Master of 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.

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 MIC502 Digital Culture and Everyday Life
• HUMN600 Masters Research 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

• HUMN610 Masters Research Project 2 (double subject)
• 2 option subjects

MIC501 Web Communications and MIC502 Digital Culture and Everyday Life can be selected as an optional subject. Please contact Curtin Connect if you would like to study one of these subjects as an optional subject.

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.

Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.

This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.

• Core Subjects

• Optional Subjects

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $32,818

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Start your career with Curtin’s globally recognised courses and extensive industry connections. Through OUA, their online courses offer an interactive and collaborative learning experience that gets you the same degree as if you studied on campus. Curtin is a global university with a vibrant culture of innovation and collaboration and is ranked in the top one per cent of universities worldwide.

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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 How to Apply.

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.

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 English Language Requirements.

Applicants are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at: 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: Credit for Recognised Learning (Advanced Standing)

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).