This 18-month master's program is suitable for those with a qualification in the same area and who can meet minimum GPA requirements, or those with a suitable degree and at least two years of professional experience – see Program Details. Choose between two specialised fields: Communication for Social Change or Public Relations and Professional Communication. You will gain the skills to design and implement communication strategies across a range of applications. Focus on social change theory and practice and explore ways communication can change attitudes and behaviour. Alternatively, design professional communication solutions while expanding your engagement, crisis planning and critical thinking skills. Undertake a combination of advanced level coursework and research, with the option of choosing to complete a research project or thesis on a topic of your choice. You will put theory into practice and apply what you've learned as you develop your ideas. Communication for Social Change This field of study provides an in-depth understanding of communication for social change theory and practice. It will explore the different ways in which communication can be leveraged to bring about change in attitudes, behaviour and knowledge in individuals and communities. It will analyse the ways in which 'participation' can make a difference in the planning, implementation and evaluation of development processes, the key role played by culture in social change, and contemporary uses of community media and ICTs in the facilitation of change. It is designed to strengthen critical skills, build capacities for work in the state, inter-governmental and NGO sectors, and build research excellence. Public Relations and Professional Communication This field provides students with the skills of professionally analysing communication situations and professionally designing solutions to communication problems. It also teaches the skills required to plan and implement a professional public relations campaign (including goal-setting, budgeting and evaluation); the skills of audience and public opinion analysis; a range of communication theories; and an understanding of how globalisation and the emerging information economy is impacting upon public relations practices.