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Communications

What’s on offer for postgraduates?

Communications postgraduate student profile

Communications is a small, developing and — if undergraduate demand is any guide — increasingly popular field.

Some postgraduate coursework programs study communications generally (mainly via media studies) but most aim, or claim, to provide skills in journalism (the most common of the professions catered to), publishing, writing, public relations, advertising and communications occupations.

Many are career conversion programs, which means you do not need a relevant degree to enter. Most providers offer the very accessible option of a graduate certificate to get you started.

If you are contemplating a research degree in communications you are likely to be better off looking at departments and schools which have a reputation for research in the area. Although there are some areas of
strength in both practical (sometimes called ‘applied’) and theoretical research, the research tradition in
other areas of the communications field is in its infancy.

The experience and rewards

Visit the University Ratings section for communications course ratings or to see how communications rates in the Fields of Study Compared table.

Recent graduates of communications were impressed with the standard of teaching, the generic skills gained and their overall experience, according to the national Course Experience Questionnaire survey. As is often the case in this field, job prospects and salaries were below average.

For more information

If you are interested in the communications field you should also browse through the profiles of humanities and social sciences , and perhaps creative arts .

Lisa Carzino — Graduate Diploma of Editing and Publishing

Why did you decide to pursue postgraduate studies?
As I approached the end of my arts degree, I found I still had no idea what career path I wanted to pursue ... I couldn't find a job that didn't require previous work experience. I went to a career counsellor and she first sparked my interest in the publishing/editing industry. She suggested that a postgraduate course would really help me get ahead in this industry and provide me with some of the vocational skills often absent in arts graduates.

How do you balance your study with other commitments?
I am completing my postgraduate studies part time in the evening while working full time during the day, so when I have a lot of assessment at uni it can be a bit stressful. I try to get as much work as possible done during the week so I can spend the weekends with family and friends.

Are postgraduate qualifications a requirement in your chosen field?
Postgraduate studies aren't a requirement for the publishing/editing industry, but as the industry is very competitive and especially difficult for graduates to enter, it is helpful when looking for a job.

Would you recommend postgraduate studies to someone in a similar position to you, i.e. someone working in your field, or wishing to enter your field?
I think someone in a similar position to me would definitely benefit from postgraduate study. If you have already managed to find a few jobs in the industry, it is probably not necessary, but for graduates looking to develop some industry-specific skills then it is definitely worth doing. I am learning a lot from my course and meeting a lot of people, which will be great in terms of job opportunities for the future.

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