Boost your skills in communications
Gain skills in communications with the Postgraduate Certificate in Communications (PGCertC). This short, focused qualification is an excellent introduction to the field, or to give you communications skills you can apply in your work right away.
You’ll learn the key theoretical ideas behind communications in the world today. You can also specialise in key areas like political communication, media studies, intercultural communication, and even science communication—a specialisation unique to Te Herenga Waka.
Throughout, you’ll develop a critical understanding of how communication shapes our world. You'll analyse communication in different contexts and apply theoretical approaches in practical ways.
Who can study for this qualification
To enrol in the PGCertC, you need a Bachelor’s degree with at least a B average (or the equivalent) in a relevant subject. Depending on your background, we may waive this requirement.
The PGCertC is ideal for you if:
- you need to upskill in a niche area of communications—to meet the requirements of your role, for instance
- you’re interested in exploring the communications field before committing to a longer postgraduate qualification.
What you’ll learn
The PGCertC gives you two things: foundational theories in communications, and practical knowledge in a specialised area of communications practice that you choose.
The qualification has two parts:
- mandatory courses in one of two areas: key theories and paradigms in communication studies, or communication research methods
- courses worth 30 points—one or two courses—from a range of communications-related topics from faculties across the University.
How you’ll study
This is a 60 point, one-trimester qualification. You’ll complete the Certificate solely through coursework—there is no research component.
The coursework is delivered through lectures and workshops that you need to attend on campus.
To meet the requirements of the Certificate, you must complete:
- a core course in either communication paradigms or communication research methods
- a choice of electives.
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 40–45 hours a week.
- Part-time students will need to do around 20–23 hours of work a week (depending on course availability). Make sure you take this into account if you’re working.
Specialise in an area of communications
You also choose courses that offer you advanced approaches to communications, or you can choose to specialise within a particular area.
For example, if you chose the Science Communication specialisation, you need to take specific courses to fulfil its requirements.
Science Communication
You can only specialise in Science Communication if you begin your PGCertC in Trimester 1. The courses required are taught only at the beginning of the academic year.
Part-time study options
If you’re studying full time, you will complete this Certificate in a single trimester. If you’re a domestic student, you can study part time over a longer period.
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.
Degree 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.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
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 PGCertC 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 Wellington 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.
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the PGCertC
2. The personal course of study for the PGCertC shall consist of one of Communication Paradigms (COMS 501), or Communication Research Methods (COMS 502); and 30 further points from the MC Schedule
3. 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
The PGCertC is a good way to enhance your abilities in your current role, or to expand your options in a new area. It’s ideal if you need a short and flexible study option to fit your schedule.
This qualification gives you foundational expertise for roles in public relations, corporate communications, or government. It’s useful if you need communications knowledge for a new role, or if you want to upskill for your current position.
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.
We encourage you to apply—many scholarships don’t receive enough applications.
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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This scholarship has been established by the School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies.
Scholarships for international students
We're 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.
We encourage you to apply—many scholarships don’t receive enough applications.
Scholarships for Postgraduate Communications
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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.
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This scholarship was established in 1980 by the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, the Rt. Hon. Sir John Marshall, GBE, CH, BA, LLM, Hon. LLD, to encourage the study of Political Science at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. The Scholarship was extended to include International Relations.
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
Wellington is the home of New Zealand's communications industry. VUW’s links with public- and private-sector organisations give you opportunities for networking, and on-the-job learning. You’ll also benefit from guest lectures delivered by Wellington-based communications professionals.
Wellington’s concentration of communications industry decision-makers could bring you opportunities for internships and career connections unavailable elsewhere in New Zealand.
Further research or study
If you do well in your PGDipC and have an aptitude for research, you’ll be able to apply to do a Postgraduate Diploma or Master’s degree. The Master’s deepens your theoretical and practical knowledge and skills, and is useful if you’re aiming for senior roles.
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.