GC-NETSCM v.2 Graduate Certificate in Digital and Social Media

Graduate Certificates prepare students to develop advanced knowledge and skills for professional or highly skilled work and further learning corresponding to AQF level 8 qualifications.

The Graduate Certificate in Digital and Social Media provides you with an opportunity to learn some of the key aspects of the human dimensions of the Internet: how people network, collaborate, and share information through digital and social media and design. Depending on choice of units, you will develop skills in one or more of: creating, maintaining and managing online communications for personal and commercial interactions, as well as gaining knowledge of the social and cultural contexts within which those interactions occur. The approach is interdisciplinary: you develop skills in websites, public communication, social network management, collaboration via virtual organisations, and web media production. At the same time you will understand the political, economic and social changes associated with the Internet. By taking this course, you will add to your existing qualification a basic level knowledge and skills needed for you to become an astute, engaged professional communicator via the Internet.

Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks and other essential study materials.

Course Overview Note

Students may be studying in the same classes and online environments as undergraduate students taking equivalent units. However all units of study in this course require a more advanced level of achievement than equivalent undergraduate units as detailed in the unit outlines for each unit. Students are required to have and maintain reliable Internet access.

Graduate Certificates contain a series of units which may include compulsory (core), optional or elective units to cater for student preferences.

Students study four taught units from the list of options available, with choices being dependent on the semesters in which units are offered. Not all units available at all times. Learning takes place through a mix of individual study, using materials provided by Curtin in electronic or print format, and group collaboration and communication. Active student participation and immersion in the Internet environment is emphasised.

Course Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. understand and apply at an advanced level key concepts of Internet Studies and apply transdisciplinary thinking to the application and creation of ideas concerning networked technologies of information and communication

2. think critically, creatively and reflectively so as to imagine, design, use and critique networked technologies of information and communication

3. conduct advanced scholarly and professional research to find, access, organise, evaluate and synthesise information through a variety of media and apply that information to the construction of knowledge

4. communicate and facilitate communication through a variety of media, for different purposes, and for different audiences

5. use the Internet and related networked technologies of information and communication with an understanding of the complex interaction of political, cultural, and economic forces that constitutes technology as social

6. further develop skills and knowledge through independent research and self-directed learning

7. understand and utilise in their research and work the complex interplay of local, national and global factors that influence and are expressed through the Internet and networked technologies of information and communication

8. recognise and value cultural difference and understand its significance in relation to network technologies and their use in society for communication and information

9. act ethically and responsibly to use, sustain and expand the social, business and cultural networks that exist via the Internet, when working independently and in teams

Duration and Availability

This course takes one semester of fulltime study or equivalent part-time study. It is available both for on-campus students and online for distance students. Class attendance is mandatory for international students studying in Australia.

Location and delivery Mode

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.

YEAR 1 SEMESTER 1

OPTIONS TO SELECT FROM IN YEAR 1 SEMESTER 1

Applicants for a Graduate Certificate are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at http://study.curtin.edu.au/. Applicants generally require a Bachelor Degree or equivalent credit gained for recognised learning. Any specific course entry and completion requirements must also be met.

Specifically, applicants require a 3 or 4 year bachelors degree in any field from a recognised tertiary education institution. Students without a bachelor degree may be eligible for entry based on extensive and relevant recent professional experience. If admitted on the basis of work experience, no credit for recognised learning will be granted. Students who have completed more than 50CP of Digital and Social Media or Internet Communications undergraduate units, or any previous versions at Curtin University are not eligible for entry to this course.

Credit for Recognised Learning

Applications for credit towards a course are assessed on an individual basis. Credit reduces the amount of learning required to complete the course and may be granted for formal education qualifications, non-formal learning from non-award programs of study and informal learning through work experiences. Further information can be found at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au/non-school-leavers/rpl.cfm

Pathway to Further Study

Graduates may qualify for entry to some Graduate Diplomas and Master degrees. For further details, see the University website http://curtin.edu.au.

This course is an exit award of the GC-NETSCM Graduate Diploma in Digital and Social Media and the MC-NETSCM Master of Digital and Social Media.

Course Entry/Completion Note

Students may be permitted to transfer from this course to the Graduate Diploma or Master of Internet Communications to continue studies at a more advanced level and with a greater degree of specialisation.