Postgraduate Diploma in Communication Studies

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Study areas

Communication Studies

Home > Study at AUT > Study areas > Communication Studies > Study > Postgraduate Study > Postgraduate Diploma in Communication Studies

Postgraduate Diploma in Communication Studies

The Postgraduate Diploma in Communication Studies is a taught postgraduate degree offering a combination of academic and creative options. This qualification provides a relevant and flexible entry into postgraduate study and prepares for a higher professional profile.

Quick facts

Programme Code: AK1299
Level: 8
Points: 120
Duration: One year full time / Maximum three years part time
Venue: City Campus
Start date: 22 July 2012 (Standard, Digital Media, Communications & Public Relations Pathways only) and 3 March 2014 (All Pathways)

AUT encourages early application. There are limited places available. Late applications will be accepted if the programme is not full. Applicants will normally be selected on the basis of their level of academic achievement and may be required to attend a selection interview.

Entry requirements

In order to be admitted to the Postgraduate Diploma in Communication Studies an applicant must have completed:

(a) the Bachelor of Communication Studies or equivalent or
(b) a relevant professional qualification or professional experience approved by the dean (or representative) to be equivalent to a bachelor’s degree.

Guidelines to entry

Additional entry & selection criteria

Structure

From investigative journalism to screenwriting, from digital media to public relations, and from organisational change to radio, this qualification provides you with a one year intensive postgraduate qualification that covers the communications field. You can either choose a pathway without specialisation, in which you can select from a range of papers that best suit your interests, or a specialised pathway, in which you can develop and extend your creative and professional practice in a particular discipline area.

On completing the Postgraduate Diploma in Communication Studies, you can elect to continue your studies with the Master of Communication Studies (subject to meeting entry criteria).

Most papers last one semester and are worth 15 points. Students must complete 120 points in total. It is recommended that students who plan to proceed to the Master's degree after successfully completing the Postgraduate Diploma include a relevant Research Methods paper in their programme of study.

Standard pathway

This option is designed for students who want to cover a broad range of communication areas and to gain expertise before embarking on further study or entering the workforce. You tailor your study towards intersecting and emerging creative fields (for instance, by combining animation and screenwriting), or towards a more traditional academic focus (for instance, by focusing on patterns of media ownership and the impact of globalisation on society).

Papers

Select 120 points in total from:
149106 Co-operative Education (30)
149107 Media Communication Research Methods (15)
149108 A Political Economy Approach to the Media (15)
149109 Project (30)
149110 Media Communication Reading Paper (15)
149111 Media, Culture & Society (15)*
149112 New Media & Society (15)
149114 Time, Temporality and Globalisation (15)
149116 Selected Topics in Media Communication Practice (15)
149117 3D Animation (15)
149118 Asia-Pacific Journalism (15)
149120 Interactive Media (15)
149121 Investigative & Agenda-Setting Journalism (15)
149122 Critiquing Creative Organisations (15)
149123 Moving Image (15)
149124 Public Relations Concepts and Critique (15)
149125 Radio (15)
149126 Screenwriting (15)
149127 Television (15)*
149128 The Creative Industries, Culture and the Market Place (15)
149135 Documentary Studies (15)
149138 Celebrity Culture: Media & The Social Organisation of Fame (15)
149141 Digital Media Research Methods (15)
149142 Journalism and Media Relations (15)
149143 Journalism Law and Ethics (15)
149144 Journalism Theory and Practice (15)
149145 Managing Communication and Public Relations (15)
149146 Digital Visual Communication (15)
149147 Web Media (15)
149148 Multimodal Mediated Research Methods (15)
149149 News Editing and Design Workshop (15)
149150 Public Affairs Reporting Workshop (15)
149151 Advanced Screen Post Production (15)*
149152 Advanced Non Fiction Screenwriting (15)*
149153 Producing for the Screen (15)*
149154 International Public Relations (15)

Specialisations

These options are designed for students who prefer to gain an in-depth, vocationally oriented education in a specific discipline area. Each specialisation allows you to develop critical knowledge and professional competencies that are crucial for success in the contemporary world.

Communications and Public Relations
This pathway focuses on preparing you for communication management roles in corporate communication, consultancy work and internal communication. It is especially relevant for students who want to combine critical and academic analysis with experiential learning in a variety of ‘real-world’ scenarios.

Close relationships with industry leaders and professional associations ensure strong dialogue and mentoring opportunities between you and the wider profession.

Papers - 120 points in total

148300 Creative Practice (Communication and Public Relations) (60)