Graduate Certificate in Strategic Communication

Study the only qualification of its kind in South Australia and gain specialised skills and advanced knowledge in strategic communication, campaign and crisis management, public relations and content creation.

The Graduate Certificate in Strategic Communication responds to the fast-changing needs of employment and society with a focus on the creative industries sector, encompassing communication and media, which is one of the fastest growing sectors of employment globally.

Covering the hot topics of communications plans for crisis communication, content development and management, and public relations strategies, the Graduate Certificate in Strategic Communications allows you to transform theory into work-relevant skills via the production of deliverables for industry partners.

Study in a workshop-based environment with connections to industry partners and real-world projects.

This degree is a pathway into the Master of Communication, where you have the choice to choose a professional project or research thesis in your final year of study, allowing you to gain further knowledge and industry networks.

Entry requirements

Applicants seeking admission to the program will normally have:

• A completed Bachelor degree from a recognised higher education institution; or
• 5 years full-time professional work experience, assessed on a case by case basis.

You will gain an in-depth understanding of tools and techniques required for strategic communication planning and implementation across digital and traditional communication platforms.

You will study four industry relevant and informed courses covering emerging communication discipline areas including:

• Communication, Media and Creative Industries
• Communication Contexts
• Campaigns and Crises
• Content Creation

You will be able to apply these principles practically as you produce plans and deliverables for industry engaged partners or your own workplace.

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects and contribute to online discussion forums. So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12 – 26 hours of study when at university and 14 – 28 hours of independent study per week.

Your studies at UniSA will incorporate both practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

This degree is offered both on campus and online. For the online offering, you will:

• study online, including accessing access videos and course resources
• participate in an interactive online learning environment
• submit your assignments and get feedback online
• use discussion forums for team work and communication

Your career

Communication is at the core of everything we do – and skilled communicators are essential in every organisation. Graduates of this qualification can gain careers as a:

• Communications manager
• Marketing manager
• Public relations manager
• Public relations consultant
• Content creator
• Copywriter

Applying to study with us:

• go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
• you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, tech zones, and areas that simulate real work environments. You’ll also find student gyms and campus sport activities to keep you active. We also offer flexible study options, with online resources available for accessing lecture recordings, virtual classrooms, library resources and learning support.

Adelaide has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation or private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages for plenty of options. If you need somewhere to live, our new student accommodation by urbanest is on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, a perfect location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Our student support services can make your life at university easier. We provide a full range of support services including academic and personal counselling. You can also access a range of services through our students association, USASA. When you become a UniSA student you can contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and any other questions you might have.

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with advanced facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments.