A Graduate Certificate in Strategic Communication is a postgraduate qualification designed to build focused capability in how organisations plan, deliver and evaluate communication to achieve strategic goals.

The UTS Online Graduate Certificate in Strategic Communication develops foundational capability across communication theory, intercultural communication, emerging communication practices and stakeholder engagement, helping you communicate more strategically across contemporary organisational contexts.

Strategic communication is the planned use of communication to support organisational goals, engage stakeholders and influence how people understand and respond to information.

It brings together audience insight, messaging, channels, cultural context and evaluation so communication decisions are purposeful and connected to a broader objective rather than treated as standalone content or activity.

The UTS Online Graduate Certificate in Strategic Communication is designed for professionals who want to build or strengthen strategic communication capability.

It can suit corporate communication and public relations professionals, marketing and digital communication professionals, government and policy advisors, people working in stakeholder or community engagement, and professionals transitioning into communication-focused roles.

No. You do not need to have studied communication previously to be eligible for the UTS Online Graduate Certificate in Strategic Communication.

The course is designed for professionals from a range of industries who want to build strategic communication capability. Entry is based on your previous qualification and, for some applicants, relevant professional experience.

You’ll build focused capability in strategic communication, including how to analyse communication in social and organisational contexts, communicate across cultures, respond to emerging communication practices and engage stakeholders effectively.

You’ll also strengthen your ability to think critically about audiences, develop communication strategies, work across written, verbal and digital formats, and communicate with cultural awareness and inclusivity.

The UTS Online Graduate Certificate in Strategic Communication comprises four core subjects totalling 24 credit points:

• Understanding Communication in Society
• Intercultural and International Communication
• Emergent Communication Practices
• Driving Stakeholder Engagement

Together, these subjects build a foundation across communication theory, cultural context, contemporary communication practice and stakeholder engagement.

Yes. The course examines how communication is changing across contemporary and emerging platforms, technologies and audience environments.

Through subjects such as Emergent Communication Practices, you’ll explore how new communication forms and technologies influence the way organisations connect with audiences, while developing the strategic judgement to select and use communication approaches appropriately.

Public relations is one area within the broader field of strategic communication.

Public relations commonly focuses on reputation, media relations and communication with external audiences. Strategic communication takes a broader view and can also include stakeholder engagement, organisational communication, intercultural communication, digital communication, campaigns, issues management and the alignment of communication with organisational goals.

The UTS Online Graduate Certificate in Strategic Communication can be completed in a minimum of eight months.

The course comprises four online subjects totalling 24 credit points, with students studying one subject at a time through the UTS Online study model.

Yes. The UTS Online Graduate Certificate in Strategic Communication is designed for professionals who want to complete postgraduate study alongside existing work and personal commitments.

You’ll study one subject at a time through structured online learning, allowing you to focus on one area of communication study at a time and apply what you learn in your professional context as you progress.

How you balance work, study and personal commitments will depend on your individual circumstances, so it is important to plan for the weekly study requirements of each subject.

Not necessarily. You may be eligible for the UTS Online Graduate Certificate in Strategic Communication without a bachelor’s degree.

Current entry pathways include a completed Australian bachelor’s degree or higher qualification in any field; an Australian advanced diploma or associate degree plus at least two years of relevant post-secondary professional experience; or at least four years of relevant post-secondary professional experience together with demonstrated capacity to undertake tertiary study.

Eligibility for admission does not guarantee an offer of a place.

Yes. The UTS Online Graduate Certificate in Strategic Communication provides a pathway into the UTS Online Master of Strategic Communication.

The Graduate Certificate comprises four subjects totalling 24 credit points. If you successfully complete the Graduate Certificate and receive the full 24 credit points towards the master’s, you will have eight additional subjects remaining to complete the 12-subject degree, subject to current UTS credit rules.

Both UTS Online Graduate Certificates comprise four subjects and can provide a pathway into the Master of Strategic Communication, but they focus on different areas of communication practice.

The Graduate Certificate in Strategic Communication builds a broader foundation across communication in society, intercultural and international communication, emerging communication practices and stakeholder engagement.

The Graduate Certificate in Corporate Communication places greater emphasis on organisational storytelling, risk, issues and crisis communication, and stakeholder engagement in corporate and organisational settings.

The right option depends on the communication capability you want to build and your professional direction.

You may be eligible to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning, or RPL, if your previous study or professional experience meets the relevant UTS course requirements.

UTS assesses RPL after an offer of enrolment has been accepted. The amount of credit available depends on your individual circumstances and the evidence provided.

A Graduate Certificate in Strategic Communication can help you build communication capability that can be applied across corporate, government, not-for-profit, agency and consulting environments.

Depending on your previous experience, career directions may include Communication Officer, Public Relations Coordinator, Digital Content Strategist, Corporate Communications Assistant, Media Advisor, Engagement Officer or related communication and stakeholder roles.

The qualification does not lead to one specific role, and career outcomes will depend on your existing experience and professional direction.

Whether a Graduate Certificate in Strategic Communication is worthwhile depends on your existing experience, career goals and the capability you want to build.

For professionals who want a shorter postgraduate qualification, it can provide a focused way to build capability across stakeholder engagement, intercultural communication, emerging communication practices and strategic thinking without initially committing to a full master’s degree.

The UTS Online Graduate Certificate in Strategic Communication can also provide a pathway into the Master of Strategic Communication if you decide to continue your postgraduate study.

The current indicative tuition fee for the UTS Online Graduate Certificate in Strategic Communication is $14,340 in total, with an indicative fee of $3,585 per subject.

Fees are indicative and subject to change. Your total course fee may vary depending on your study plan, Recognition of Prior Learning and the fees applicable at the time of enrolment, so refer to the UTS Online fees page for the latest information.

Yes. FEE-HELP is available to eligible students studying the UTS Online Graduate Certificate in Strategic Communication.

FEE-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme that can help eligible full-fee-paying students cover some or all of their tuition fees.

Eligibility requirements apply, so check the current FEE-HELP information before enrolling.

UTS Online courses have six intakes per year, giving you multiple opportunities to commence the Graduate Certificate in Strategic Communication.

Intake dates can change from year to year, so refer to the course page for the next available intake and current application dates.

For a standard six-credit-point UTS Online subject, you should typically allow around 15–20 hours per week for study.

This can include working through weekly learning materials, completing readings and activities, participating in online discussions and preparing assessments. Your actual study time may vary depending on the subject, your previous experience and assessment deadlines.

UTS Online students generally study one subject at a time, helping you focus your study around your professional and personal commitments.

For more information, read our guide to study resources with an example study schedule.

Assessment in the UTS Online Graduate Certificate in Strategic Communication varies by subject and is designed to reflect practical, real-world strategic communication and stakeholder engagement challenges.

Depending on the subject, assessments may include written assignments, case analyses, presentations, quizzes, proposals, professional or workplace projects, oral assessments and collaborative activities.

Assessment requirements, including whether exams or group assessments apply, are subject-specific, so refer to the individual subject information in the UTS Handbook for current details.

The UTS Online Graduate Certificate in Strategic Communication is delivered online through Canvas, with students studying one subject at a time through structured weekly modules. You’ll engage with practical activities, multimedia learning, peer discussions and assessments designed to connect your studies with real-world strategic communication and stakeholder engagement challenges.

Throughout the course, you’ll also have access to support including:
• A dedicated Student Success Advisor
• Academic and assignment support
• UTS Career Hub resources and networking opportunities
• Peer learning and presentation support
• Confidential health and wellbeing services

Here’s a video example showcasing key features of our online learning platform, including tools designed to enhance your study experience.

Or read our tips for balancing postgraduate study with work and life: https://studyonline.uts.edu.au/blog/balancing-postgraduate-study-and-life-commitments-practical-tips-success