Graduate Diploma in Communication – University of Canberra

Graduate Diploma Mass Communication Full Time

Graduate Diploma in Communication

at University of Canberra · Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

CRICOS course code

103875C

CRICOS provider code

00212K

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

1 year

Tuition (whole course)

A$33,000 total

Per year

A$33,000/yr

Intake

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

About this program

The Graduate Diploma in Communication at the University of Canberra brings together practical learning with theory across key areas of mass communication. Over one year of full-time study, students complete a series of units of study totalling the required credit points for the award. Units are structured to build advanced skills in professional writing, strategic communication, digital media, and public relations. Lecturers draw on experience and guest speakers often come from Canberra’s government departments, NGOs, and media organisations, connecting classroom learning to current Australian practices.

This course is well suited to those looking to build expertise for roles in media, public relations, or corporate communications, and is also popular with professionals seeking to broaden or formalise their communication skill set. The academic year is divided into semesters, and there is some flexibility for part-time study.

Graduates build skills in persuasive communication, audience analysis, media strategy, content creation, and campaign management. While there is not a formal work-integrated learning unit, many assessments are practical real-world projects, sometimes in partnership with industry. Completing this diploma can count towards a master’s degree in a related field, depending on institutional policies.

Australian graduate diplomas such as this one are recognised within the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), and international students are eligible to apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-completion. While studying, students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight, supporting both experience and networking opportunities within Canberra's dynamic media and public sector environment. Confirm English and other entry requirements on the official university page.

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

Media officer in government or private sector
Public relations consultant
Corporate communications specialist
Communications advisor in NGOs or advocacy groups
Content creator for media or digital agencies
Stakeholder engagement coordinator

Graduates work across Australian sectors including government, media, corporate and community organisations.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Graduate Diploma in Communication at University of Canberra?

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

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$33,000 total. Fees change yearly, confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Media officer in government or private sectorPublic relations consultantCorporate communications specialistCommunications advisor in NGOs or advocacy groupsContent creator for media or digital agenciesStakeholder engagement coordinatorGraduates work across Australian sectors incl...

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