Why study the Master of Strategic Communication with UTS Online?
Top 100 University Globally1
Top 5 in Australia for Communication and Media Studies2
Top 10 for graduate employability3
100% online with support from enrolment through to graduation
1QS World University Rankings, 2024. 2QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024. 3QS Graduate Employability Rankings, 2024
Communicating with purpose, leading with impact
Advance your potential to become a leader in the communication profession with UTS Online’s Master of Strategic Communication. Access contemporary course content designed by academic scholars and industry experts to provide you with an engaging and high quality learning experience. Leverage the increasing importance of purposeful communication to drive impactful outcomes in businesses and organisations.
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the strategic role of communication and develop essential skills in intercultural communication, stakeholder engagement, and emergent communication practices.
Explore innovative tools, technologies, and techniques to effectively tackle complex business challenges across a variety of industries. Stay updated on the latest insights in crisis and reputation management, organisational storytelling, and contemporary advertising to craft meaningful messages for diverse audiences.
Apply advanced knowledge and skills in developing, managing, and implementing integrated communication campaigns. Master creative and organisational processes, including formal and informal research, ideation and evaluation.
Who is this course for?
The Master of Strategic Communication is suitable for:
- Corporate communication leaders seeking to enhance their ability to manage reputation, media relations and strategic messaging.
- Public relations and crisis communication specialists who want to refine their expertise in stakeholder engagement, crisis response and brand positioning.
- Marketing and digital communication professionals looking to integrate storytelling, audience analytics and brand strategy into impactful campaigns.
- Government and policy advisors who need to communicate complex information effectively across diverse audiences and platforms.
- Professionals transitioning into senior communication roles who want to build leadership capabilities and gain a strategic edge in corporate or public sector communication.
See entry requirements under course information for eligibility information.
What you will study
The UTS Online Master of Strategic Communication comprises 12 subjects (72 credit points [CP] in total).
Complete the following subjects:
- Understanding Communication in Society
- Intercultural and International Communication
- Emergent Communication Practices
- Driving Stakeholder Engagement
- Communicating Risk, Issues and Crises
- Organisational Storytelling and Engagement
- Contemporary Advertising
- Strategic Campaigns
- Applied Research Methods
- Strategic Communication Project
Note: Most UTS Online subjects are valued at 6 credit points each. For detailed subject descriptions and further information, please download a course guide.
Flexible course options
The Master of Strategic Communication comprises 12 online subjects (72 credit points (CP) in total).
Students who complete the Graduate Certificate in Strategic Communication or Graduate Certificate in Corporate Communication may qualify to advance to the Master of Strategic Communication, requiring only 8 additional subjects to complete the Master's degree.
Graduate Certificate
4 Subjects | 8 months
Or continue studying
Master's
+6 Subjects | 2 Electives | 24 months
Graduate with a Master's degree
One of our Student Enrolment Advisors can assist you with more information, including alternative pathways.
Study pathways
The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences offers 2 online Graduate Certificate courses to support your career in communications.
The Graduate Certificate in Strategic Communication and the Graduate Certificate in Corporate Communication both provide a pathway to the Master of Strategic Communication.
This allows you to tailor your studies to align with your career goals and develop specialist skills in the areas of communication that matter most to you.
Learning outcomes
Develop and implement high-impact communication strategies
Apply advanced theoretical and practical knowledge to design, execute and evaluate multi-platform communication campaigns. Use data-driven insights and emerging media technologies to address complex organisational challenges with innovation and impact.
Lead communication with cultural intelligence and inclusivity
Navigate diverse cultural, social and global communication landscapes with confidence. Develop strategies that promote equity, inclusion and social responsibility while effectively engaging international and Indigenous communities.
Think critically and creatively to shape public discourse
Analyse strategic communication models and synthesize complex information across various media platforms. Apply critical thinking and creative problem-solving to craft compelling narratives that influence public perception, organisational reputation and strategic decision-making.
Persuade and engage audiences with effective storytelling
Refine your ability to communicate with clarity and influence across written, visual and digital formats. Build stakeholder trust and engagement through ethical, impactful and audience-centric storytelling.
Course information
Entry requirements
Applicants must have completed a UTS-recognised academic qualification, or equivalent, as follows:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Graduate Certificate
- Graduate Diploma
- Master’s degree or
- Doctoral degree or equivalent
Applicants with a bachelor’s qualification must also satisfy one of the following:
- Bachelor’s degree in the ASCED Field of Education group of 08 (Management and Commerce), 09 (Society and Culture) or 10 (Creative Arts);
OR
- Bachelor’s degree in a discipline other than ASCED Field of Education group of 08 (Management and Commerce), 09 (Society and Culture) or 10 (Creative Arts) AND a minimum of two (2) years relevant work experience*
*Relevant work experience is defined from within the ANZSCO Groups 01 Managers or 02 Professionals AND demonstrated through a CV and Statement of Service confirming the dates of employment, and the position held within the organisation.
Eligibility for admission does not guarantee an offer of a place.
Note: Applicants who do not meet the entry requirements for the Master of Strategic Communication may use the successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Strategic Communication as a pathway, provided they meet the specific entry requirements.
Want to check your eligibility?
Not only do we have the right tools and support teams to help you – we have people who care about your success.
Career outcomes
The UTS Online Master of Strategic Communication equips professionals with advanced skills to lead communication strategies that influence, inspire and drive organisational goals. This course prepares you to thrive in the dynamic world of corporate, government and non-profit communication.
Upon completion, graduates can explore roles such as:
- Communications Director
- Public Relations Manager
- Corporate Affairs Advisor
- Digital Communication Strategist
- Brand Manager
$120,000
Average salary
Strategic Communications Managers in Australia earn an average annual salary of $120,000, reflecting the financial rewards of advanced expertise in communications.
(Glassdoor)
10.9%
Projected employment growth by 2022
Employment for professionals in strategic communications is projected to grow by 10.9% by 2029, reflecting expanding opportunities in the field.
(Jobs and Skills Australia)
2,500 + job
listings across Australia
As of December 2024, there are over 2,587 job listings for Strategic Communication and Engagement roles across Australia, indicating a robust demand for professionals in this field.
(Seek)
Upcoming intakes
UTS Online courses have 6 intakes per year. The diagram below shows all upcoming intakes. Our next intake is highlighted below.
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Jan
2025 -
Mar
2025 -
May
2025 -
Jul
2025 -
Aug
2025 -
Oct
2025
Meet our Course Director
“With effective communication becoming ever more critical to success for businesses, Government departments, charities, community groups and other organisations, we have created a program that helps people build the knowledge and skills to develop communication that delivers results and effectively meets set objectives. This program is designed for students who are looking to progress their career and become leaders in the communication profession. Students will embrace a different learning experience that prepares them to thrive in the communication environment now, and into the future.”
Dr Andrew McCowan
Course Director, Master of Strategic Communication
Download a course guide
Download a course guide to explore detailed subject descriptions, entry requirements, pathway options and fee information.
Frequently asked questions
No, a bachelor’s degree is required for direct entry. However, if you don’t meet this requirement, you may be eligible to enrol in the Graduate Certificate in Strategic Communication or the Graduate Certificate in Corporate Communication. Upon successful completion, you can use these qualifications as pathways into the master’s program. Contact a Student Enrolment Advisor at 1300 477 423 to discuss your eligibility.
Yes, students enrolled in the Master of Strategic Communication who complete the first 8 subjects but cannot continue for personal reasons may exit the program with a Graduate Diploma in Strategic Communication.
Yes, you have the option to apply for the on-campus Master of Strategic Communication, which is delivered at the UTS Ultimo campus. This program offers a traditional classroom learning experience combined with the same rigorous curriculum as the online program.
At UTS Online, your success is our priority, and that doesn't change when you study remotely. We're committed to providing you with a comprehensive range of student support services, guiding you from enrolment right through to graduation.
As a UTS student, you'll enjoy access to an array of support services, including:
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Your own dedicated Student Success Advisor, available to answer any course-related questions you may have to keep you on track
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UTS Career Hub for work experience and networking opportunities
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Assignment writing and academic support from teachers & lecturers
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Public speaking and peer learning support
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Confidential medical and mental health services.
Connect with us to learn more about how we support your success while studying for a Master of Strategic Communications at UTS Online.
Assignments in our subjects are authentic, relevant and often grounded in your personal clinical context. They vary according to the subject and include, but are not limited to clinical reports, posters, online quizzes and vivas (oral assessment), podcasts, recorded presentations, education tools, proposals, protocols and professional portfolios. You will not be required to complete exams or group assignments to graduate the Master of Strategic Communications.
When studying the Master of Strategic Communication, your online study experience includes:
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Interactive modules on media strategies and audience engagement
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Resources to apply concepts in real-world projects
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Access to academic support and industry insight
Here’s a video example showcasing key features of our online learning platform, including tools designed to enhance your study experience.
For practical tips on balancing your studies with work and life, click here to learn how to achieve your goals. Remember, our team is just an email or call away to support you every step of the way.
Related courses
“Knowing that I've got the research behind me through the Master's course is going to give me a lot more confidence when I step into a room where decisions need to be made.”
Joel G, UTS Online Student
“Participating in the course has given me more opportunities at my workplace and has led to me being offered a new role. I absolutely love the flexibility of learning online. Being able to join evening classes; really adaptable to my lifestyle”
Kim M, UTS Online Student
“The flexibility to be able to do it any time, anywhere, just made completing the Masters so much easier.”
Bianca N, UTS Online Student
“I'm really impressed by how the course was structured and the way that I could connect with my peers. I also really enjoyed the opportunity to connect what I was learning, all of the theory to my professional world.”
Sonia D, UTS Online Student
“To be able to connect with these industry experts and also so many different students from so many different industries really allowed you to get stuck in and just explore what else is out there.”
Lauren S, UTS Online Student
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