The University of Queensland - Master Programme of Communication for Social Change

The Master program provides students with the knowledge and skills required to excel in the application of communication strategies and methods in a wide range of fields. The programme is designed to develop understanding and skills of graduates and professionals to strategise and utilise effective communication in many fields of practice, such as health promotion, community development, business, public relations, policy and politics, intercultural relations and globalisation. Students develop a deep understanding of theory, knowledge of communication methods and dynamics, and practical and professional skills.

Click here for an overview of the Master programme and CSC field..

Two options are available for the Master programme:

• The 24-unit program is designed for students with a background in communication or related fields, including journalism and other relevant areas in the humanities and social sciences.  This option takes 1.5 years full-time study (or part-time equivalent).  Click here for more information and the full course list.

• The 32-unit program includes 8 units of foundational courses for students who do not have a background in communication.  This can be completed in 2 years full-time study (or part-time equivalent).  Click here for more information and the full course list.

In addition, a shorter postgraduate version of the programme is offered in the form of an 8-unit Graduate Certificate (one semester).

The Master programme contains a set of compulsory core courses and offers the flexibility to choose from several elective courses in other fields, including Public Relations and Professional Communication, Organisational Communication, Community Development and and Development Practice. 

Core courses of the CSC field include:

Communication for Social Change - Students are introduced to the traditions of employing CSC, the factors that influence theory and practice, new and evolving approaches to CSC, and the ethical and moral basis of the differing communication traditions. A key concept explored is the consistency between development paradigms and communication traditions, particularly with regard to theories of modernisation, dependency, and participatory communication.

Participatory Development Communication - Effective stakeholder identification and involvement in all stages of development planning, implementation and evaluation are key to assure the effectiveness of change processes and the sustainability of impact. This course gives specific attention to intercultural communication skills and methodological implications when applying a participatory approach in development planning, implementation and evaluation.

Communication and Social Movements - This course explores the differences between traditional and new social movements, the relationship between social movements and the media, and the role of communication in the democratisation process. The contribution and limitations of media reform movements is critically analysed, the major theoretical traditions of social movement theory are explored, and students gain an in-depth understanding of social movement theories in relation to examples from around the world.

Community Media and ICTs in Development - Since the mid- 20th century, community media initiatives and ICT interventions have played an increasingly important role in the field of development and social change. This course explores the role of ICTs and community media in social change, analyses the effectiveness of these mediums, investigates the key factors that contribute towards the quality and sustainability of these mediums, and questions the role that larger political and economic context plays.

Participatory Media Production - Participatory Media Production is a collaborative approach to the production of media (audio, video, still images, text) that emphasizes working with a group or community in creating their media for learning, making themselves heard, and enabling positive change and transformation. In this course, students gain a foundation for understanding participatory media theory, facilitating participatory production processes, and creating and evaluating participatory media products relating to a complex social issue set by the course convenors.

Intercultural Communication –This course provides specialised, advanced, and integrated knowledge and skills for research and professional practice in intercultural communication. Students will critically review a complex body of knowledge in intercultural communication, reflect on and synthesise theories and research, apply and transmit knowledge and skills to specialist and non-specialist audiences. The general goal of this course is to equip students with the capacity to demonstrate autonomy, expert judgement, adaptability and responsibility as effective communicators in intercultural contexts.

Communication Research Methods – This course equips you with the knowledge and skills you will need to undertake academic research in the broad area of communication. It explores the paradigmatic assumptions and theoretical perspectives behind the many different ways of conducting research in communication, and by extension, the broad area of humanities and social sciences where communication plays a central role. We provide practical examples and guidance as to how communication research should be planned and implemented.

Thesis/Project - In addition to course work, students must complete either a thesis or a project to earn a Master of Communication.  The thesis involves 6 units of study and as such is a substantial amount of work. It requires candidates to research and write an original thesis on a topic in communication relevant to their field of study.  The project involves 2 units of study. It requires candidates to design and conduct a small communication research project, critically evaluate results, and produce a professionally written report.

The programme offers the option of conducting a work placement to high achieving students in the form of a Practicum. The CSC Practicum course involves an individually designed programme that enables students to gain hands-on experience in the practical application of communication and social change principles and processes. Students undertake short-term or part-time assignments with NGOs, service organisations, commercial firms, government bodies or other relevant agencies. Tasks that students could be involved in include creating a communication strategy, facilitating stakeholder consultation and engagement, creating relevant policy briefs, developing project proposals, conducting a participatory needs analysis, capacity building, or reviewing existing communication practices.

The teaching process is designed to facilitate student-led learning that is both theoretical and practical. Many of the courses are taught in intensive 2-3 week blocks to allow students to become immersed in the subject matter. Learning activities include short lectures and student-driven group work, seminars, and presentations. Several assignments involve engagement with community groups, development organisations, public institutions or private organisations.

Due to the participatory nature of teaching, the programme is not offered in distance learning mode.

While each course uses a range of reading materials, the key resources used across several courses in the programme are:

• Thomas, Pradip Ninan and Elske van de Fliert (2015). Interrogating the Theory and Practice of Communication for Social Change - The Basis for a Renewal. Palgrave Macmillan.
• Melkote, S & Leslie, S (2015) Communication for Development in the Third World: Theory and Practice of Empowerment. New Delhi: Sage.
• Castells, M. (1997). The Power of Identity, Oxford: UK, Malden: USA, Blackwell Publishing Incorporated.

• Publications by Associate Professor Elske van de Fliert
• Publication by Associate Professor Pradip Thomas
• Journal Articles by the Centre
• Books and book chapters
• Book Series: Palgrave Studies in Communication for Social Change

The Centre is staffed by experienced researchers and practitioners who have global expertise in development and communication matters, including with the UN, NGOs, and government institutions.

Click here to find out more about the academic staff at the centre.