PhD / Doctorate Mass Communication Full Time

Doctor of Philosophy (Media and Communication)

at RMIT University · Melbourne, Victoria

CRICOS course code

079814J

CRICOS provider code

00122A

This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Verify it yourself at cricos.education.gov.au before paying any fee.

Duration

4 years

Tuition (whole course)

A$165,120 total

Per year

A$41,280/yr

Intake

Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul)

About this program

The Doctor of Philosophy (Media and Communication) at RMIT University in Melbourne is a research-focused degree that suits those interested in making a significant original contribution to the field of mass communication. This doctorate centres on an independently conceived research project, supervised by academic experts in media and communication. Students undertake rigorous research training, develop a literature review, and propose, execute, and write up a thesis that adds new knowledge or understanding to the discipline.

Australian PhDs, including this one, typically span four years full-time and are structured around annual progress reviews. Instead of coursework, the focus is on the completion of a thesis worth the entirety of the course's credit. Students may attend research seminars, engage in professional development workshops, and participate actively in an academic community. RMIT supports doctoral candidates with resources, research infrastructure, and connections to media industry partners when relevant, sometimes facilitating involvement in collaborative projects or symposia.

This PhD develops advanced research, analytical, and critical thinking skills suitable for addressing complex questions in media and communication, such as digital media trends, journalism practices, communication theory, or media policy. Graduates produce work that is often published or presented in international forums. The degree suits those planning academic, research-oriented, or industry leadership careers—especially for those keen to drive change or innovation in Australian and international media contexts.

International students benefit from Australia's work rights during study (48 hours per fortnight) and may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-completion. Entry requires evidence of high-level English proficiency; refer to RMIT's site for complete details.

Entry requirements

English: International applicants must evidence English proficiency. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common undergraduate and coursework-postgraduate standard, rising to 7.0–7.5 for teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university’s own English programmes are accepted as equivalents; the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself.

International students: Registered on CRICOS for international students. A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for this course supports a Student visa (subclass 500) application; Overseas Student Health Cover is required for the full duration.

Career outcomes

Academic and research positions at universities and think tanks
Media and communication consultancy roles
Policy advising for government or cultural organisations
Leadership roles in broadcasting, publishing, or digital platforms
Media analysis positions in marketing or data science firms

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Doctor of Philosophy (Media and Communication) at RMIT University?

It typically takes 4 years, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$165,120 total. Fees change yearly — confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Academic and research positions at universities and think tanksMedia and communication consultancy rolesPolicy advising for government or cultural organisationsLeadership roles in broadcasting, publishing, or digital platformsMedia analysis positions in marketing or data science...

Apply View university