Master of Digital and Social Media

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

Subject to the duration of the degree applicants usually require a Bachelor Degree or equivalent (and may require relevant work experience), Bachelor Honours Degree, Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma. Any specific degree entry and completion requirements must also be met. Details are provided at https://study.curtin.edu.au/applying/?rdr=coursefinder

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. 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.

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 Master of Internet Communications.

The Master of 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. You will also gain advanced research skills through a substantial independent research project. 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

To complete the degree, you are advised to follow the recommended study plan as follows:

Year 1

MIC501 Web Communications OR WEB502 Digital Culture and Everyday Life

INFM600 Advanced Discipline Project 1 (double subject) - Students are recommended to have completed at least 100CP of subjects in the degree before starting this subject.

5 option subjects

Year 2

INFM610 Advanced Discipline Project 2 (double subject)

2 option subjects

Award Requirements

Successful completion of 10 subjects (including 2 double credit subjects).

Exit Points

This degree has exit awards of the Graduate Certificate in Digital and Social Media and Graduate Diploma in Digital and Social Media.

2020 Changes

Master of Internet Communications has undergone a degree title change in 2020. It is now known as Master of 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.