Develop advanced skills in communication
Refine your theoretical and practical knowledge of communications and prepare for senior roles in a range of fields like media, creative, marketing, political, and science communication.
Choose from our unique range of postgraduate communication qualifications—including some that let you specialise in niche 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 practical communication skills and expertise valued by employers worldwide.
Choose your study path
Postgraduate Certificate in Communication
The Postgraduate Certificate is an excellent introduction to the field, and gives you practical skills and knowledge you can apply in your work right away. A 60 point, one-trimester qualification.
Postgraduate Diploma in Communication
Master of Communication
This 180 point, one-year degree deepens your knowledge of communications theory and practice—in general and within your chosen specialisation. It also develops your research skills and practical experience through an optional internship.
PhD study in Communication
If you complete a Master's and you're interested in communications research or an academic career, you can apply to be a PhD candidate.
You’ll carry out original and sustained research under supervision from world-class academics in the School of Arts and Media.
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.
Study options
Find out how you can study Postgraduate Communication at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
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.
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
Postgraduate qualifications in Communication develop your communication skills and help you develop the sophisticated, nuanced approach to communication that employers are looking for.
Almost any industry that needs to manage its internal and external communications needs Communication graduates.
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 first year and school-leaver scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.
Scholarships for Humanities and Social Sciences
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Applicants must be enrolled, or intending to enrol full time, in a Master’s or PhD degree in areas related to identity management and are New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.
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This scholarship is for students undertaking or intending to undertake an Honours or Masters degree at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington in areas related to Peace Building or Peace Studies, Trust Building, Conflict Resolution, addressing Historical Injustice, Restorative Justice, Social Cohesion, Community building and promoting cross-cultural understanding, Change Making or Ethical Leadership.
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This Scholarship was established in 2025 to honour Professor Margaret Hyland who held the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research at Victoria University of Wellington from 2018 to 2025.
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 scholarship shall be awarded annually to a full-time Master's by thesis student undertaking research in New Zealand's history, cultures and society. Students who are intending to transfer to Victoria University of Wellington from other universities are eligible to apply. This scholarship is open to domestic and international students.
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The scholarship is open to graduates of any university in New Zealand or of the University of the South Pacific, who are enrolled or intending to enrol full-time or part-time, in a Master of Criminology (MCrim) or a PhD in Criminology at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
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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.
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.
Research areas
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.