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.

Admission requirements

Applicants to the Master program should have:

• an undergraduate degree and at least two years work experience in a communication related field
  or
• completed the Graduate Certificate and/or Graduate Diploma in Organisational Communication.

Students who have employment experience but not a degree should apply in the first instance to undertake the Graduate Certificate in Organisation Communication. You can apply for higher awards (Master and Graduate Diploma) on successful completion of the first two subjects.

English language proficiency

Applicants will be deemed to have sufficient English proficiency if they:

• have completed all their formal studies in one or more of the following countries; or
• were born in one of the following countries and have completed at least one qualification in one of those countries; or
• have completed senior secondary study or at least one year of full-time University study in one of the following countries: American Samoa, Australia, Canada, Fiji, Ireland, Kenya, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, United Kingdom, USA, Zambia
  or
• have successfully completed one year of full-time (or part-time equivalent) post-secondary study at an affiliate institution of the University, with English as the medium of instruction and assessment.

All other applicants must explicitly demonstrate proficiency.

Acceptable tests for English proficiency

Any of the following results, attained within the last two years, can be used to demonstrate English proficiency:

• an Academic IELTS (International English Language Testing System) overall score of at least 6.0, and with no score below 5.5;
• a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) paper-based score of 550 and TWE of 5.0;
• a TOEFL computer-based score of 213 and Essay Rating of 5;
• a TOEFL internet-based score of 80 for undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs, and 90 for postgraduate research candidates with a minimum score of 25 in the writing section.
• a Combined Universities Admission Test (CULT) overall score of at least 65;
• a C pass in English at the GCE 'A' level examinations in either Singapore or the United Kingdom;
• completion of the International Baccalaureate diploma with English A2 at higher or sub. Level;
• a C pass in 'Use of English' in the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE);
• completion of the UNSW Foundation Studies Certificate with a C pass in 'Use of English';
• completion of an AQF Certificate IV (including English for Academic Purposes);
• successful completion of at least one year of study in a course at Associate Diploma or Diploma level on the Register of Australian Tertiary Education;
• a score of 155 in the verbal component of the STAT test;
• a Pass grade in the Uniworld English College English for Tertiary Entrance course; or
• IRI Diploma of English.

An applicant who does not otherwise meet the University's requirements may be admitted on the recommendation of the Dean of the appropriate faculty.

Internet access

CSU places great emphasis on services to its students. It is a leader in the provision of online services and, in particular, the use of the internet in the support of teaching, administration and communications with students.

The online environment is so integrated into all aspects of student life and the learning experience at CSU that the University now assumes that all on campus and distance education students at CSU will have ongoing access to an internet connected computer capable of communicating with CSU online systems.

Students enrolled in Information Technology subjects (i.e. with an ITC subject code) may be required to have additional hardware and/or software that is deemed essential for the completion of the learning activities in that subject.

Apply now

This course is available to commence study in

Session 1; Session 2