit points |
|---|
Fees & Scholarships
Fees
The fees provided are indicative and intended only as a guide. They are based on a typical full-time enrolment for a first year student at Murdoch University of 24 credit points. The indicative fee is based on the applicable Commonwealth Supported Fee.
Scholarships
How to Apply
Your document checklist
Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have all the following documentation ready for a quick application.
Compulsory documents
Evidence that you meet Academic entry and English language requirements such as:
- Official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion (of your highest academic study)
- Evidence of meeting the minimum English language requirements
Recommended documents (if applicable)
- Change of name documentation
- Marriage certificate
- Most recent Curriculum Vitae if applying using professional experience
- Unit outlines if applying for Advanced Standing
Your document checklist
Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have all the following documentation ready for a quick application.
Compulsory documents
- Evidence that you meet Academic entry and English language requirements such as:
- Official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion (of your highest academic study) both original and English translated versions.
- Evidence of meeting the minimum English language requirements
- Genuine Student documents (if applicable) - Check the GS requirements page for further information
- GS Form 2
- Personal Statement (SOP)
- Up to date Curriculum Vitae
- A copy of your Passport
Recommended documents
- Most recent Curriculum Vitae if applying using professional experience
- A copy of your visa documents (if available)
- A copy of any past visa rejection documents (if applicable)
- Packaged offer letter (if applicable)
- Sponsorship documents if you study will be sponsored
- Unit outlines if applying for Advanced Standing
Apply through an agent
If you’re applying as an international student, our global network of agents will help you get started on your journey.
Apply directly to Murdoch
If you are a non School leaver, you can apply for most undergraduate, honours and postgraduate courses directly through our online application system.
View all ways to apply
There are many ways to apply to Murdoch University as we know everyone has a different path and journey. Get started and take the next step.
All fees are indicative and are provided as a guide only. The actual fees will depend on the individual units you enrol in. You should refer to your Letter of Offer for specific course and fee related information.
The first-year indicative fee is based on a typical full-time enrolment at Murdoch University of 24 credit points.
For domestic students, including Australian citizens, permanent residents and New Zealand citizens, the indicative fee is based on the applicable Commonwealth Supported fee.
Indicative fees for international students are based on applicable full fee paying rates.
The estimated, indicative fee covers tuition fees only, and certain additional fees and charges may apply, depending on the course and units you choose. It also does not take into account any scholarships or bursaries for which you may be eligible.
The estimated, indicative fee assumes no fee increases or indexation. Over time, fee increases or indexation may occur and will affect the estimate. If you are a full fee paying student, this may occur at the start of your second and each subsequent year of study. In the case of Commonwealth Supported students, this will occur for each new calendar year in line with Government policy.
All fee estimates are provided in Australian dollars.