COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Design (Media & Communication) at RMIT is a research-focused postgraduate program that combines coursework and a substantial thesis component to develop advanced academic and professional research capabilities. In the coursework stage, students must complete a core subject titled “Doing Research for Design and Social Context,” which introduces essential research methodologies, critical inquiry, and conceptual frameworks relevant to design and communication studies. During their candidature, students may also undertake up to two additional electives in consultation with their supervisory team, depending on their research focus. These may include subjects such as “Research for Impact in Design and Social Context,” creative practice research, qualitative research methods, quantitative research techniques, or critical and social theory, allowing students to strengthen both theoretical and methodological expertise. Students may also complete up to 12 credit points of approved university research electives to support their specialised area of study. The main component of the degree is the Masters Research thesis, which is completed through staged enrolment in 48, 36, 24, or 12 credit point units depending on progress and study load. This structure enables students to progressively develop and refine their research project. Throughout the program, students build advanced skills in analysis, communication, and research design, preparing them to contribute original knowledge to media and communication disciplines and to engage in academic or professional research careers.