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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2014

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2014.
Information for the previous year's courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2013.

306569 v.3 Graduate Diploma in Professional Communication

GradDipProfComm(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 074656C
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 1 Year


Course Overview

Graduate diplomas prepare students to develop advanced knowledge and skills for professional or highly skilled work and further learning corresponding to AQF level 8 qualifications.


This course develops a level of professional expertise and competency relevant to media management with a focus on key issues and developments in media industries.


Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks and other essential study materials.



Course Entry and Completion Details

Applicants are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au. Applicants generally require a bachelor degree or graduate certificate.


Specifically, applicants require an undergraduate degree in an unrelated discipline.


Credit for Recognised Learning

Applications for credit towards a course are assessed on an individual basis. Credit reduces the amount of learning required to complete the course and may be granted for formal education qualifications, non-formal learning from non-award programs of study and informal learning through work experiences. Further information can be found at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au.


Intermediate Awards

A student who has successfully completed the requirements of an approved intermediate award may apply for graduation in that award subject to approval of Head of School/Department. Fees apply. Intermediate awards approved for this course:


Graduate Certificate in Professional Communication


Pathway to Further Study

Graduates may qualify for entry to some master degrees. For further details, see the University website http://curtin.edu.au.



Course Organisation

Graduate diplomas contain a series of units which may include compulsory (core), optional or elective units to cater for student preferences. They may contain a range of majors/streams for students to choose from to pursue learning in a specialised area of study.


Course Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. identify, explain and apply key disciplinary concepts in media and communications

2. integrate theory and creative practice; conceive, develop and evaluate media content and media production in strategic communication

3. access and evaluate the sources, authority and relevance of information, and synthesise key facts, themes, and ideas in creating communication strategies and publications

4. communicate ideas to a range of audiences and in a variety of media

5. use technologies to communicate effectively and develop communication skills

6. engage with new forms of media and communication and ensure an ongoing commitment to reflective practice

7. acknowledge the interrelationship between local, national, and global perspectives and the impact of these on professional communications

8. demonstrate respect for cultural diversity in professional life

9. work independently and collaboratively within the ethical and legal parameters relevant to media and communications in the pursuit of excellence


Duration and Availability

This fee-paying course is two semesters full-time or equivalent part-time study. Part-time study is not available to international onshore students on student visas.


Location and delivery Mode


Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2014 Bentley Campus Semester 1   Y      
2014 Bentley Campus Semester 2   Y      

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.




Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1
314087 v.1 **   Professional Writing and Publishing Stream (Grad Dip) 200.0
  OR  
314088 v.1 *   Corporate Media Production Stream (Grad Dip) 200.0
  200.0

*    You must do this stream if you wish to progress to the Corporate Media Production Major in the Master of Professional Communication

**    You must do this stream if you wish to progress to the Professional Writing and Publishing Major in the Master of Professional Communication




Further Information

For more information about the course, please contact the Faculty of Humanities on telephone (08) 9266 3400, email humanities@curtin.edu.au, or visit our website: http://humanities.curtin.edu.au


Course Structure Disclaimer

Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.




Handbook Disclaimer

The online handbook is the repository of Curtin University of Technology (“Curtin”) course information. While Curtin makes all reasonable endeavors to keep its online courses handbook up-to-date, information within this website is subject to change from time to time. Curtin reserves the right to change the contents and/or the method of assessment, to change or alter tuition fees of any unit of study, to withdraw/any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program without notification via the website.

For course overviews and enrolment information please visit our future students website.