Master of Strategic Communication (Extension)

Note

This course will be available from Autumn 2025.

The Master of Strategic Communication (Extension) is designed to respond to industry demand for competent communication professionals with the knowledge and skillset of demonstrating the use of the full spectrum of communication strategies and techniques for problem solving. Using contemporary communication scholarship and industry insights, it is also designed to address the needs of professionals who aspire to build or explore a communication career driving strong stakeholder relationships and engagement for better organisational outcomes.

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 advanced knowledge and skills in developing, implementing, and evaluating innovative and integrated solutions to real-world communication challenges. In doing this, students are encouraged (a) to demonstrate their critical and creative thinking (b) to navigate, consider, and embrace diverse contexts, issues, values, and perspectives (c) to effectively communicate and engage with various audiences through communication strategies across a range of multiple media platforms and (d) to provide innovative and strategic solutions in addressing communication and engagement challenges they face in their careers.

The course is an extension of the traditional Master of Strategic Communication in that it includes an additional 24cps of electives which allow students to broaden their expertise and tailor the degree to their specific career interests.

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.

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 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)

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 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.

• Communications professional
• Business leader
• Marketing manager
• Public relations manager