The Master of Communication is a postgraduate qualification designed to deepen students' expertise in the theory and practice of professional communication across media, public relations, strategic communication, digital content, and organisational settings. Typically completed in one to two years full-time (or up to four years part-time), this AQF Level 9 degree combines advanced coursework with research components, allowing graduates to build sophisticated, industry-ready skills in a rapidly evolving media landscape. Students may specialise in areas such as strategic communication, digital communication, communication for social change, marketing communications, journalism, or science communication depending on the institution they attend. The curriculum is frequently co-delivered by academic researchers and industry practitioners, balancing theoretical rigour with real-world application.

This degree is designed for a wide range of students: recent communication, media, or arts graduates seeking to advance their credentials, as well as working professionals looking to transition into, or move up within, the communications industry. It is also well-suited to those from non-communication backgrounds — such as business, public policy, health, or science — who wish to develop strong communication capabilities for leadership roles in their own sectors. Employers of graduates span the full spectrum of Australian industry, including public relations and communications agencies, government departments, not-for-profit organisations, media companies, corporate communications teams, advertising agencies, digital marketing firms, and international organisations.

Most Australian universities require applicants to hold a recognised bachelor's degree from an Australian higher education provider or an equivalent overseas qualification. For applicants whose undergraduate study was in communication, media, journalism, or a related field, entry is often direct and straightforward. Those with degrees in unrelated disciplines may still be eligible, particularly if they can demonstrate relevant professional experience or have completed bridging units. Many programs will also accept applicants with at least five years of relevant professional experience in lieu of a prior postgraduate qualification, recognising that industry practitioners bring significant applied knowledge to their studies. Some institutions offer entry at different points in the course depending on a student's prior qualifications and recognition of prior learning (RPL), which can reduce the overall duration of the degree.

For international applicants, English language proficiency is a standard requirement. Most universities accept an IELTS Academic overall score of at least 6.5 with no individual band below 6.0, a TOEFL iBT minimum of around 79–87, or equivalent scores in PTE Academic (typically 58–64) or Cambridge English Advanced. Some programs — particularly those with a creative or design focus such as Communication Design — also require applicants to submit a portfolio of work, a CV, a personal statement, and/or a completed selection task as part of the admissions process. Meeting published entry requirements does not always guarantee selection, as entry into many programs is competitive and assessed on a holistic basis. Graduates who complete a dissertation or research component may also qualify to progress into a PhD program.