Digital Communication and Culture
Coursework
Digital media are implicated in many recent transformations in culture, communication, creativity, politics, consumption, work, play and everyday life. The Digital Communication and Cultures postgraduate coursework program investigates the interplay between cultural change and technological innovations. We take a critical and transdisciplinary approach, framing technologies in social, historical and political contexts.
The program is aimed at people pursuing careers in fields where digital media are bringing the greatest changes. These include media, education, museums, web, marketing, publishing, creative industries, social media, mobile media, communications and computer games.
These core units explore key themes in Digital Communication and Cultures:
- ARIN6902 Internet Cultures and Governance
- ARIN6903 Digital Media and Society
- ARIN6904 Games and Mixed Realities
- ARIN6905 Digital Audiences and Communities
- ARIN6906 Emerging Technologies and Issues
Students also choose from over 30 electives in a wide range of disciplines (subject to unit of study prerequisites or the demonstration of relevant competencies for some of these units).
These include units from the Department of Media and Communications; English; Sydney College of the Arts; the Interaction Design and Electronic Arts program in the School of Architecture, Design and Planning; Museum Studies; School of Computer Science; Linguistics; US Studies; Gender and Cultural Studies; and Writing Studies.
Capstone experience:
Towards the end of their degree, students in the Master of Digital Communication and Culture complete a capstone experience. This can be:
- an internship organised by the Department of Media and Communications (MECO6928) (requires departmental permission, high credit average and skills test); or
- a professional project (MECO6935); or
- an advanced media project (MECO6932 or MECO6947 - prerequisites required); or
- a dissertation over two semesters investigating some aspect of cultural change associated with digital technologies (MECO6904 and MECO6905 require departmental permission based on a research proposal and availability of a supervisor in the department).
Awards and requirements
Please refer to the course rules in this handbook for information on the specific admission requirements for different coursework award courses.
Master of Digital Communication and Culture
Candidates for the Master of Digital Communication and Culture must complete 72 credit points typically including:
- 24 credit points of core units of study
- 42 credit points from elective units of study
- 6 credit points of capstone units of study
Graduate Diploma in Digital Communication and Culture
Candidates for the Graduate Diploma in Digital Communication and Culture must complete 48 credit points typically including:
- 24 credit points of core units of study
- 24 credit points from elective units of study
Graduate Certificate in Digital Communication and Culture
Candidates for the Graduate Certificate in Digital Communication and Culture must complete 24 credit points typically including:
- a minimum of 12 credit points of core units of study (you can take additional core units)
- a maximum of 12 credit points from elective units of study
Learning outcomes
By the end of the Master of Digital Communication and Culture, a student will be able to:
| No. | Learning outcome |
|---|---|
| 1 | Demonstrate an understanding of recent disciplinary developments in digital cultures. |
| 2 | Evaluate the experience and participation of audiences of digital media in a variety of genres. |
| 3 | Prepare documentation for, and pitch proposed digital media projects. |
| 4 | Analyse policy and practice aspects of internet governance and its cultural contexts. |
| 5 | Produce an article and publication through a peer review process demonstrating an understanding of academic production and evaluation. |
| 6 | Critically evaluate new media products and services using multiple theoretical and practical approaches. |
| 7 | Present complex concepts to groups using multiple media. |
| 8 | Complete a major piece of research either as part of an internship, project or dissertation. |
Reduced volume of learning (RVL)
Candidates who have completed previous study in a relevant discipline or have relevant professional experience may be eligible for a reduction in the requirements in accordance with the table below.
| Level of prior learning | Full-time duration | Credit points to complete |
|---|---|---|
| AQF Level 7 eg. a bachelor's degree in the Humanities, Social Sciences or Law | 1.5 years | 72 |
| Relevant professional experience equivalent to a Graduate Certificate | 1 year | 48 |
| AQF Level 8 eg. Honours in the Humanities, Social Sciences or Law | 1 year | 48 |
Contacts and further information
Contact details can be found on these websites:
Department of Media and Communications
School of Literature, Art and Media