The Master of Media (Strategic Communication) is an advanced postgraduate qualification designed to equip graduates with the skills to lead strategic communication planning, management and execution across all key media channels — including digital and social media, television, radio and print. The program blends theory and practice, covering areas such as media relations, social media management, risk and crisis communication, brand messaging, reputation management, campaign planning, and stakeholder engagement. Most Australian providers offer the degree at AQF Level 9 over two years of full-time study, though students with a relevant undergraduate background in communications, journalism or media may be eligible to complete the qualification in 1.5 years. The degree is typically accredited by Communications and Public Relations Australia (CPRA), formerly the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA), ensuring it meets professional industry standards.

The course is designed for a broad range of students: recent graduates looking to pivot into communications, working professionals seeking to formalise and advance their skills, and career changers from unrelated disciplines who want to enter the communications field. Alongside core subjects in strategic communication theory and practice, students typically complete elective units tailored to their career goals, and culminate the degree with a major industry-based project or research dissertation. Employers span the full spectrum of Australian industry — from corporate and government organisations to not-for-profit groups, media agencies, consultancies, and international businesses — all of which require skilled communication professionals to manage their reputation, stakeholder relationships and media presence.

Graduates are equipped to lead communication functions in sectors as diverse as health, energy, infrastructure, financial services, arts, sport and the public sector. Private organisations in consumer marketing, media, public relations, advertising and digital communications require strategic communications specialists, as do government agencies at local, state and federal levels. The qualification also serves as a pathway to PhD-level research for those interested in pursuing an academic career in media and communication studies.

Most Australian universities offering this qualification require applicants to hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification from a recognised institution. Some providers do not specify a minimum GPA, while others require a weighted average mark equivalent to at least 50% or a credit average. Applicants who hold a relevant undergraduate degree in media, communications, journalism, marketing, arts, or a related field may qualify for advanced standing or course credit, potentially reducing the degree to 1.5 years of full-time study. Some providers also accept applicants without a directly related undergraduate degree but require a minimum of three to five years of relevant professional work experience in lieu of formal qualifications, typically supported by a current CV and a personal statement detailing their experience.

For international applicants or those for whom English is an additional language, English proficiency requirements must be met. A minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0) is commonly required, though some institutions accept equivalent scores from TOEFL, PTE, or other recognised English language tests. Documentation must generally be obtained within two years prior to admission. Applications are assessed on an individual and competitive basis, and prospective students are encouraged to submit all supporting documentation — including academic transcripts, CV, and evidence of professional experience — at the time of application. Some providers also offer a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Strategic Communication as a formal pathway into the master's program for those who do not yet meet the full entry requirements.