Why Master of Strategic Communication?
Design communications that move people.
From creative product launches to timely and clear disaster response information – effective communication is key in moving us towards action.
In an era of constant chatter and demands on our attention, it is more difficult than ever for organisations and businesses to get their messages out when it matters most.
Which is why, no matter the sector, professionals with the expertise to cut through the noise to inspire, connect and influence are highly sought after.
Our Master of Strategic Communication equips you with the versatile skillset needed to lead strategic communication planning, management and execution across all key digital and non-digital channels – in any sector, anywhere in the world.
Overview
Craft messages that matter with our Master of Strategic Communication.
Explore the role of communication in a range of sectors, with a focus on strategic communication and public relations theory and practice. Take courses in media relations and learn how businesses can leverage a hybrid of traditional and digital-first strategies and tools to grow and improve organisational reputation. Dive deep into campaign planning and content creation.
Take courses examining global perspectives and theory in risk and crisis communication practice. Develop actionable, and innovative strategies for reputation management and recovery in the context of organisational risks and crises. Hone your design eye and knowledge of visual design tools, preparing you well for effective collaboration with a wide range of specialist content designers.
Choose electives that spark your passion and dive into specialised areas of study. Through an immersive industry project or communication-related research project, you'll transform academic insights into practical, hands-on experience.
Emerge with the advanced expertise to lead strategic communication in your organisation. Design communications that are business-aligned, purposeful and timely – capable of cutting through the noise when it matters most.
Key features
Develop in-depth knowledge of strategic communication and public relations concepts. - Gain advanced understanding of campaign planning, social media management and transmedia storytelling.
- Develop expertise in core areas such as crisis communication, digital design management and research.
- Critically examine current and emerging global media trends.
- Undertake electives aligned to your interests and career goals.
- Complete a major industry-based project or a communication-related research project.
What you'll learn
In the Master of Strategic Communication, you will complete a range of advanced courses that extend your knowledge and skills in best practice and emerging strategic communications and public relations concepts, theories, principles and practices.
Alongside specialised communication courses, you’ll also complete courses covering core media skills relevant to the full spectrum of digital and non-digital channels and tools. You’ll study topics, including:
- Strategic communication contexts
- Risk, issues and crisis communication
- Media management
- Social media management
- Campaign planning
- Transmedia storytelling
- Managing digital design
- Researching strategic communication and media
- Leadership in strategic communication.
Throughout your degree, you’ll have the chance to explore areas of interest through a wide range of electives.
In your final year, you’ll complete an industry-based project or a communication-related research project.
What courses you'll study
Complete 96 units comprising:
- 78 to 90 units from Core courses, and
- 6 to 18 units for Electives
Complete 78 to 90 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Managing Digital Design
|
Course code
GRAP5000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Strategic Communication Contexts
|
Course code
MDIA5000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Media Management
|
Course code
MDIA5010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Social Media Management
|
Course code
MDIA5002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Campaign Planning
|
Course code
MDIA5003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Transmedia Storytelling
|
Course code
MDIA5015
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Risk, Issues and Crisis Communication
|
Course code
MDIA5001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Researching Strategic Communication and Media
|
Course code
MDIA5008
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Leadership in Strategic Communication
|
Course code
MDIA5016
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Strategic Communication Extended Research Project
|
Course code
MDIA6002
|
Units
24
|
|
|
Course name
Strategic Communication Project
|
Course code
MDIA6000
|
Units
12
|
Notes
- Adelaide University Bachelor Media and Communication
- Adelaide University Bachelor of Journalism (major in Strategic Communication)
- University of South Australia Bachelor of Communication and Media
- University of South Australia University Online Bachelor of Communication
- University of Adelaide Bachelor of Media
- Cognate degrees from other universities as approved by the Program Director
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
 |
Course name
Strategic Communication Contexts
|
Course code
MDIA5000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Social Media Management
|
Course code
MDIA5002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Campaign Planning
|
Course code
MDIA5003
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Transmedia Storytelling
|
Course code
MDIA5015
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Managing Digital Design
|
Course code
GRAP5000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Risk, Issues and Crisis Communication
|
Course code
MDIA5001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Media Management
|
Course code
MDIA5010
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Researching Strategic Communication and Media
|
Course code
MDIA5008
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Leadership in Strategic Communication
|
Course code
MDIA5016
|
Units
12
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Complete 6 to 18 units comprising:
- 6 to 18 units from University-wide electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Strategic Communication Contexts
|
Course code
MDIA5000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Social Media Management
|
Course code
MDIA5002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Campaign Planning
|
Course code
MDIA5003
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Transmedia Storytelling
|
Course code
MDIA5015
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Managing Digital Design
|
Course code
GRAP5000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Risk, Issues and Crisis Communication
|
Course code
MDIA5001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Media Management
|
Course code
MDIA5010
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Researching Strategic Communication and Media
|
Course code
MDIA5008
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Leadership in Strategic Communication
|
Course code
MDIA5016
|
Units
12
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
As a graduate of the Master of Strategic Communication at Adelaide University, you’ll emerge equipped to lead strategic communication in any sector, anywhere in the world.
You might take up a role as a corporate communications manager, developing and implementing communication strategies designed to enhance a company’s image and reputation. Maybe you’ll lead rebranding initiatives for large, global organisations as a global brand manager. Perhaps you’ll become a crisis communication consultant, advising businesses on how to communicate effectively and manage public perception in the event of product recalls or organisational restructures.
Some career paths you could pursue include:
- Communications director
- Public relations manager
- Marketing manager
- Social media manager
- Content strategist
- Media relations manager
- Brand manager
- Community relations manager
- Public affairs specialist.
Industry trends
As the world continues to navigate unprecedented challenges and economic turbulence, organisations from all sectors are racing to adapt their processes, policies and practices to be more fit-for-purpose for one of the most complex business environments we’ve ever seen. Strategic communications professionals are pivotal in shaping and managing the overall communication strategy of an organisation.
In an era where there’s ever-increasing competition for our time and attention, these professionals are experts in helping businesses cut through the noise and deliver purposeful communication when it matters most, whether that be helping people navigate an unexpected crisis, shoring up trust in a brand’s reputation or ensuring a brand’s messaging is culturally inclusive.
The World Economic Forum (2023) suggests that as industries continue to rely on digital technologies for innovation and growth, the need for strategic communication professionals to stay ahead and fluent in the latest media technologies will only become more critical.
Ready to apply?
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
