Key facts
Duration
Locations
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 3 2024 are closed.
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 1 2025 close 16 February 2025
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
Take your career to new heights in an industry famed for its progression and pace. Advance your current skillset, expand your professional network and actively contribute to real industry challenges.
Looking for an adaptable communications qualification that will solidify your expertise and boost your employment opportunities?
With unprecedented advancement in technology and the increasing globalisation of business enterprises, strategic communication and critical thinking skills are a highly valued, modern-day commodity. Deakin’s Graduate Diploma of Communication gives you the specialist knowledge and skills to empower you to thrive in roles that influence and shape opinion.
Tailor your degree to your career goals – undertake intensive study in journalism, television production, public relations, digital media, or visual communication design, or explore cross-disciplinary study. Enjoy a flexible, supported and stimulating learning environment, while collaborating with like-minded students, including those already working in industry. Learn from experienced staff and experts in the field, who ensure our course content stays up to date with the latest technological advances, industry demands and market conditions.
Explore theoretical concepts and frameworks and learn how to apply them in a practical setting. With internship and work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities available, you can enhance your employment capabilities while expanding your professional networks.
The Graduate Diploma of Communication is also an articulation pathway into the Master of Communication. Should you be interested in continuing your studies, you can apply for recognition of prior learning (RPL) upon successful completion of this course.
Whether you’re looking to upskill, change roles or challenge yourself in a new discipline, you will graduate a holistic and adaptable communications practitioner well-prepared for the inevitable industry advances, challenges, and opportunities yet to come.
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Graduate Diploma of Communication
- Year
2025 course information
- Deakin code
- A639
- CRICOS code?
- 084026F Burwood (Melbourne)
- Level
- Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
Course structure
To qualify for the award of Graduate Diploma of Communication, students must successfully complete:
- 8 credit points in Communication from the units listed below, plus
- Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
Students are strongly encouraged to look at specific concentrations and patterns of unit choice that develop their professional communication skills and should seek advice to create the best combination available to them to achieve their specific course learning outcomes. Students seeking a single specialised study experience in one area should enrol instead in the named Graduate Diplomas. Students using the Graduate Diploma as a pathway into the Master of Communication are strongly advised to complete ACX701 Communication Concepts as two of their 8 credit points of study.
Communication Units
Eight credit points selected from:
ACF701 Television Studio Production [No longer available for enrolment]
ACF702 Television Commercial Production [No longer available for enrolment]
ACF703 Fractured TV: Audiences, Formats, Technology and Regulation [No longer available for enrolment]
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
Trimester 3 - November
- Start date: November
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
Mandatory student checks
Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.
Participation requirements
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Work experience
Elective units may provide the opportunity for Work Integrated Learning experiences.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements or higher to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
Academic requirements
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher
- at least two years' relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Admissions information
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The available fee places for this course are detailed above. Not all courses at Deakin have Commonwealth supported places available.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical tuition fees for students completing this course within the same year they started. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning. One year full-time study load is typically represented by eight credit points of study. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for your course.
You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook.
Learn more about fees and available payment options.
FEE-HELP calculator
What is FEE-HELP?
FEE-HELP loans cover up to 100% of tuition fees for eligible students. By taking out a FEE-HELP loan, the government pays your tuition fees directly to Deakin, and the balance is repaid from your employment income - but only once you're earning over $54,435.
Please note: fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and based on 2025 rates. Actual fees may vary. We advise confirming fees with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.
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- $* is the estimated full cost for a Graduate Diploma of Communication (8 credit points), based on the 2025 fees.
- is the annual FEE-HELP payment, based on your current salary
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*Disclaimer
Deakin University (Deakin):
- gives no warranty and accepts no responsibility for the currency, accuracy or the completeness of the information provided;
- advises users that no reliance should be placed upon on the information provided, and;
- instructs users that they should confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.
This tool provides indicative information about the fees that will be payable in respect of courses and subjects offered to prospective students domiciled in Australia during the periods indicated.
Please note that the fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and actual fees may vary. Users are advised to confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.
The estimated course fee is based on the tuition fee costs applicable to a domestic full time student commencing the course in Trimester 1 and studying full time for the duration of the course but:
- does not include non-tuition costs that may apply, such as Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF);
- does not take into account any scholarships or bursaries awarded to the student (including the 10% Deakin alumni discount);
- assumes the maximum number of units that need to be successfully completed actual number completed may be reduced if recognition of prior learning is granted;
- assumes that no exceptional, or non-typical, circumstances apply to the proposed course of study;
- assumes that the options that the user selects are appropriate for the course of study that they intend to undertake;
- where fees are estimated for future years those fee will be subject to annual increases in accordance with increases in the cost of course delivery.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.
Postgraduate bursary
If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees.
Apply now
To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.
For more information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage. If you're still having problems, please contact us for assistance.
Pathways
Contact information
Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.
- Call us: 1800 693 888 Monday – Friday, 9am–5pm
- Live Chat: Monday - Friday
- Submit an online enquiry
- Help hub find common and trending questions and answers
Careers
Career outcomes
Now more than ever is a great time to be in the media and communications industry. From media agencies and newsrooms, to publications, community relations and government organisations, anywhere in the world – the career opportunities are vast.
Our Graduate Diploma of Communication can prepare you for roles such as:
- public relations specialist
- investigative journalist
- corporate affairs director
- media adviser
- communications consultant
- technical writer
- visual designer
- social media manager
For more information go to DeakinTALENT.
Course learning outcomes
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Apply specialist skills and knowledge of communication methods and concepts in professional and scholarly contexts. |
| Communication | Use advanced cognitive and technical skills to communicate ideas, arguments, and solutions to problems in a variety of modes across a range of professional and scholarly contexts. |
| Digital literacy | Make expert use of digital technologies to address a range of communication needs in professional contexts and for diverse audiences within and outside the communication industries. |
| Critical thinking | Critically analyse and evaluate complex ideas in communication theory, and communicate conclusions in the context of professional decision-making and scholarship. |
| Problem solving | Use advanced cognitive skills in communication in identify, investigate, analyse, and synthesise complex information in the context of generating creative solutions to industry and scholarly problems. |
| Self-management | Employ autonomy, accountability and initiative when responding creatively to new situations in professional communication contexts. |
| Teamwork | Work and learn collaboratively in professional communication practice and in scholarly contexts, including exercising initiative and accountability as a team member. |
| Global citizenship | Critically reflect on communication-related issues in both domestic and global contexts, as a scholar and in professional practice, taking into consideration cultural and socio-economic diversity, social and environmental responsibility and the application of the highest ethical standards. |
Approved at Faculty Board November 2022
Footnotes
** QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020