Master of Advertising

Master of Advertising

POSTGRADUATE

Ranked #1 in Australia and #5 globally for advertising*, this course is your opportunity to be a global advertising business leader.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Part-time 4 years
Reduced duration available
Fees:

AU$29,760 (2025 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

AU$40,320 (2025 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

In the Master of Advertising, you'll explore a range of evolutionary communication processes related to advertising and promotional activities, building professional knowledge and skills for today's competitive global environments.

This 2-year degree (4 years part-time) offers the opportunity to develop advanced knowledge and transferable skills in advertising. Build a global and local outlook on marketing and communication practices, including a creative approach to leadership, strategy planning and campaign development in the constantly evolving advertising and broader communication industries.

The course is designed to turn you into a responsive professional leader with specialised knowledge of the global advertising industry. You'll be able to work collaboratively in international and interdisciplinary teams, prepared for professional roles in advertising and promotional agencies, or consultancies and other organisations (business, government and non-profit) that use advertising to achieve their goals. You'll be able to lead and manage high-quality outcomes in delivering international, integrated advertising campaigns.

The Master of Advertising is suited for professionals seeking to expand their role within advertising, promotions and management consultancies, as well as business, government and not-for-profit organisations that use advertising and promotional tools to achieve their goals.

Why study the Master of Advertising at RMIT?

Globally recognised

Ranked #1 in Australia and #5 in the world for advertising.*

Industry connected

Learn from academics, industry professionals and lecturers with extensive local and global experience and well-developed contact networks.

Hands-on learning

Apply advertising theory with practical research to develop real-life advertising campaigns from industry clients.

*[QS rankings by subject 2023]

As a graduate, you'll be able to:

  • determine and apply the specialist knowledge and technical skills required to creatively solve problems, demonstrating expert judgement and ethical responsibility relating to your professional practice and discipline
  • critically analyse, synthesise and reflect on complex theories and recent developments, both local and international, to extend and challenge knowledge and practice in advertising and communication
  • professionally communicate propositions, processes and outcomes to address specialist and non-specialist audiences
  • provide leadership within your discipline, as well as collaborate with others
  • use appropriate research methods to design and execute substantial projects, evaluate the outcomes and theorise about the contribution of your learning to the profession and knowledge area
  • master a body of knowledge and specific technical skills to progress your professional career within the contemporary media and communication environment.

You'll also be able to conduct research, develop theories, implement organisational behaviours, create effective structures within the advertising industry and respond effectively to changing societal demands on advertising practice.

Details

Expand all sections

This degree covers key communication and advertising skills from choice and integration of media to applied research knowledge into advertising practice and strategy.

Our students explore international advertising practices, taking into account intercultural diversity, emerging technologies and international advertising business environments. Such skills are a necessity for global brand management and communication strategies.

Professionals from academic and industry backgrounds combine teaching with their advertising expertise to engage with you throughout the learning and teaching process.

Lecturers use a variety of contemporary face-to-face and online learning and teaching approaches which may include lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars, case studies, studio practice, problem-based learning, reflective techniques (e.g. blogs, journals), presentations, group-based learning, discussions and negotiated learning for the individual professional research project.

Assessments are undertaken individually and/or in groups. The assessments include a range of activities such as reports, reflective papers, research projects, portfolio production, presentations, peer or industry review. Research projects, reports and presentations will be directly related to industry-specific needs and may involve making contact with industry practitioners regarding contemporary issues.

You'll also work closely with students from other disciplines such as public relations, design, media, communication and journalism. This allows for a broader learning experience and understanding of multiple disciplines in the media and communication industries.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

In Australia there are no professional bodies that recognise or accredit academic qualifications in advertising.

However, the RMIT Advertising degree has strong industry links to ensure the curriculum remains current and relevant to today’s diverse advertising requirements. Our Industry Advisory Committee is made up of industry leaders from all advertising platforms and our academics have current and extensive advertising experience, locally and globally. RMIT Advertising also attracts senior industry professionals as sessional tutors and guest lecturers.

As part of your study, you'll apply advertising theory with practical research to develop real-life advertising campaigns from industry clients. Recent clients include Red Cross Blood Service, Metro Tunnel Project and Bupa.

Gain a global competence and outlook in your profession, enabling you to pursue roles both locally and internationally.

In previous years, students have had the opportunity to undertake international study tours in North America and the UK, where they and students from related discplines toured the University of Salford, the BBC studios, and several media and advertising agencies.

There are also opportunities for you to undertake a semester of study overseas through our exchange partnerships, undertake industry projects, as well as do an internship.

Global work, exchange and study experiences

RMIT offers a range of opportunities for our students to study abroad through global work, exchange and study experiences with over 165 partner universities worldwide.

  • 2 years full-time or 4 years part-time (without advanced standing)
  • 1 - 1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent (with advanced standing).

For further information about advanced standing see the Pathways section.

The Graduate Diploma of Advertising is available as an exit award of this degree. Any advanced standing you receive for the masters degree is not transferrable to an exit award. If you wish to exit early with the Graduate Diploma, you must have completed all courses specified in the relevant course structure.

  • 2 years full-time (without advanced standing)
  • 1 - 1.5 years full-time (with advanced standing).

For further information about advanced standing see the Pathways section.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

The degree is professionally oriented, and key study topics and practice areas include:

  • complex and integrated campaign management
  • brand management
  • account management
  • account planning
  • strategy planning
  • agency management
  • media planning
  • collaborative teamwork
  • project proposal and pitching
  • design thinking
  • value chain and proposition
  • communication perspectives
  • international advertising approaches.

Promotional activities and practices integrated into the degree are:

  • commercial sponsorship
  • sales promotion
  • event management
  • direct response
  • digital, emerging and contemporary media
  • consumer behaviour and audience analysis.

As well as the professional practice areas above, subjects are offered in the areas of public relations and communication practice, communication for social change, corporate writing and editing, and leading change in media and communication.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Master of Advertising
Program code: MC249
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Master of Advertising
City Campus
2 years full-time, 4 years part-time, reduced duration available
MC249
083949D
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time, 4 years part-time, reduced duration available
Plan code
MC249
CRICOS
083949D
View plan
Master of Advertising
City Campus
2 years full-time
MC249
083949D
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time
Plan code
MC249
CRICOS
083949D
View plan

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

Upon graduation, you will be equipped to enter professional and management roles within advertising, promotions and management consultancies, as well as business, government and not-for-profit organisations that use advertising and promotional tools to achieve their goals.

This degree will prepare you for the constantly changing advertising environment and you will become a flexible and adaptable professional who is environmentally, culturally and socially aware.

You will be able to:

  • conduct and/or use research, with critical insight into its validity for decision-making
  • develop and/or build theories, and understand the process of theory development
  • implement changed personal and organisational behaviours in the knowledge of new or changed theories
  • create the conditions for more effective and efficient structures within the advertising industry
  • respond effectively to changing societal demands on advertising practice.

You will be qualified to apply for roles such as:

  • account service manager
  • media buyer
  • media planner
  • strategy planner
  • advertising manager
  • marketing manager
  • advertising data or digital analyst
  • marketing communication coordinator or manager.
  • advertising, market or communication researcher
  • promotions coordinator or manager
  • sales manager
  • events manager.

You'll be equipped to enter professional and executive management roles in advertising, communications, promotions, market research, management consultancies and other business, government and non-profit organisations that use integrated communication to achieve their goals or even start your own practice.

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In Australia there are no professional bodies that recognise or accredit academic programs in advertising. However, the RMIT Advertising program has strong industry links to ensure the program remains current and relevant to today's diverse advertising requirements. Our Industry Advisory Committee is made up of industry leaders from all advertising platforms and our academics have current and extensive advertising experience, locally and globally. RMIT Advertising also attracts senior industry professionals as sessional tutors and guest lecturers.

Entry requirements and admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have:   

  • Successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification), or  
  • A minimum of 3 years professional work experience in a related industry.  

To have your professional experience considered you must submit with your application a CV and a personal statement detailing your experience. 

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification).

You may also be considered if you have at least three years of professional work experience in a related industry.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

Statement and CV: If you are applying on the basis of professional experience, you must include with your application:

  • A Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • A personal statement that details your experience.

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

Pathways

You can gain entry to this masters degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs, if you meet the entry requirements.

Masters advanced standing

If you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications specialising in advertising, marketing, marketing communication, media and communication, professional communication or public relations, you may be eligible for advanced standing as follows:

Qualification level

Advanced standing

Remaining program duration

Bachelor Degree (AQF level 7)

48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study)

144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study)

Bachelor Honours Degree (AQF level 8)

96 credit points (equivalent to two semester full time study)

96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)

Graduate Certificate (AQF level 8)

48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study)

144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study)

Graduate Diploma (AQF level 8)

96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)

96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for Australian qualifications in vocational and higher education.

Credit and recognition of prior learning

Applicants with a bachelor degree (honours), graduate certificate, graduate diploma or masters qualification majoring in a different discipline may also be eligible for credit transfer of up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study).

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this masters degree, you may be eligible to undertake further studies in related programs at RMIT University, including postgraduate research programs, subject to the program's entrance requirements.

You can gain entry into this degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs.

Coming from a partner institution?

RMIT has pathway arrangements with many partner institutions around the world.

If your institution has a pathway arrangement with RMIT you may be able to receive credit and reduce the time it will take to complete your preferred RMIT program.

Find out if your institution has a pathway arrangement with RMIT

If you have qualifications from an institution that is not an RMIT partner, credit into your RMIT program will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Master Advanced Standing

If you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications specialising in advertising, marketing, marketing communication, professional communication or public relations, you may be eligible for advanced standing as follows:

Qualification level Advanced standing Remaining program duration
Bachelor degree (AQF level 7) 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study)
Bachelor honours degree (AQF level 8) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)
Graduate certificate (AQF level 8) 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study)
Graduate diploma (AQF level 8) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for Australian qualifications in vocational and higher education.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit.

Credits

Applicants with a bachelor honours degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or masters degree qualification majoring in a different discipline may also be eligible for credit transfer of up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study).

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and weightings, and reference to the learning resources.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this degree, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.

Fees

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2025 indicative fees

  • Full-fee places: AU$29,760 (2025 annual fee)*.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$365 maximum fee for 2025*.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment*

Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.

*Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

This program is offered on a full-fee paying basis only. If you are offered a place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.

FEE-HELP loans

Eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

SA-HELP Loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.

This program is approved for income support.

You may be eligible for student income support payments from the Commonwealth Government if you are undertaking a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or an approved professionally oriented masters by coursework program. For more information see Income support for Masters students.

If you are enrolled in an eligible program you will also need to satisfy all other student payment eligibility requirements. You can contact Centrelink or Services Australia for further information about student income support entitlements, your eligibility and how to apply.

You may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to your employment.

See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for more information.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365. 

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information