Deakin University’s School of Communication and Creative Arts delivers cutting-edge programs in digital media production, animation and motion capture, journalism and public relations, film and television, photography, visual arts, design innovation, creative writing, drama, and dance, blending theoretical rigor with industry-aligned practical training across its Melbourne Burwood, Geelong Waterfront, and Cloud (online) campuses to foster adaptable media professionals and visionary artists.

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Deakin University School of Communication and Creative Arts

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Academic Program Structure

The School provides comprehensive study pathways through undergraduate degrees, postgraduate coursework, and higher degree research programs. Curriculum design emphasizes project-based learning, digital fluency, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

• Undergraduate Degrees: Bachelor of Communication (Digital Media, Journalism, Public Relations, Media Studies), Bachelor of Creative Arts (Animation, Film, Photography, Visual Arts, Dance, Drama), Bachelor of Design (Digital Technologies, 3D Animation), Bachelor of Film, Television and Animation, with embedded internship subjects and industry certifications.
• Postgraduate Coursework: Master of Communication, Master of Creative Arts (Research or Practice-led), Master of Design, Graduate Certificates in Writing and Literature, Cultural Heritage, and Digital Media. Specialized pathways include interactive media development and transmedia storytelling.
• Research Degrees: PhD and Master of Arts (Research) with supervision clusters in digital cultures, creative practice research, media ecologies, and cultural policy. Unique practice-based PhD options integrate creative outputs with scholarly exegesis.

Research Capabilities and Strategic Focus

Research concentrates on four intersecting themes: Digital Life, Screen Futures, Cultural Transformations, and Creative Practice. The School houses the Deakin Motion.Lab (Australia’s largest motion capture facility), the Digital Media Research Centre, and collaborates with the CADET Virtual Reality Lab. Current projects include immersive journalism, interactive documentary, game design psychology, and cultural analytics.

Industry Integration and Professional Development

Curriculum features mandatory work placements (minimum 80 hours) through the Professional Experience Program, connecting students with 400+ partner organizations including the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Channel 9, Saatchi & Saatchi, ACMI, and Melbourne International Film Festival. Industry advisory boards ensure program relevance, with accreditation from Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA) and Journalism Education and Research Association of Australia (JERAA).

Specialized Infrastructure and Technical Resources

• Motion.Lab: 120-camera Vicon motion capture system, virtual production studio, and 3D scanning technologies
• Screen Production Facilities: Four television studios with broadcast automation, film sound stages, ARRI/Blackmagic cinema cameras, and DaVinci Resolve editing suites
• Digital Design Labs: Adobe Creative Cloud suite, Unity Pro, Maya, Nuke studios, and VR development workstations
• Creative Spaces: Photography darkrooms, printmaking studios, performance theatres, and gallery exhibition spaces

Student Experience and Creative Community

Beyond formal studies, the School facilitates the DISCORD Magazine (student-run publication), Deakin Dancers company, and Short Circuit film festival. Annual industry events include the Creative Careers Expo and Screen Futures Summit. Students access Deakin’s Artist-in-Residence program and international study tours to key creative hubs like Berlin, Shanghai, and Los Angeles.

Strategic Campus Locations and Delivery Modes

Primary operations occur at Melbourne Burwood Campus (media production hub) and Geelong Waterfront Campus (visual arts/dance focus), with select programs available via Cloud Campus featuring virtual production pipelines. All campuses provide 24/7 access to creative studios, equipment loan services (cameras, lighting kits, VR headsets), and dedicated technical support staff.

Graduate Outcomes and Alumni Impact

The School reports 89% graduate employment within six months (2023 data), with alumni including AACTA award-winning filmmakers, Archibald Prize finalists, Walkley Award journalists, and creative directors at major agencies. The Alumni Mentoring Program connects graduates with current students through structured industry projects and portfolio development initiatives.

Undergraduate Degrees

Bachelor of Communication

Description: This comprehensive program develops expertise across contemporary media landscapes with majors in Advertising, Digital Media, Journalism, Public Relations, and Media Industries. Students gain hands-on experience in content creation, audience analytics, and cross-platform storytelling through industry-simulated projects and Deakin’s media labs. Curriculum integrates emerging technologies like data journalism tools and social media algorithms.

Outcomes: Graduates pursue careers as media strategists, content producers, digital marketers, investigative reporters, or corporate communications specialists with skills in crisis communication, brand storytelling, and multimedia production.

Duration and Structure: Three years full-time (or part-time equivalent) comprising 24 credit points: 8 core units including Media Cultures and Platforms, 8 major-specific units, 4 elective units, and 4 capstone project units featuring industry placements.

Bachelor of Creative Arts

Description: Immersive studio-based training across visual, performing, and literary arts with specializations in Animation, Dance, Drama, Photography, Visual Arts, or Creative Writing. Utilizes Deakin’s Motion.Lab, theatre spaces, and digital studios for project work. Includes international study opportunities and masterclasses with visiting artists.

Outcomes: Prepares graduates for roles as animators, gallery curators, professional dancers, theatre directors, published authors, or arts administrators with portfolio development integrated throughout the degree.

Duration and Structure: Three years full-time structured around intensive studio practice (60% of coursework), theoretical frameworks (30%), and professional development (10%). Requires completion of 24 credit points including a final-year exhibition or performance.

Bachelor of Film, Television and Animation

Description: Technical production-focused program covering cinematography, editing, sound design, 3D animation, and virtual production. Features access to ARRI cinema cameras, DaVinci Resolve suites, and motion capture systems. Includes collaborative projects with industry partners like Melbourne International Film Festival.

Outcomes: Careers as directors of photography, VFX artists, TV producers, animation directors, or post-production supervisors with showreel development and industry certification pathways.

Duration and Structure: Three years full-time with 18 credit points of core production units, 4 specialist electives (e.g., Advanced Compositing, Documentary Production), and 2 industry placement units totaling 200+ hours.

Bachelor of Design

Description: Focuses on human-centered design processes across digital interfaces, 3D environments, and visual communication systems. Combines UX/UI design principles with technical training in Unity, Maya, and Adobe Creative Cloud. Features live briefs from industry partners.

Outcomes: Graduates become UX designers, interaction specialists, 3D visualization artists, service designers, or design strategists with accredited design thinking methodologies.

Duration and Structure: Three years full-time structured in 4 studio-based design streams per year (8 credit points each) plus 4 contextual theory units and 4 professional practice units including client projects.

Postgraduate Coursework

Master of Communication

Description: Advanced strategic communication training with specializations in Digital Strategy, Public Relations Leadership, or Journalism Innovation. Focuses on data-driven campaigns, audience research methodologies, and global media ethics. Includes industry consultancy projects and ACMI partnerships.

Outcomes: Senior roles as communication managers, PR directors, media policy advisors, or digital transformation consultants with portfolio of accredited campaigns.

Duration and Structure: Two years full-time (1.5 years accelerated) comprising 16 credit points: 4 core units, 4 specialization units, 4 research/capstone units, and 4 professional practice electives including executive placements.

Master of Creative Arts

Description: Practice-led advanced study for working artists with pathways in Visual Arts, Writing and Literature, Performance, or Digital Arts. Features individual studio access, mentorship from ARC-funded researchers, and international residency options. Integrates exhibition/publication outcomes with critical theory.

Outcomes: Professional artists, published authors, creative directors, or arts educators with exhibition-ready bodies of work and industry networks.

Duration and Structure: Two years full-time involving 12 credit points of studio research (75% weighting) and 4 contextual theory units. Culminates in major public presentation with exegesis.

Master of Design

Description: Specialized training in emerging design paradigms including speculative design, immersive environments, and sustainable systems. Utilizes CADET VR facilities and collaborative design studios. Features industry-sponsored projects with architecture and tech firms.

Outcomes: Design innovators, experience architects, design researchers, or creative technologists with advanced technical portfolios.

Duration and Structure: Two years full-time structured around 6 studio projects (12 credit points), 4 research methodologies units, and 2 industry engagement units with partner organizations.

Graduate Certificate of Digital Media

Description: Intensive skill development in interactive media production, including UX prototyping, mobile content creation, and social media analytics. Uses Deakin’s digital design labs with industry-standard software suites.

Outcomes: Digital content producers, social media managers, or UX specialists with certified technical competencies.

Duration and Structure: Six months full-time comprising 4 credit points: Interactive Media Design, Digital Storytelling, Analytics Fundamentals, and Platform Content Strategies.

Research Degrees

PhD in Communication and Creative Arts

Description: Original research contributing to knowledge in digital cultures, media studies, creative practice, or design innovation. Features practice-based options integrating creative outputs with scholarly analysis. Supervised by research centres including Digital Media Research Centre.

Outcomes: Academic careers, industry research leadership, or advanced creative practice with significant contribution to field.

Duration and Structure: Three to four years full-time involving thesis (80,000 words) or major creative work with 30,000-word exegesis. Includes research training modules and conference participation.

Master of Arts (Research)

Description: Research training program developing expertise in specific communication or creative arts methodologies. Focus areas include screen futures, cultural policy, or transmedia narratives. Provides pathway to PhD.

Outcomes: Research specialists, policy analysts, or advanced practitioners with peer-reviewed research outputs.

Duration and Structure: Two years full-time comprising 4 credit points of research training and 8 credit points of supervised thesis (40,000 words) or creative project with 15,000-word exegesis.

Professional Doctorate in Communication

Description: Industry-embedded research addressing real-world communication challenges through applied projects. Combines coursework in organizational communication theory with workplace-based investigation.

Outcomes: Executive-level communication leadership roles with evidence-based industry solutions.

Duration and Structure: Three years part-time involving 6 credit points of coursework and industry research project (50,000 words) conducted within candidate’s workplace.

CONTACT DEAKIN UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATIONS AND CREATIVE ARTS

Get in touch if you have any questions regarding the School of Communication and Creative Arts.

Email the School of Communication and Creative Arts

Address:
Deakin University
Melbourne Burwood Campus
221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Victoria 3125

Phone:  +61 3 9244 6333