Graduate Diploma in Digital and Social Media

At the completion of this degree students will be able to:

1. understand and apply at an advanced level key concepts of Internet Studies and apply transdisciplinary thinking to the application and creation of ideas concerning networked technologies of information and communication
2. think critically, creatively and reflectively so as to imagine, design, use and critique networked technologies of information and communication
3. conduct advanced scholarly and professional research to find, access, organise, evaluate and synthesise information through a variety of media and apply that information to the construction of knowledge
4. communicate and facilitate communication through a variety of media, for different purposes, and for different audiences
5. use the Internet and related networked technologies of information and communication with an understanding of the complex interaction of political, cultural, and economic forces that constitutes technology as social
6. further develop skills and knowledge through independent research and self-directed learning
7. understand and utilise in their research and work the complex interplay of local, national and global factors that influence and are expressed through the Internet and networked technologies of information and communication
8. recognise and value cultural difference and understand its significance in relation to network technologies and their use in society for communication and information
9. act ethically and responsibly to use, sustain and expand the social, business and cultural networks that exist via the Internet, when working independently and in teams.

The internet is now an essential part of the media and communications environment in society and is part of most people’s everyday lives. This degree will enable you, depending on the choices you make in the subjects you study, to work in a number of fields of employment: internet communications, social media, marketing and public relations; internet content management; internet policy and regulation; online research and analysis; virtual communities; website design and development; online media production; web publishing and more. Your studies will also lead to careers in more traditional media and information industries that are now moving online, as well as any corporate entity, public or private, that utilise online communications.

Higher education

Applicants generally require a Bachelor Degree or Graduate Certificate; details are provided at https://study.curtin.edu.au/applying/?rdr=coursefinder. Any specific degree entry and completion requirements must also be met.

Specifically, applicants require a 3 or 4 year bachelor degree in any field from a recognised tertiary education institution OR successful completion of 2 or more subjects in the Graduate Certificate in Digital and Social Media or Internet Communications. Students who have completed more than 50 credit points of Digital and Social Media or Internet Communications undergraduate subjects, or any previous versions at Curtin University are not eligible for entry to this degree. Students may be permitted to transfer from this course to continue studies at a more advanced level in the Master of Digital and Social Media.

English Proficiency Requirements

Applicants need to meet Curtin’s English Language requirement as all degrees are taught in English.

If your education degrees were not solely in English, as per the International Handbook of Universities or the World Higher Education database please attach a scanned original copy of English Proficiency Test results. Admission requires an overall International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic) (or equivalent test) score of at least 6.5 and competence in all test components (IELTS score of 6.0).

Please refer to the 'Minimum English Entry Requirements' document at https://study.curtin.edu.au/applying/english-language-requirements/.

Applicants are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at: https://study.curtin.edu.au/applying/english-language-requirements/accepted-english-proficiency-tests/

*** Please Note: If any academic or legal document is not in English, you must provide a colour scan of the non-English documents, including a colour scan of the official English translations of these documents. This is for comparison purposes. ***

Credit for Recognised Learning (CRL) is assessed on individual merit and is awarded for different types of learning, for example, studies you have previously completed or for relevant work experience.

Students must be admitted in an award degree of study before lodging their completed CRL application, along with all required supporting documentation for a formal assessment.

To apply for CRL, please visit the Curtin University website: https://study.curtin.edu.au/credit/

It is important to note accepted documentation includes scans of the original Transcripts and/or Award Certificate; front and back; in colour; and original size. For further information see the scanned documents and certification requirements and guidelines.

More information about the policies and procedures related to CRL assessment and appealing a CRL assessment outcome can be found in the Credit for Recognised Learning Policy (PDF).

This degree was previously known as Graduate Diploma in Internet Communications.

The Graduate Diploma in Digital and Social Media provides you with an opportunity to learn in detail about the human dimensions of the Internet: how people network, collaborate, and share information through Internet communications, media and design. You will develop advanced skills in creating, maintaining and managing online communications for personal and commercial interactions, as well as gaining knowledge of the social and cultural contexts within which those interactions occur. The approach is interdisciplinary: you develop skills in websites, public communication, social network management, collaboration via virtual organisations, and web media production. At the same time you will understand the political, economic and social changes associated with the Internet. By taking this degree, you will add to your existing qualification the knowledge and skills needed for you to become an astute, engaged professional communicator via the Internet.

Recommended Study Pattern

Complete 8 subjects.

Award Requirements

Successful completion of 8 subjects.

Exit Points

This degree has an exit award of Graduate Certificate in Digital and Social Media and is an exit award to the Master of Digital and Social Media.

2020 Changes

Graduate Diploma in Internet Communications has undergone a degree title change in 2020. It is now known as Graduate Diploma in Digital and Social Media

Students enrolled in the current version of the degree will be advised of the new version and title by e-mail and official communication. Those who wish to transfer to the new version and receive the new title on their award will be able to be transferred to the new version of the degree.

For further information regarding this change, you may contact Curtin University at MCASIStudents@curtin.edu.au.