Study the impact of media in-depth
Take an in-depth look at what media is today and how it impacts our lives.
Choose from a wide range of research topics and focus on an area of media that interests you, under the direct supervision of our expert academic staff. Develop the research skills needed to plan and execute original projects and gain a deeper understanding of the media studies field.
At the School of Arts and Media you'll learn from and work with highly regarded academics with international reputations for teaching, research and publishing.
Choose your study path
There are several ways you can take Postgraduate Media Studies with us.
Postgraduate study pathways
Postgraduate study gives you the flexibility to focus on either coursework or research, depending on your goals and interests.
When you study by coursework, you’ll learn in a structured way through lectures, tutorials, assignments, and exams.
When you do a research degree, you’ll do independent research while working closely with an academic supervisor.
Focus on coursework
- Graduate Certificate in Arts
- Graduate Diploma in Arts
- Postgraduate Certificate in Arts
- Postgraduate Diploma in Arts
- Master of Arts (coursework)
- Master of Communication
Focus on research
- Bachelor of Arts with Honours
- Master of Arts (thesis)
- Doctor of Philosophy
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 Media Studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Why Wellington
Make the most of our decades of scholarship and teaching in Media Studies, which we’ve been offering since 2001.
Wellington is home to some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s biggest news media outlets, including RNZ, Stuff, and Scoop Independent News. Here you’ll also find more than 40 leading marketing, communications, and public relations agencies.
Wellington was named as a UNESCO City of Film in 2019 and is home to Aotearoa New Zealand’s film industry. Wētā FX, Park Road Post Production, and 600 other film related companies are all in Wellington.
The city also hosts Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision, Archives New Zealand, the National Library of New Zealand, and a thriving film culture scene.
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 who studied Postgraduate Media Studies work in a wide range of roles that make the most of their communication and critical analysis skills. With the information ecosystem continuing to grow, many employers seek out people who understand how to communicate across a variety of formats, including written and visual communication.
These skills make graduates valuable across many different industries.
Commercial Communications Council graduate programme
The Commercial Communications Council is the peak body for advertising and communications agencies in Aotearoa New Zealand. They run a graduate recruitment programme each year.
More career information
Find out more about careers.
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. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It's a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
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. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It's a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
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
Our Media and Communication Programme academic staff are active across a range of specialist research areas.
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.