Risk and Crisis Communication

Postgraduate | 2026

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Mode icon
Mode
Mode
Your studies will be on-campus, and may include some online delivery
On campus
area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
MDIA 5018
Course ID icon
Course ID
207717
Campus icon
Campus
Adelaide City Campus
Level of study
Level of study
Postgraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
12
Course owner
Course owner
Adelaide University
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Course level
5
Work Integrated Learning course
Work Integrated Learning course
No
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Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
No
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
No
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
No

Course overview

This course focuses on the role of strategic communication in managing situations of risk and crisis. You will consider risk and crisis communication in local, national and international contexts and across NGO, government and corporate sectors. You will identify issues and strategies for managing risks, plan effective communication strategies to prevent issues from becoming risks, and examine how new technologies and a changing media environment can influence the response of stakeholders. Other topics covered include issues of trust, credibility and control; corporate social responsibility (CSR); and the ethical and legal requirements for communications practitioners in Australia.

Course learning outcomes

  • Critically evaluate contemporary issues and trends in risk and crisis communication, including the needs of different stakeholders, the impact of new technologies and media platforms, and the expectations of different sectors
  • Demonstrate knowledge of current industry norms and professional practices in risk and crisis communication
  • Apply risk and crisis management strategies to the evaluation of issues, risks, and crises
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the ethical and legal considerations shaping 'best-practice' risk and crisis communication in Australia

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

  • must not have completed MDIA7006 Risk and Crisis Communication at the University of Adelaide

Assumed knowledge

N/A

Textbook(s)

N/A

Inherent requirements

N/A

Other resources

N/A

Assessment

N/A

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Only some Postgraduate Coursework programs are available as Commonwealth Supported. Please check your program for specific fee information.

The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.