Master of Arts (Organisational Communication)

What is this course about?

CSU's Organisational Communication program is designed to equip communication professionals for leadership in a range of industries.

Accredited by the Public Relations Institute of Australia, the program provides a world-class learning experience for communication professionals to develop their communication management and strategic skills. All subjects are offered by distance education, and include at least one assignment that students can focus on their own work or organisation, helping them to become more confident and productive employees from the outset.

Students learn about contemporary practice and theory, and apply their learning through case studies, problem-solving and strategy development.

In year one students learn about individual and leader communication styles, public relations and communication theory, employee communication and change management, strategy planning, research and communication audits.

Year two subjects focus on  knowledge and skills in corporate responsibility, stakeholder engagement, crisis and issues management, corporate culture and integrated communication.

In the final session students undertake independent research and apply their learning to a corporate communication issue and case of their choice.

Students in the program come from a range of sectors, but most work in or consult to large organisations. The variety of student backgrounds ensures lively, informative discussions and debates at residential schools and online.

Overseas applicants are encouraged. Provision can be made for overseas students to complete the course without attending residential schools.

Professionals teaching you

All staff are experienced communication practitioners and academics. Each brings a special practical expertise from the public, private or non-government sectors, and is presently involved in related industry or conceptual research. Staff are sensitive to the special needs of busy professionals with career and other commitments.

Professional recognition

The courses in CSU's Organisational Communication program are accredited by the Public Relations Institute of Australia, the sector’s peak professional body.

Credit and articulation

All 32 points required for the Graduate Certificate count towards the Graduate Diploma and the Master degree. Full credit is given in the next level for subjects already completed.

Residential schools

Residential schools for the course are held at Bathurst Campus twice per year. These schools are compulsory in some subjects, however if it is not possible for students to attend (such as overseas enrolled students), exemption needs to be sought early in the session and arrangements made for additional assessments.

Academic expectations

For each 8 point subject at CSU, students should normally expect to spend between 140-160 hours engaged in the specified learning and assessment activities (such as attending lectures or residential schools, assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, assignments or examinations). The student workload for some subjects may vary from these norms as a result of approved course design.

Students will be assessed on the basis of completed assignments, examinations, workplace learning, or other methods as outlined in specific subject outlines.

Where applicable, students are responsible for travel and accommodation costs involved in workplace learning experiences, or attending residential schools (distance education students).

Expectations relating to academic, workplace learning, time and cost requirements for specific subjects are provided in the subject abstracts and in course materials.