Master of Research in Arts (Media and Communications)

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

Macquarie University

Program Overview

The Master of Research in Arts (Media and Communications) at Macquarie University is a 1-year postgraduate research program designed for students who want to develop advanced research expertise in media and communications through an independent research project and thesis. It suits students interested in pursuing research, academic, professional or specialist media and communications careers, with training in research planning, methods, critical analysis and communicating research findings.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students focus on developing and executing an independent research project in Media and Communications, working closely with a supervisor and participating in Faculty and School research activities. Key components include Master of Research – Media and Communications (SCSC8993), Confirmation of Candidature, and the Master of Research Conference, leading to an externally examined thesis of up to 20,000 words.

Focus Areas

Media and communications research, research methodology, critical analysis, independent research, academic writing, research communication and thesis development.

Learning Outcomes

Develop research questions, conduct scholarly investigation, communicate sustained research arguments, apply ethical research practices, execute substantial research projects, and demonstrate advanced creative, cognitive and technical skills.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Macquarie University accreditation: The Master of Research in Arts is accredited by Macquarie University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards Framework and undergoes ongoing quality review.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

Global ranking: Macquarie University is ranked #126 globally and #11 in Australia in the QS World University Rankings 2027, while also ranking in the top 10 in Australia for graduate outcomes and employer reputation. The university also reports 4,000+ partner organisations and 40,000+ workplace or community experiences, supporting students' exposure to professional environments.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the Master of Research in Arts (Media and Communications) develop advanced research skills through the design and execution of an independent research project, culminating in an externally examined thesis of up to 20,000 words, or a creative work with a 10,000-word thesis where applicable. The program is supported by Macquarie’s specialised media and research environment, giving students access to professional-standard production facilities, digital media technologies and dedicated research spaces.

Research Project: Students complete assessed research tasks that support the design and implementation of an independent research project in Media and Communications.

Digital Media Tools: The Futures Lab includes Avid MediaCentral, Interplay media collaboration tools, Avid NEXIS network storage, iNews newsroom management and an integrated social media delivery system.

Media Production Facilities: Students have access to professional-standard spaces covering screen, radio, podcasting and digital media, including a green-screen TV studio, cameras, lighting and production systems.

Research Facilities: Macquarie’s Media and Communications research environment covers areas including digital media, journalism, film studies, interactive design, non-fiction storytelling, public relations and social media, radio and podcasting, and screen production.

Library & Research Support: Waranara Library provides dedicated postgraduate and Graduate Researcher spaces, computers, laptops, presentation practice pods and group-study facilities. Media and Communications students also have access to dedicated faculty librarian support.

Research Community: Students benefit from the School of Communication, Society and Culture, where researchers work across media and communications studies and related interdisciplinary research areas.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Master of Research in Arts (Media and Communications) at Macquarie University prepares graduates for research-focused careers across media, communications, journalism, and related creative industries. The program also develops advanced research and analytical skills that can support progression into doctoral study and specialist professional roles.

Typical career roles: Media Researcher, Communications Specialist, Policy Researcher, Content Strategist.

Career services: Macquarie’s career support helps students develop employability skills, access career advice, and connect with employment opportunities.
Industry connections: Students benefit from Macquarie’s links with media, communications, creative and professional organisations, supporting exposure to real-world industry practices.
Employment outcomes: The university provides graduate employment and salary information through its graduate outcomes resources, helping students understand potential career pathways.
Professional value: Advanced research and communication skills can strengthen long-term career opportunities across media, communications, research and policy.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates can apply their research expertise in professional roles or use the qualification as preparation for higher-level research study.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can use the research training from this master’s degree to pursue a PhD or other doctoral-level research qualification, particularly in media, communications, arts, cultural studies or related disciplines.

Additional Information & Requirements

A high level of English language proficiency
Completion of the MQ Graduate Diploma of Research with a WAM of 65+.
OR an AQF-8 or higher award (Bachelor Honours, Graduate Diploma, Master by coursework) from a recognised institution in a related field of study or equivalent
Applicants with MQ qualifications from 2020 onwards (WAM): 65 overall, and 70 in the final year of a Bachelor Honours or highest level study.
All other applicants (GPA): 4.38/7 overall, and 5.25/7 in the final year of a Bachelor Honours or highest level of study.
Domestic students admitted to a Master of Research degree may have their tuition fees covered through the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Fees Offset Scholarship, administered by individual universities.
English Language Requirement: IELTS overall 6.5, with a minimum score of 6.0 in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking.
English Language Requirement: TOEFL iBT overall 86, with a minimum of 18 in Reading, 20 in Writing, 17 in Listening, and 20 in Speaking.
Assumed knowledge : Disciplinary knowledge relevant to the proposed research at AQF-8 level.
Macquarie University offers scholarships based on academic or athletic achievement, leadership, volunteering, financial need and hardship, with additional scholarships available for selected fields of study.
Campus location: Macquarie University, North Ryde campus, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.