Master of Digital Communication and Culture
The information on this page applies to future students. Current students should refer to their faculty handbooks for course information.
The Master of Digital Culture and Communication provides career advancement by updating knowledge, skills and qualifications in the expanding field of digital technologies. You can expect to improve upon project conception, development and collaboration, as well as writing in multiple genres for publication. Graduates will have a richer historical understanding of new media and a greater digital literacy.
Core units cover key themes in digital cultures, including transformations in knowledge practices; social media and networking; digital power and regulation; creative and remix cultures; and new media cultures and aesthetics. Students will also choose electives from several faculties, allowing them the opportunity to hone skills and specialties.
Employment opportunities are vast in fields where digital technologies are having dramatic impacts. The Digital Communication and Culture program is designed for professionals who want to work in such fields as the corporate and creative industries, education, media, marketing, publishing, government and games.
Units of study
For full information on Units of Study available in this course, please visit the Sydney Courses website
Full units of study list
- ARIN6901 - Network Society
- ARIN6902 - Internet Cultures and Governance
- ARIN6903 - Exploring Digital Cultures
- ARIN6911 - Project in Digital Communications
- ARIN6912 - Digital Research and Publishing
- ARIN6914 - Remixable Media
- ARTS7000 - Academic Communication for Postgraduates
- COMP5206 - Introduction to Information Systems
- COMP5211 - Algorithms
- COMP5213 - Computer and Network Organisation
- COMP5214 - Software Development in Java
- ENGL6946 - Communication in Professional Contexts A
- ENGL6962 - Communication in Professional Contexts B
- GCST5909 - Key Thinkers for Cultural Studies
- LNGS7006 - Cross-Cultural Communication
- MECO6900 - News Writing
- MECO6902 - Legal & Ethical Issues in Media Practice
- MECO6928 - Media and Communication Internship
- MMDE5011 - Interactive Media Practice Seminar 1
- MMDE6001 - History and Theory of New Media 1
- MMDE6101 - Animation for Interactive Media & Video
- MUSM7030 - Exhibition Development
- MUSM7031 - Information and Collection Management
- MUSM7036 - Museums and the Digital
- SCLG6902 - Doing Social Research
- WMST6903 - Gender,Media and Consumer Societies
Embedded courses
Further course information
Study plan
The MDCC requires the satisfactory completion of 8 units of study (48 credit points) (cp), including 4 core units of study (24cp) chosen from: ARIN6901 Network Society, ARIN6902 Internet Cultures and Governance, ARIN6903 Exploring Digital Cultures, ARIN6912 Digital Research and ARIN6914 Publishing and Remixable Media. The remaining units of study are chosen from the list of approved electives, or undertaken in a relevant or related field, subject to the approval of the academic coordinator. Candidates electing to undertake a dissertation (12cp) or a research oproject (6cp) must prepare a research proposal and discuss their topic with the academic coordinator prior to enrolling. Approval is subject to the department's discretion and the availability of an appropriate academic supervisor. The dissertation is normally undertaken over two semesters and comprises research and writing toward a project of approximately 12,000 words.
Progression rules
Under normal progression, a student shall undertake and successfully complete all units of study to the value of 24 credit points per semester as prescribed for the course. Candidates must maintain a credit average result or above, normally over at least the first 4 units of study, in order to qualify for admission to the dissertation units of study. Students are required to attend all lectures, tutorials and other activities prescribed for their units of study.
Capstone experience
Eligible candidates undertaking the degree of Master of Cultural Studies have the option of completing a dissertation on an approved topic over two units of study with a value of 12 credit points (cp), and/or a project in digital communications (6cp), both under the supervision of an academic staff member.
Course outcomes and further study
Graduate opportunities
Digital Communication and Culture suits people in creative, strategic and project management roles in the industries where changes in information and communication technologies are having the most dramatic impact. These industries are diverse, from traditional media, the public sector, advertising, education, museums, culture, entertainment, web, telecommunications, IT and games. The courses will be particularly valuable for professionals moving into the emerging content, services and leadership roles opening up in broadband, mobile telecommunications and computer entertainment.
Further study
Graduates of the Master of Digital Communication and Culture who have completed a dissertation with a meritorious grade are eligible to pursue a higher degree by research in their chosen subject area.
Admission
Admission requirements
Admission to candidature for the Master of Digital Communication and Culture requires:
(a) a bachelor’s degree with a minimum credit (65%) average, from the University of Sydney, including a major in a relevant subject area in the humanities or social sciences, or an equivalent qualification; or
(b) completion of the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Digital Communication and Culture with a minimum credit (65%) average, or an equivalent qualification.
How to apply
Domestic students
How to apply
Australian citizens, permanent residents, New Zealand citizens, and holders of a permanent humanitarian visa, apply through UAC - click on the 'Apply now' icon on this page to proceed with your application.
Please note: not all courses are offered in the July semester intake.
International students
How to apply
Overseas applicants may apply:
(i) directly to the University via the International Office. Further information on applications and English language requirements and support services for international students is available on the International Office website; or
(ii) through a University overseas representative (education agent).
Fee disclaimer
Domestic students
Indicative postgraduate student contribution amount
This student contribution amount for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the fees that are payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2013 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The exact student contribution that you pay will depend on the specific units of study in which you ultimately enrol. If you are a Commonwealth supported student and was enrolled in a University course before 1 January 2012 your student contribution may differ.
Annual review for postgraduate student contribution amount
Importantly, student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the University, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study (subject to a Commonwealth specified cap), effective at the start of each calendar year.
Postgraduate Domestic Tuition Fee
This 2013, tuition fee for a domestic postgraduate student represents the fee that is payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2012 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). If your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL your fee will differ.
Annual review for postgraduate domestic tuition fee
Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review by the University, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
Additional incidental fees
For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the student contribution and/or course fee. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing and equipment. For further information about these additional incidental fees, please visit the University's Future Students' website.
Potential for inaccuracy
Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information in this prospectus, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.
The academic requirements that are displayed are applicable to currently available courses only, and are updated annually in October and may be changed without notice. The Faculty Handbook and the University of Sydney Calendar are the official legal source of information relating to study at the University of Sydney, and you are referred to those documents
Please note that if you are classified by the University as a Research Training Scheme student in accordance with the Other Grants Guidelines (Research) 2010, you will be exempt from the payment of any SCA or tuition fees for courses undertaken as part of a Research Masters degree and Research Doctoral degree. More information about your eligibility for this Scheme is available here.
International students
International tuition fees for postgraduate students
This 2013, tuition fee for international postgraduate students represents the fees that are payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2013, for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). If your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL your fee will differ.
Annual review
Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
Additional incidental fees and health insurance
For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the tuition fees. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing, and equipment. The University's Future Students' webpage has further information about these additional incidental fees for postgraduate coursework students and postgraduate research students.
In addition to the fees indicated here for the course of study, International Students studying on an Australian Student Visa must have appropriate health insurance for the duration of their studies on a Student Visa through an approved provider of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme. This is a requirement of the Australian Government, unless otherwise exempted by the Government.
Potential for inaccuracy
Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.