Not applicable
AU$29,760 (2025 annual)
AU$40,320 (2025 annual)
In the Master of Advertising you will explore a range of evolutionary communication processes related to advertising and promotional activities, building professional knowledge and skills for today's competitive global environments.
Enrolling in this degree will offer you the opportunity to develop advanced knowledge and transferable skills in advertising. You will be encouraged to 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.
On completion of the degree, graduates will be responsive professional leaders with specialised knowledge of the global advertising industry. You will be able to work collaboratively in international and interdisciplinary teams, and will be prepared for professional roles in advertising and promotional agencies, or consultancies and other organisations (business, government and non-profit) which use advertising to achieve their goals. You will be able to lead and manage high-quality outcomes in delivering international, integrated advertising campaigns.
Ranked #1 in Australia and #5 in the world for advertising.*
Learn from academics, industry professionals and lecturers with extensive local and global experience and well-developed contact networks.
Apply advertising theory with practical research to develop real-life advertising campaigns from industry clients.
*[QS rankings by subject 2023]
As a graduate you will be able to:
You will 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.
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.
The lecturers will 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 will 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 will 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.
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 (IAC) 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 their study in this degree, students 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.
You will 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.
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.
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.
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:
Promotional activities and practices that are integrated in the degree are:
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.
Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.
Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.
Upon graduation, you will be equipped to enter professional and management roles within advertising, promotions and management consultancies, as well as business, government and non-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:
You will be qualified to apply for roles such as:
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.
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 (IAC) 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.
You need to satisfy all of the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.
You must have:
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:
To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
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).
You can gain entry to this masters degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs, if you meet the entry requirements.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.