Master of Strategic Communications Management (Corporate communications and marketing)

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

Monash University

Program Overview

The Master of Strategic Communications Management (Corporate communications and marketing) at Monash University is an industry-focused master’s degree designed for aspiring and practising communications professionals who want to develop advanced skills in strategic communication, corporate communications, marketing and audience engagement. Students study areas including digital communications, campaigns and advocacy, public relations, crisis communication and data analytics, while tailoring their degree through specialist electives to match their career goals.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students build their strategic communications foundation through units such as Doing Media and Communications Research and Principles of Global Media and Communications, developing the research and global perspective needed to evaluate communication challenges. They then progress into Strategic Communications in a Digital Era, Campaigns, Advocacy and Change, and Engaging Audiences, learning how to design communication strategies, influence stakeholders and connect effectively with different audiences.

Year 2: The second year develops more advanced professional capabilities through subjects such as Data Analytics in Communications, Public Relations in a Global Context and Crisis Communications and Issues Management, preparing students to manage communication strategically across corporate, government and other professional environments. Students also complete applied study such as a Professional Internship, Industry Project, Research Portfolio, Research Project or Communications and Cultural Industries Field School, while specialist electives can include Social Media Marketing and Integrated Marketing Communication, making the degree particularly relevant to corporate communications and marketing careers.

Focus Areas: Strategic communications management, corporate communications and marketing, digital communications, campaigns and advocacy, audience engagement, public relations, crisis communications, communication data analytics, policy communication, social change and development, and media and digital technologies.

Learning Outcomes: Graduates develop the ability to analyse strategic communication challenges, critically evaluate communication research and cultural products, apply advanced written and verbal communication skills, use research methodologies to address real-world communication-management problems, and demonstrate ethical, intercultural and global professional competence.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The course is strongly industry-oriented rather than being presented by Monash as a professionally accredited qualification. Its professional alignment comes through its practitioner-informed teaching, industry-focused curriculum, applied capstone options such as internships and industry projects, and preparation for careers in corporate communications, public relations, advocacy, campaigns and brand management.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): Monash reports a 91% graduate employability rating in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022, while the university's current global standing has continued to strengthen, reaching equal 31st in the QS World University Rankings 2027. Monash also reports that its graduates have progressed into communications roles with organisations including Headspace, Huawei, Medibank and the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (DJSIR).

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Master of Strategic Communications Management (Corporate Communications and Marketing) at Monash University is strongly industry-focused, giving students opportunities to apply communication theory to real strategic challenges. Students develop practical capabilities in campaign design, crisis communication, media management, audience research and data analytics, with the flexibility to build their studies around corporate communications and marketing. The course also includes a capstone experience, which can be completed through a professional internship, research project, research portfolio or international study tour, allowing students to produce work that can contribute to their professional portfolio.

Students can build practical and industry-ready experience through:

Professional internship: The capstone can be completed through a professional internship, giving students an opportunity to apply strategic communication skills in a professional setting and develop industry connections.
International study tour: Students can complete the capstone through an international study tour, providing an opportunity to examine communication practices and organisations in an international context.
Research project and portfolio: Students may undertake a research project or research portfolio, producing professional or scholarly work that can contribute to their career portfolio.
Corporate communications and marketing: The specialist elective pathway allows students to focus specifically on corporate communications and marketing, aligning their practical learning with corporate communication careers.
Campaign development: Students learn to design innovative communication campaigns and crisis communication plans, balancing stakeholder needs and organisational priorities.
Digital and audience analytics: Students use data analytics to examine digital platforms and audience sentiment, developing skills relevant to digital and social media engagement.
Case-study learning: Students investigate and evaluate case studies and best practices from leading global institutions and organisations, helping them connect strategic communication concepts with professional practice.
Monash Media Lab: The specialist media facilities at Caulfield include television and radio studios and edit suites, supporting media production activities where access is available for the relevant units.
Professional media software: The Monash Media Lab edit suites include Adobe Audition, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Premiere Pro, along with 5K iMacs, condenser microphones and monitoring speakers.
Collaborative learning spaces: Monash libraries provide discussion areas, bookable group rooms, mediascape tables, glass writing panels and whiteboards, supporting collaborative assessments and group work.
Digital research tools: Monash provides students with access to library computers and online resources, while its software catalogue includes tools available for students on campus and remotely. Students can also access Qualtrics and Google Forms for surveys.
Library resources: Monash libraries provide Mac and PC workstations, online library resources, printing and study spaces, supporting research for communication strategy, audience analysis and academic projects.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Master of Strategic Communications Management at Monash University prepares graduates for professional and leadership careers across corporate communications, public relations, government, non-profit communications, advocacy, branding and campaign management. The course develops advanced capabilities in strategic communication, crisis communications, audience research, data analytics and stakeholder engagement, giving graduates skills that can be applied across local and international organisations.

Typical career opportunities include:

Strategic Communication Advisor
Communications Manager
Campaign Manager
Public Relations Director

Monash also reports a 91% graduate employability rating in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022, while alumni have progressed into organisations including Headspace, Huawei China, Monash University, Medibank and the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (DJSIR).

The degree also provides strong career-building support and industry connections:

Industry Experience team: Monash has a dedicated Industry Experience team that helps students connect with internship placements. Its connections include government organisations, corporate consulting firms and not-for-profit organisations.
Industry Advisory Board: The course has an Industry Advisory Board made up of industry leaders and professionals, providing insights into emerging industry trends, internship opportunities and changing communication-sector skill requirements.
Industry connections: Monash's industry relationships help students gain exposure to professional practice and can increase graduate visibility within the communications industry.
Applied professional experience: Students can complete their capstone through a professional internship, research project, research portfolio or international study tour, allowing them to develop professional or scholarly work that can contribute to their career portfolio.
Professional networking: The course is housed within Monash's School of Media, Film and Journalism and is taught by academics and practitioners with industry experience in public relations, strategic communications and data analytics.
Graduate outcomes: Monash alumni from the course are working nationally and internationally in non-profit communications and advocacy, government communications, brand and campaign management, corporate communications and public relations.
Professional and accreditation value: The qualification is an AQF Level 9 Master's Degree (Coursework) and its learning outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework and Monash Graduate Attributes, supporting its long-term value as a recognised postgraduate qualification.
Innovation and industry engagement: Eligible students can choose the Monash Innovation Guarantee (MIG), which involves collaborating with industry leaders to develop innovative solutions and build leadership skills and professional connections before graduation.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the Master's degree, graduates can progress into advanced research or doctoral-level study, subject to meeting the relevant entry requirements. Monash also offers an international double master's pathway with Shanghai Jiao Tong University, combining the Master of Strategic Communications Management with a Master of Journalism and Communication, with one year studied at Monash and one year in Shanghai.