Master of Communication

Refine your knowledge of the theory and practice of communication with a Master of Communication from Victoria University of Wellington.

A broad scope for your unique focus

Draw on the University’s broad field of knowledge and expertise and focus on one of a unique range of subjects—from political communication and intercultural communication, to media studies, popular film or music. You can also choose to focus on science communication, in a specialisation unique to Victoria University of Wellington.

Choose to complete your degree with a research project that focuses on the area that interests you the most, or an internship at a relevant business or organisation.

Knowing and critiquing

Learn about the context in which communication operates and the ways in which it is used to build and guide understanding.

You’ll develop a critical knowledge of the field that will enable you to deconstruct the way that communication is used by others—and creatively apply these theories and approaches in your own work.

Globally ranked

This programme is 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.

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.

Careers

Communication specialists are always in demand. You could find employment in public relations, advertising, communications and marketing, or supporting and creating policy in the topic you’ve focused on—like science or media.

Wellington is at the heart of New Zealand’s communications industry—from science to broadcasting, marketing to politics. Learn from professionals in the field through guest lectures and seminars, and make valuable industry connections.

Community

Postgraduate study will help you build valuable relationships and networks with peers, university staff and future colleagues. Make the most of opportunities to attend events, seminars, workshops and social functions.

Scholarships

You can look for scholarships based on your level of study, subject area and background.

Find out what and how you’ll study in the Master of Communication.

Qualification family structure

The MC is part of a tiered family of qualifications. These are staircased so that courses completed for each qualification can count towards the next step.

• Postgraduate Certificate in Communication
• Postgraduate Diploma in Communication
• Master of Communication

Choose the qualification with the entry requirements, time commitment, and career benefits that suit you.

What you'll study

The 180-point Master of Communication can be completed in one year of full-time study (three trimesters) or up to three years of part-time study.

Part 1

In Part 1, you’ll complete two core courses that will give you a solid grounding in communication theories and research methods.

You’ll then focus your study on the area that interests you the most, by choosing three additional courses from a list of approved electives.

Part 2

In Part 2, you’ll complete your degree with either a research course or an internship in a relevant business or organisation.

What you'll study

The 180-point Master of Communication can be completed in one year of full-time study (three trimesters).

Part 1

In Part 1, you’ll complete two core courses that will give you a solid grounding in communication theories and research methods.

You’ll then focus your study on the area that interests you the most, by choosing three additional courses from a list of approved electives.

Part 2

In Part 2, you’ll complete your degree with either a research course or an internship in a relevant business or organisation.

Specialising in Science Communication

If you choose to specialise in Science Communication, you need to include specific courses in Part 1 and Part 2, as well as completing the core courses in Part 1.

• In Part 1, you need to complete Science Communication (SCIS 410) and Science and the Arts (SCIS 414).
• In Part 2, you need to complete either Research Essay (SCIS 588) or Science Communication Project (SCIS 589).

Postgraduate certificate and diploma

For the Postgraduate Diploma in Communication, you need to complete two core courses and two courses from the list of approved electives in Part 1. To achieve a Postgraduate Certificate in Communication, you need to complete the core courses and another approved course from Part 1.

Workload

If you are studying full time, you can expect a workload of 40–45 hours a week for much of the year. Part-time students will need to do around 20–23 hours of work a week. Make sure you take this into account if you are working.

Workload

Studying full time, you can expect a workload of 40 to 45 hours a week for much of the year.