| AQF Level |
Level 9 Masters by Coursework Degree |
| CRICOS Code |
083794G |
| Overview and Aims of the Program |
International Communication explains the flow of information and ideas around the world. The Master of International Communication prepares postgraduates for careers in media, corporate communication, NGOs, development, diplomacy and policy arenas. A range of theories, concepts and methods are used to examine and critically analyse how communication flows intersect with general socio-cultural, political and economic processes of nations, groups and global entities. Students produce professional outputs such as projects, creative productions, and dissertations, involving sustained independent inquiry, to address complex world problems. |
| Graduate Capabilities |
The Graduate Capabilities Framework articulates the fundamentals that underpin all of Macquarie’s academic programs. It expresses these as follows:
Cognitive capabilities
(K) discipline specific knowledge and skills
(T) critical, analytical and integrative thinking
(P) problem solving and research capability
(I) creative and innovative
Interpersonal or social capabilities
(C) effective communication
(E) engaged and ethical local and global citizens
(A) socially and environmentally active and responsible
Personal capabilities
(J) capable of professional and personal judgement and initiative
(L) commitment to continuous learning |
| Program Learning Outcomes |
By the end of this program it is anticipated you should be able to:
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
1. engage critically with major thinkers, debates, communication research methodologies and intellectual paradigms to gain an advanced body of knowledge in the field of International Communication (K, T, J)
2. examine relationships between communication processes, media, community participation and development in various socio-cultural, geo-political, economic and environmental contexts (K, T, C)
3. employ a range of theories, concepts and methods to analyse how communication flows intersect with general socio-cultural, political and economic processes of between nations, groups and trans-boundary entities (K, T, J)
SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES
4. apply research and communication skills to produce professional outputs such as research projects, creative productions, and presentations, involving sustained independent inquiry, to address complex global problems (P, T, C)
5. plan, collaborate and interact in a cross-cultural environment and demonstrate an awareness of students' own cultural identity and intercultural empathy (T, C, E)
6. relate conceptual, technical and industry skills to self-directed projects that are tailored to a particular audience (K, C, J, E). |
| Learning and Teaching Methods |
The Master of International Communication uses a range of learning and teaching methods to enable students to achieve the program level outcomes. Unit learning outcomes are constructively aligned with the program outcomes and graduate capabilities. Teaching and learning methods used in the International Communication major include:
• Lectures: Lectures are delivered in face-to-face format and are also available via the Echo 360 recording system. Some units may involve pre-recorded lectures. Lectures are delivered in an array of formats to ensure students have access to lecture materials at any point during the semester.
• Tutorials: Tutorials provide an opportunity for students to critically engage with selected topics. Tutorials provide forums for asking questions and resolving uncertainties about set materials and topics. They are also spaces whereby knowledge is generated through tutor- assisted and peer-led discussions. In addition, tutorials provide opportunities to put generated knowledge into practice through activities such as discussion, debate, group tasks and presentations. Knowledge generated in tutorials also underpins assessment structures and tasks.
• Workshops: International Communication utilises workshops in which students develop disciplinary knowledge, professional writing, production, and research skills.
• Teaching materials: International Communication uses a range of teaching materials to support and direct student learning including:
a. lectures
b. paper-based and electronic readings
c. audiovisual material
d. handouts/worksheets
e. industry speakers
f. student conference.
• Program structure: The Masters coursework program offers units at 800 level which develop sophisticated analytical and professional skills in addition to providing advanced knowledge of professional practice. Students who have an undergraduate degree from a similar area of study are able to complete their course of study in 18 months. The program is made up of 48 credit points or 12 units including 1 capstone unit with an internship component, and appropriate research unit(s) incorporating methodologies, ethics and a major research project. Students are able to choose from a set of option units from other disciplines. Students graduate with an impressive skill set and knowledge that embeds critical reflection and professional judgement. The global communications landscape is ever changing and to work within it mandates a commitment to life-long learning. Students collaborate and interact in a cross-cultural environment which promotes intercultural competence and an awareness of students' own cultural identity. Students become reflective professionals who critically evaluate their own practices and experiences as reflected in the capstone unit. |
| Assessment |
MA International Communication is a theory-based program that requires a complex understanding and sophisticated application of concepts governing global communication in different areas. The assessment schema comprises the following:
• Research essays: Essays range from 500 words to 3500 words. Essays are used to assess a range of outcomes from demonstrating comprehension of particular issues to application of concepts to real world contexts. They test students’ ability to engage with major theories, debates, communication research methodologies and intellectual paradigms, and to synthesize information from multiple sources to critically analyse global issues.
• Participation: Students are assessed on their meaningful contributions to a culture of learning. Participation is assessed through sustained critical engagements involving discussions, debates, tasks through learning and teaching methods including lectures, tutorials, workshops and online tasks.
• Projects: International Communication students produce professional outputs such as research projects, websites and creative productions involving sustained independent inquiry, to address complex global problems. These include:
a. interviewing for collection of research data
b. ethnographic studies
c. designing campaigns
d. drafting strategy documents
e. writing research project proposals and reports
f. conducting quantitative and qualitative research.
• Presentations: Students engage in presentations on a range of issues relating to the units to allow them to demonstrate their understanding of core concepts and issues, apply these to specific case studies, make critical arguments, and generate peer discussion and feedback. Group presentations help develop interpersonal skills and promote team work.
• Other: Learning and teaching innovation is a strong feature of the program and alternative assessment methods are frequently trialled.
• International Communication uses a mixture of formative and summative assessments. Formative assessments progressively monitor the generation of knowledge and summative assessments give the students opportunities to synthesize and apply that knowledge to a range of issues. |
| Recognition of Prior Learning |
Macquarie University may recognise prior formal, informal and non-formal learning for the purpose of granting credit towards, or admission into, a program. The recognition of these forms of learning is enabled by the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy and its associated Procedures and Guidelines. For recognition of prior informal and non-formal learning, please refer to the relevant RPL Plan, which describes the evidential requirements and approval processes for recognising prior learning for entry or credit in this program.
For undergraduate RPL plans visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/nonschoolrpl
For postgraduate RPL plans visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/pgrpl |
| Support for Learning |
Macquarie University aspires to be an inclusive and supportive community of learners where all students are given the opportunity to meet their academic and personal goals. The University offers a comprehensive range of free and accessible student support services which include academic advice, counselling and psychological services, advocacy services and welfare advice, careers and employment, disability services and academic skills workshops amongst others. There is also a bulk billing medical service located on campus.
Further information can be found at www.students.mq.edu.au/support/
Campus Wellbeing contact details:
Phone: +61 2 9850 7497
Email: campuswellbeing@mq.edu.au
www.students.mq.edu.au/support/health_and_wellbeing/contact_us |
| Program Standards and Quality |
The program is subject to an ongoing comprehensive process of quality review in accordance with a pre-determined schedule that complies with the Higher Education Standards Framework. The review is overseen by Macquarie University's peak academic governance body, the Academic Senate and takes into account feedback received from students, staff and external stakeholders. |
| Graduate Destinations and Employability |
A postgraduate degree in International Communication prepares graduates to work in cross cultural environments where many multinational organizations operate. An internationally focused curriculum provides an understanding of diverse cultures and people and their interaction with the global media industry. The capstone unit offers internship opportunities which allow students to engage with industry partners. Students are also encouraged to enrol in the Postgraduate Global Leadership Program, an extracurricular program which develops student leadership giving graduates a competitive edge in the global employment market.
A research training pathway is available through the Master of Research and PhD programs.
Postgraduates who have completed Master of International Communication work in various parts of the world in the following areas:
• global media industry
• public relations industry
• international development
• non government sector
• public affairs
• academia
• marketing
• project management. |
| Assessment Regulations |
This program is subject to Macquarie University regulations, including but not limited to those specified in the Assessment Policy, Academic Honesty Policy, the Final Examination Policy and relevant University Rules. For all approved University policies, procedures, guidelines and schedules visit www.mq.edu.au/policy. |
| External Benchmarks |
A range of international benchmarks have been sought for this curriculum. These include:
• The European 'Geert Hofstede Consortium'
http://www.masterinternationalcommunication.eu/
• The Hague University of Applied Sciences
http://www.thehagueuniversit |
| Accreditation |
This is an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) accredited qualification.
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