Master of Design (Media & Communication)

Master of Design (Media & Communication)

RESEARCH

Study media and communications and work for universities, galleries, museums and non-government organisations.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Part-time 4 years
Fees:

Research Training Scheme

Next intake:
Continuous (scholarship application closing dates apply)
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

AU$35,520 (2025 annual)

Next intake:
Continuous (scholarship application closing dates apply)
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

This research degree supports your engagement in communities of practice where learning is fundamentally a social phenomenon.

Individually supervised research programs are available in areas such as:

    • media
    • communication
    • digital ethnography
    • games
    • advertising
    • marketing
    • communication design
    • journalism
    • cinema studies
    • cultural studies
    • creative writing
    • screen production.

    You should visit the School of Media and CommunicationHigher degrees by researchpage to develop your proposal in relation to the existing research groups, centres and labs.

    The Master of Design may be undertaken in a project or thesis mode. This decision is made in consultation with your supervisor.

    Details

    Expand all sections

    Research at RMIT

    Time spent on research

    Full-time candidates are expected to commit at least four days per week (or at least two days per week for part-time candidates) to their research. The academic year is 48 weeks.

    Regular contact with your supervisor

    A schedule of meetings with your supervisor/s must be established to assess progress against milestones and timely completion.

    Resources, facilities and support

    You will have access to the Learning Hub and other online and digital resources through the myRMIT student portal.

    You will be part of an active research community and have access to resources and workshops to help you succeed.

    School of Graduate Research

    The School of Graduate Research works with Schools to further support candidates during their postgraduate research degree.

    The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in thelearning outcomes.

    Course structure

    Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

    Master of Design (Media & Communication)
    Program code:MR211
    Title
    Location
    Duration
    Plan code
    CRICOS
    Master of Design
    City Campus
    2 years full-time, 4 years part-time
    MR211
    079815G
    Location
    City Campus
    Duration
    2 years full-time, 4 years part-time
    Plan code
    MR211
    CRICOS
    079815G
    View plan
    Master of Design
    City Campus
    2 years full-time
    MR211
    079815G
    Location
    City Campus
    Duration
    2 years full-time
    Plan code
    MR211
    CRICOS
    079815G
    View plan

    Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

    Career

    Upon graduation you will be employable in positions in universities, galleries, museums and non-government organisations. You may also freelance as designers, communicators, artists, curators and producers.

    Entry requirements and admissions

    The minimum requirements for admission to a master by research program are:

    • a bachelor degree requiring at least four years of full-time study in a relevant discipline awarded with honours. The degree should include a research component comprised of a thesis, other research projects or research methodology courses that constitute at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent). The applicant must have achieved at least a credit average in the final year;or
    • evidence of appropriate academic qualifications and/or experience that satisfies the Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research Training and Development or nominee that the applicant has developed knowledge of the field of study or cognate field and the potential for research sufficient to undertake the proposed program.

    At RMIT a grade of credit represents academic achievement of 60% or higher.

    None

    These entrance requirements are the minimum academic standard you must meet in order to be eligible to apply for the program. You will need to complete a selection task as part of your application.

    A selection process will be conducted in conjunction with the School and supervisors you nominate.

    For further information on the steps you need to take to apply for a research program seeHow to apply – Research programs.

    The minimum requirements for admission to a master by research program are:

    • a bachelor degree requiring at least four years of full-time study in a relevant discipline awarded with honours. The degree should include a research component comprised of a thesis, other research projects or research methodology courses that constitute at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent). The applicant must have achieved at least a credit average in the final year;or
    • evidence of appropriate academic qualifications and/or experience that satisfies the Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research Training and Development or nominee that the applicant has developed knowledge of the field of study or cognate field and the potential for research sufficient to undertake the proposed program.

    At RMIT a grade of credit represents academic achievement of 60% or higher.

    None

    Research proposal and supervisor

    Proposal

    You must attach a substantive research proposal that is 2 to 5 pages in length which articulates the intent, significance and originality of the proposed topic using the following headings:

    a) title / topic
    b) research questions to be investigated in the context of existing research/literature in the area
    c) significance and impact of the research
    d) methodology / research tasks required to undertake the research
    e) particular needs (e.g. resources, facilities, fieldwork or equipment that are necessary for your proposed research program, if applicable)

    Supervisor

    Your application will not be considered if you have not discussed your research topic with a proposed senior and associate supervisor or joint senior supervisors. You must provide the names of the academic staff in the school you have applied to and with whom you have discussed your proposed research.

    For further information on the steps you need to take to apply for a research program seeHow to apply – Research programs.

    To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

    • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
    • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
    • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
    • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

    For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visitEnglish language requirements and equivalency information.

    Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus atRMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

    Pathways

    You can gain entry to this program from a range of RMIT four yearBachelor and Honours degreesorPostgraduateprograms.

    Further study

    If you excel in your master degree by research, you can continue your research in adoctorate (PhD). This involves four years of research under the supervision of a senior researcher.

    Fees

    Expand all sections

    Fee information for masters by research and doctorate (PhD) programs.

    If you are an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or New Zealand citizen you may be eligible for a Research Training Scheme (RTS) place where your tuition costs are funded by the Commonwealth Government under the RTS and you have full exemption from tuition fees.

    Acceptance in an RTS place is very competitive and places are granted on the condition that you meet annual progress requirements and complete within the allotted time for your program and your status as a part-time or full-time candidate.

    This means a maximum of 2 years for a full-time Masters by Research or 4 years for a PhD (or the equivalent part-time).

    Contact the School of Graduate Research for more information.

    Thestudent services and amenities fee (SSAF)is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

    In addition to the SSAF there may beother expensesassociated with your program.

    Candidates may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to their employment. See theAustralian Taxation Office (ATO) websitefor more information.

    RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

    Expand all sections

    Thestudent services and amenities fee (SSAF)is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

    In addition to the SSAF there may beother expensesassociated with your program.

    Find out more details abouthow fees are calculatedand the expected annual increase.

    Applying for refunds

    Find information on how to apply for arefundas a continuing international student.

    RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Looking for answers or more general information?

    Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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    Acknowledgement of Country

    RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

    More information
    aboriginal flag
    torres strait flag

    Acknowledgement of Country

    RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

    More information
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