Master of Journalism and Communication

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International

You have reached the maximum of 6 degrees.

Gain practical and theoretical skills for the future of global media. The Master of Journalism and Communication at UNSW prepares you to thrive in contemporary journalism, media and communications and advance your career with confidence and impact.

Commencing Terms: Term 1, 2 & 3
Duration: 1-2 Year(s) Full-time
Delivery Mode: Face-to-face (includes blended)
Campus: Kensington
Codes: Program code 8232; CRICOS code 083249K

2026 Indicative first year full fee: $33,000*
2026 Indicative full fee to complete degree: $67,500*
2026 Indicative first year full fee: $50,000*
2026 Indicative full fee to complete degree: $104,500*

Students in class at the Esme Timbery Creative Practice Lab

150 hours’ work experience
Emerging technologies
Major research project

Get updates on this course, key dates and upcoming events

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Application closures for 2026

International applications for all undergraduate programs, as well as postgraduate programs offered by the faculties of Arts, Design & Architecture, Engineering (excluding Master of Information Technology and associated programs) and Science are now closed to New Overseas Student Commencement (NOSC) for 2026 intakes.

Postgraduate programs offered by the Business School and the faculties of Law & Justice and Medicine & Health remain open. Master of Information Technology (and associated programs) also remain open.

Overview

Advance your career in media and communications with the Master of Journalism and Communication at UNSW – ranked #1 in Australia for career outcomes (AFR Best Universities Ranking, 2024) and globally recognised for media and communication studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025).

This postgraduate degree combines real-world learning with academic rigour to prepare you for a rapidly evolving media landscape. You’ll build practical skills in journalism and communication while gaining deep insight into the social, political and economic forces that shape media industries in Australia and around the world. Develop advanced research, critical thinking and storytelling skills as you explore key issues such as media convergence, digital disruption, press freedom and public trust.

Whether you’re looking to launch your media career or upskill for a leadership role, this degree equips you with the advanced skills to succeed as a sought-after communications professional. Depending on prior experience, you can complete this degree in two years, 1.7 years or even 1 year in some cases.

Key features

Gain real-world experience
Build a portfolio of published work through Newsworthy, UNSW’s student-led news platform, and apply your learning in a professional setting through a built-in media internship. You’ll complete up to 150 hours of industry experience with a host organisation, gaining practical skills, professional connections and insight into how the media industry works.

Learn from industry experts
Be mentored by experienced journalists and researchers who are shaping the future of media and communication. You'll be taught by scholars and former newsroom professionals, such as Alexandra Spring, former editor at The Guardian Australia, who bring deep industry knowledge and global perspectives into the classroom.

Tailor your learning to your interests
Choose from a wide range of electives that explore the intersections of journalism with globalisation, politics, climate change and more. In your final semester, you’ll design and undertake an independent research project and delve into a subject you’re passionate about.

Why study at UNSW?

Study at a globally recognised university
Earn your postgraduate degree from UNSW, ranked as a global top 20 university (QS World University Rankings, 2024–2026). We’re also one of Australia’s highest-ranked institutions for Communication and Media Studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025).

#1 in Australia for career outcomes
Graduate with a competitive edge from a university known for turning ambition into real-world success. UNSW has been recognised as having Australia’s Most Employable Students for six years running (AFR Top 100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020–2025) and is ranked #1 nationally for career outcomes (AFR Best Universities Ranking, 2024).

Strong industry and alumni connections
Learn from experienced media professionals, build your network through an embedded internship, and benefit from UNSW’s global alumni community. You’ll graduate with industry connections to thrivestand out in a competitive job market.

Program Code

8232

CRICOS Code

083249K

Campus

Kensington

Total Units of Credit (UOC)

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Entry requirements

UNSW recognises professional experience. If you've worked in a relevant industry, you may be eligible for credit points that would allow you to complete the one-year, full-time program.

One-year accelerated program / Stream A

You’ll need one of the following:

Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%, plus one year relevant professional experience.
Honours degree or Graduate Diploma* (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%.

1.7 year program / Stream B

You’ll need one of the following:

Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline, with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%.
Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%, plus one year relevant professional experience.
Honours degree or Graduate Diploma* (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%.

Two-year program / Stream C

You’ll need:

Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%.

*It is expected that a Graduate Diploma will have been completed after an undergraduate degree.

Relevant disciplines include:

Media, Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, Advertising.

Qualifications in the following disciplines may also be relevant where there is evidence of specialisation in Media, Communication, Journalism, Public Relations and/or Advertising:

Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Marketing, Business, Commerce, Management
Law

English language requirements

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

English language tests and university English courses
Prior study in the medium of English
Other qualifications

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.

UNSW recognises professional experience. If you've worked in a relevant industry, you may be eligible for credit points that would allow you to complete the one-year, full-time program.

One-year accelerated program / Stream A

You’ll need one of the following:

Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%, plus one year relevant professional experience.
Honours degree or Graduate Diploma* (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%.

1.7 year program / Stream B

You’ll need one of the following:

Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline, with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%.
Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%, plus one year relevant professional experience.
Honours degree or Graduate Diploma* (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%.

Two-year program / Stream C

You’ll need:

Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%.

*It is expected that a Graduate Diploma will have been completed after an undergraduate degree.

Relevant disciplines include:

Media, Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, Advertising.

Qualifications in the following disciplines may also be relevant where there is evidence of specialisation in Media, Communication, Journalism, Public Relations and/or Advertising:

Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Marketing, Business, Commerce, Management
Law

English language requirements

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

English language tests and university English courses
Prior study in the medium of English
Other qualifications

For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.

Check the specific English language requirements for this program

Select from the options below

Which applies to you?

What will I study?

UNSW is introducing a new academic calendar from 2028.

We are moving to a new flex-semester calendar. What does this mean for your studies?

Learn more

Program structure

The Master of Journalism and Communication is a flexible postgraduate degree that can be tailored to accommodate a range of professional backgrounds and experience. If you have relevant professional and academic experience, you can complete this program in two years full-time (or the part-time equivalent), or as a 1.7 or one1-year streamlined program.

Course requirements depend on which program you specialise in – see below for a breakdown of each iteration of the degree.

Full program structure

Each university year at UNSW has three terms and an optional summer study period. You can study full-time or part-time. Depending on how you plan your study load, you can fit two or three courses into a term and one course in a summer term.

Below is a summary of what you will study in each available stream of the program:

Journalism and Communications Stream A | one year | 8 courses | 48 units of credit (UOC)

2 Advanced Journalism core courses
4+ Prescribed elective courses
1 Research preparation course
1 Research project (optional pathway)

Journalism and Communications Stream B | 1.7 years | 10 courses | 72 units of credit (UOC)

2 Advanced Journalism core courses
4 Media/Journalism courses
2+ Prescribed elective courses
1 Research preparation course
1 Research project (optional pathway)

Journalism and Communications Stream C | two years | 14 courses | 98 units of credit (UOC)

2 Advanced Journalism core courses
6 Media/Journalism courses
4+ Prescribed elective courses
1 Research preparation course
1 Research project (optional pathway)

Research project

In your final semester of study, you'll have the option to devise and independently undertake a major research project. You'll specialise in an area of interest and build further depth and expertise in that area. Before undertaking the project, you’ll complete a research preparation course.

If you’re eligible to study either of the streamlined programs, you’ll receive credit points for three six subjects.

For further information on the coursework, course listing, descriptions and timetables please see the UNSW Online Handbook.

Go to the handbook

Future careers

Whether you're an experienced professional looking to progress your career or aiming to break into journalism, media or communications, the Master of Journalism and Communication at UNSW will equip you with the skills, knowledge and confidence to succeed. UNSW is ranked #1 in Australia for employability (QS World University Rankings, 2025) and #1 for career outcomes (AFR Best Universities Ranking, 2024), giving you a competitive edge in a fast-evolving job market.

The demand for media and communications professionals continues to grow, with the sector projected to expand by 13% over the next 10 years (Jobs and Skills Atlas, 2025). A postgraduate qualification can also boost your earning potential. The average salary for journalists in Australia ranges from $70,000 to $90,000, while Communications Managers typically earn between $125,000 and $145,000, and Public Relations Managers between $115,000 and $120,000 (Seek, 2026.

Your career path will depend on your interests, specialisations and chosen industry. Graduates of this program go on to work in diverse fields such as journalism, corporate communication, government, not-for-profits, education and research.

Potential careers

Area of interest	Example career roles
Arts, media & creative industries	Broadcast presenter, content creator, journalist, multimedia editor, podcast producer
Business & corporate	Brand storyteller, content strategist, corporate communications manager, internal communications specialist, media advisor, publicist
Cultural institutions & heritage	Community engagement officer, communications officer, museum media coordinatorl, public programs producer
Education & training	Education content developer, media literacy educator, online learning content specialist
Government, politics & diplomacy	Campaign communications strategist, humanitarian communications specialist, media and communications officer, policy communications advisor, press secretary, public affairs officer

How to apply

Applications must be submitted through our Apply Online portal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and Faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date. Find out more.

Ready to start your application?

Apply now

For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.

Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For details, visit the international admissions information page.

Ready to start your application?

Apply now

Fees & Scholarships

2026 Indicative First Year Full Fee

$33,000*

2026 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree

$67,500*

*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.

Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the program. The indicative fees listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).

You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.

2026 Indicative First Year Fee

$50,000*

2026 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree

$104,500*

*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).

Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.

Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.

Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.

Scholarships

At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.

Explore Scholarships

Progress starts here – at a world-leading university

Top 20 Worldwide

Ranked in the global top 20 for three consecutive years

^{QS World University Rankings, 2024–2026}

Most Employable Graduates

Winner of the AFR Most Employable University Award six years in a row

^{AFR Top100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020–2025}

Australia's #1 for Innovation

Highest number of startups and spinouts from university-developed tech

^{SCOPR report, 2024}

"We spent tutorials discussing, and role-playing media issues and opportunities for non-profits and were tasked with creating a press campaign plan for an existing NGO. It was exactly the kind of practical experience I was looking for."

Tim Middlemiss

World Vision Australia