Become a master of communication
Refine your knowledge of the theory and practice of communications, and prepare for senior roles in the media, marketing, politics, and other fields where communication skills are central to your work.
This flexible Master’s degree lets you tailor your studies to your ideal career. Choose one of a unique range of communication subjects, or specialise in niche communications fields not offered anywhere else.
You’ll gain advanced theoretical knowledge of the field and the practical skills to creatively apply these theories and approaches in your work. Develop critical communication skills and expertise through a research project or an internship with a local NGO, or a public or private sector organisation.
Discover what’s possible
Hear from our students about their experiences of postgraduate study and the opportunities it has opened up.
Who can study for this qualification
The MC is a flexible degree. It’s structured to suit both recent graduates and people already working who need to study part-time around other commitments.
To enrol in the MC, you need a Bachelor’s degree with at least a B average, or equivalent, in a relevant subject, like Media Studies, Communication Studies, Political Communication, Film, Marketing Communication, or English. Depending on your background, we may waive this requirement.
- It’s ideal if you’re a graduate in a subject like Communication, English, or Media Studies, and want an advanced degree to help you stand out in the market for communications roles.
- You might already be working in a government communications role, or perhaps in journalism, and you’re looking for a senior role in public relations, communications, or media.
- The MC is also ideal preparation for study at PhD level if you’re interested in an academic or research career.
What you’ll learn
The MC is a career-focused qualification that strengthens your background in communications theory and helps you gain practical skills and experience for senior communications roles. It deepens your knowledge of communications theory and practice—in general and within your chosen specialisation. It also develops your practical skills.
Advance your theoretical knowledge
You’ll take courses that:
- develop research skills to analyse and navigate the digital communication landscape
- advance your critical media literacies
- help you understand various approaches to communication.
You’ll also learn the methods used in communication research, including key methodologies and methods of data collection and analysis.
Boost your research skills or work experience
In the second part of your study, you can choose between a research project and an internship with a relevant organisation.
- For the research project, you complete an individual project relating to an aspect of the Master of Communication programme. A supervisor will support you throughout.
- For the internship, you take a placement with a private sector establishment, public sector agency, or non-governmental organisation to complete a communications project. The University arranges this placement for you.
How you’ll study
You can complete this 180-point, three-trimester degree in one year of full-time study. The coursework is delivered through lectures and workshops that you have to attend on campus.
A two-part degree
The MC is delivered in two parts.
- In Trimesters 1 and 2, you complete two 30-point core courses that give you a solid grounding in communication theories and research methods.
- In Trimester 3, you complete either a 30-point research course or a 30-point internship in a relevant business or organisation.
Across the three trimesters, you can focus on areas of interest by choosing 90 points of extra courses from a list of approved electives.
Specialise in Science Communication
To take this specialisation, you include specific courses in Part 1 and Part 2. You’ll need to complete the Part 1 courses before you can begin the Part 2 courses.
Workload
The average workload for each course is about 10 to 12 hours per week, including lectures, workshops, and self-directed study.
- If you are studying full time, you can expect a workload of 40 to 45 hours a week for much of the year.
- Part-time students will need to do around 20 to 23 hours of work a week. Make sure you take this into account if you are working.
A family of qualifications
The Master of Communication, Postgraduate Diploma in Communication, and Postgraduate Certificate in Communication form a family of qualifications. They're 'staircased'—courses completed for one can count towards the next step up.
Postgraduate Certificate in Communication (60 points)—professional development over two courses.
Postgraduate Diploma in Communication (120 points)—in-depth study through coursework, with no research component.
Master of Communication (180 points)—the most comprehensive option, combining coursework with your choice of a research project or internship.
Qualification support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser through our enquiry form.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
For the research portion of your study, you’ll need a supervisor to help guide your research. Your programme coordinator will work with you to find the right person.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for domestic students
- Requirements for students who completed university in:
If you live in New Zealand and are a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand or Australia, you're considered a domestic student.
Some citizens of the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau may automatically hold New Zealand citizenship.
Diplomatic residents living in New Zealand are also regarded as domestic students.
To be accepted into this qualification, you need:
1. (a) Before enrolment, a candidate for the MC degree shall have:
(i) completed a relevant Bachelor’s degree, with a B grade average or better; and
(ii) been accepted by the programme director as capable of completing the proposed course of study.
(b) Requirement (a)(i) may be waived by the Associate Dean (Students) in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences for a candidate who has had extensive practical, professional, or scholarly experience that provides an equivalent level of preparation,
Entry requirements
Your acceptance into this programme is based on your previous qualifications and experience.
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the MC
2. The personal course of study for the MC degree shall consist of a coherent programme of study approved by the programme director.
3. (a) The course of study for the MC shall consist of:
Part 1: (a) Communication Paradigms (COMS 501) and Communication Research Methods (COMS 502); and (b) 90 further points from the MC Schedule
Part 2: One of Research Project (COMS 589), Internship (COMS 590), Research Essay (SCIS 588), Science Communication Project (SCIS 589)
(b) Part 1(a) should normally be completed before a candidate proceeds to Part 2.
4. (a) A candidate who completes Communication Paradigms (COMS 501), Communication Research Methods (COMS 502), and 60 further points of elective courses from the MC Schedule may be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Communication (PGDipC).
(b) A candidate who completes one of Communication Paradigms (COMS 501), Communication Research Methods (COMS 502); and 30 further points from the MC Schedule may be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Communication (PGCertC).
5. (a) A candidate who has been awarded the PGCertC or PGDipC shall abandon that qualification on being awarded the MC.
(b) A candidate who has been awarded the PGCertC shall abandon that qualification on being awarded the PGDipC.
Globally ranked
Our Communications and Media Studies subjects are ranked in the top 250 worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
The QS World University Rankings is an annual global publication that gives overall rankings and subject rankings for more than 1,500 universities worldwide.
Future careers
Graduates of the Master of Communication are prepared for careers across a wide range of sectors. You’ll develop communications skills and a broader understanding of the nuances and approaches to communication that employers are looking for.
Almost any industry that needs to manage its internal and external communications needs Communication graduates. You'll gain specialist and transferable expertise across a wide range of industries and institutions, like:
- creative industries
- government
- media and public relations
- the public sector.
More career information
Find out more about careers in communication.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.
Scholarships for Humanities and Social Sciences
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The Brian Murray Fox Scholarship in History offers an opportunity to students who are intending to undertake their second, third or Honours year of their degree at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington in the year following application.
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The Brian Murray Fox Scholarship in English Literature offers an opportunity to students who are intending to undertake their second, third or Honours year of their degree at Te Herenga Waka Victoria—University of Wellington in the year following application.
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The purpose of the award is to assist postgraduate (full-time or part-time) students in the study of a Master’s of Linguistics, Applied Linguistics or TESOL by coursework at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington. Applicant will be assessed on the basis of academic merit. Relevant prior experience may also be taken into account.
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.
Scholarships for Humanities and Social Sciences
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The purpose of the award is to assist postgraduate (full-time or part-time) students in the study of a Master’s of Linguistics, Applied Linguistics or TESOL by coursework at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington. Applicant will be assessed on the basis of academic merit. Relevant prior experience may also be taken into account.
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This scholarship has been established by the School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies.
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The purpose of this scholarship is to encourage postgraduate study of French and German language at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Join our postgraduate community
The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on studying at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Postgraduate Students’ Association
MAI ki Pōneke
MAI ki Pōneke are part of an international network of Māori and Indigenous postgraduate students. They provide advice, support, and information to Indigenous postgraduate students of all levels, as well as those thinking about enrolling.
Why Wellington
By studying Communication in Wellington, you’ll be learning in the central hub of New Zealand's communications industries and institutions. The University’s links with local communications organisations and public sector agencies give you networking and practical learning opportunities, and the chance to attend guest lectures from Wellington’s communications professionals.
The concentration of communication professionals and decision-makers here could also lead to invaluable internship placements and career connections unavailable elsewhere in New Zealand.
Academic staff
Kimberly Cannady
Associate Dean, Learning, Teaching and Equity
Tim Corballis
Senior Lecturer
Bonnie Etherington
Senior Lecturer in Literary and Creative Communication
Alfio Leotta
Associate Dean, Postgraduate
Kate McMillan
Associate Professor
Sarah Ross
Head of School
Sydney Shep
Associate Professor
Marco Sonzogni
Professor
Geoff Stahl
Senior Lecturer
Peter Thompson
Associate Professor
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you’re facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Apply for a New Zealand study visa
You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.
You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.