MC250 - Master of Communication Design

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Plan: MC250 - Master of Communication Design
Campus: City Campus

Overview

Program details
Purpose of the Program
Articulation and pathways
Entrance requirements
External accreditation and industry links
Student expenses and charges in addition to fees
Library, IT and specialist resources

Program details

Award title: Master of Communication Design
Award abbreviation: MCommDes
Total credit points: 192
Career: PGRD
Duration: 2 years full-time, 4 years part-time, reduced duration available
Location: Onshore, City Campus
Owning school: Design (370H)
Owning school URL: www.rmit.edu.au/about/schools-colleges/design
ASCED code: 100501
CRICOS code: 084351D

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Purpose of the Program

In this program, you will develop specialist knowledge and skills in communication design. You will create a design portfolio and you will develop knowledge and skills in design studies, typography, service design and strategy. As a graduate of this program, you will be able to lead and produce innovative communication design solutions for organisations and for cultural development.

You will engage with current trends in communication design globally, and with the key concepts and processes underpinning the constantly evolving industries in this sector. There will be a focus on innovative, specialist studio practice and design entrepreneurship. Your individual and collaborative creative projects will integrate practice and research to produce innovative outcomes. In your final year, you will undertake an individually negotiated professional research project, as a capstone experience. This project will enable you to synthesise and integrate your knowledge, connect theory and practice, and demonstrate your holistic achievement of the program learning outcomes.

On completion of the program, you will be a specialist creative practitioner who can contribute to industry developments and design innovation. You will be able to engage with communication design practice in the broader context of the global media and communication industries. You will be able to provide informed insights into future directions of the industry, and work independently as well as in teams and leadership roles.

Through the program, your enhanced knowledge and specialised technical and creative skills will prepare you for professional roles in a variety of environments, including communication design studios, digital design consultancies, design studios within business entities, and independent practice. You will be able to work independently or in teams, and you will be able to communicate confidently with allied professionals.

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Articulation and pathways

Successful completion of the RMIT BP115 Bachelor of Design (Communication Design) guarantees entry into this program with 48 credit points exemptions (equivalent to one semester full-time study).

If you have already developed areas of skill and knowledge included in this program (for example, through prior studies or work experience), you can apply for credit once you have enrolled in this program.

If you have gained one of the following qualifications in graphic design, communication design or visual communication, you will be eligible for masters exemptions relevant to your qualification level as stated in the table below. Please note that credit granted towards masters exemptions cannot be transferred to an exit award such as a graduate certificate or graduate diploma.

Qualification Level Exemptions Remaining program duration
Bachelor degree 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study)
Bachelor honours degree 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)
Graduate certificate 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study)
Graduate diploma 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)

Upon successful completion this program, you may be eligible to undertake further studies in related programs at RMIT University, including postgraduate research programs, subject to each program’s entry requirements.

The Graduate Diploma of Communication Design (GD198) is available as an exit award of this program if you have successfully completed the 96 credit points listed in this structure. If you wish to exit early with the Graduate Diploma you must have completed all 96 credit points or have been granted credit for previous study at an equivalent level (AQF 8). 

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Entrance requirements

You must have successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification), or at least three years of professional experience in graphic design, communication design and/or visual communication. 

To have your professional experience considered you must submit with your application a CV and a personal statement detailing your experience.

English language requirement

A minimum of IELTS (Academic module) overall score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0, or equivalent. For equivalents to English entry requirements, see the English requirements web page.

Selection task

All applicants must complete and submit the selection task.

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External accreditation and industry links

In Australia there are no professional bodies that recognise or accredit programs in Communication Design.

As graduates of the Master of Communication Design, you are eligible to become members of the Australian Graphic Design Association www.agda.com.au and the Design Institute of Australia www.dia.org.au. Association with these bodies provides benefits such as employment information, prizes and awards which are relevant to career development.

Communication Design has a Program Advisory Committee (PAC) that links you with industry standards and practice. Ongoing engagement with the PAC ensures that this program is relevant to industry needs and expectations.

In addition,  Communication Design draws on outside industry experts as guest lecturers to ensure that you are exposed to the latest industry developments. Industry professionals also provide you with exposure to current industry practice.

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Student expenses and charges in addition to fees

Once you are enrolled as a student in this program you will need to allow for expenses other than university tuition fees.  Additional expenses may relate to the purchase of lecture notes, textbooks, stationery, consumables such as printer paper, fees levied by commercial internet service providers for internet access outside of the university campus, and other relevant costs.

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Library, IT and specialist resources

Library resources and services

As a student enrolled at RMIT University you can use all the services provided by the Library. These include study spaces, books, journals and course-related materials such as DVDs, past exams, and newspapers. You can also request items from any library in the world through our document delivery service.

RMIT Library staff can show you how to find the information you need for your assignments and how to make the most of the library resources. You can speak to a librarian, work through web-based tutorials or use our online “Ask a Librarian” service. 

All students have unlimited access to our specialist electronic resources. These include e-books, e-journals and newspapers to make it easier for you to get the information you need, when you need it.  Our collections are continually updated to ensure the currency and accuracy of the resources you use.

Computers are available at every Library site. You can access the Internet, myRMIT and Library e-resources. You can also access the RMIT University wireless network in the Library.

You can find more information on Library resources and services at: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/library

Online learning tools and content

You can access online learning tools and content for your program and associated courses at myRMIT .

Services available to you as a student at RMIT University

RMIT University provides resources and opportunities to help you to achieve your study and career goals.

Services are available face to face and online for:

  • transition to tertiary study and learning
  • study skills, academic skills including literacy, mathematics and basic sciences if relevant
  • enabling assistance - if you have a disability, long term medical condition or other form of disadvantage which may impact on your learning
  • career development and employment
  • living and wellbeing (including advice on health, housing and financial matters)
  • opportunities for scholarships, leadership and study abroad
  • participating in arts, sport, recreation, fitness activities as well as student activism and university governance

We offer a friendly and supportive environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.  The Ngarara Willim Centre offers ongoing guidance with study, living and cultural needs.

You can find more information at http://www.rmit.edu.au/students

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