Master of Communication Studies
Shape the future of media and communication industries with the Master of Communication Studies. Explore communication leadership or media innovation, and research a topic of your interest.
Specialise in communication leadership or media innovation, and complete courses that cover current developments in media and communication studies.
The research dissertation is at the core of the programme. You'll work with our experienced supervisors to design and develop your research. Many of our students produce a creative component as part of their research, for example a screenplay, digital media artefact, radio programme or public relations campaign.
Download programme guides
Minimum entry requirements
Must have completed a bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification with a B grade average or higher in level 7 courses.
May be required to attend a selection interview.
International student entry requirements
English language requirements
IELTS (Academic) 6.5 overall with all bands 6 or higher; or equivalent
Gain expertise in current topics in communication studies with AUT’s Master of Communication Studies.
To make life easier if you’re working while you’re studying, classes are usually taught in the evening, with classes every second week of semester, plus one Saturday workshop per course. Throughout the course, you’ll develop a portfolio of work, putting what you’re learning into practice.
Complete the following course
- COMM807 Media and Communication Research Methods (15 points)
Specialise in one of the following
Communication Leadership
By specialising in communication leadership, you’ll develop the skills to lead through effective communication in times of crisis and beyond. You'll learn to develop advanced strategies for addressing complex societal issues like health emergencies and climate change. You’ll become adept at using digital media technologies, guiding communication with diverse groups, and implementing value-informed, regenerative communication practices to navigate and shape the future of societal and economic landscapes.
Complete the following courses:
- COMM818 Change and Sustainability (15 points)
- COMM819 Communicating Wicked Problems (15 points)
- COMM820 Digital Citizenship (15 points)
- COMM821 Persuasion and Social Change (15 points)
Media Innovation
Our Media Innovation specialisation equips you to lead in today's dynamic media landscape. Focusing on digital communication, you'll gain a critical understanding of innovation across the media ecosystem. You'll explore transmedia formats, cross-platform strategies and transdisciplinary approaches, while developing practical skills to manage and strengthen innovation in the creative economy.
Complete the following courses:
- DIGM809 Media Innovation Practice (15 points)
- DIGM810 Producing for Media Ecosystems (15 points)
- DIGM811 Managing Innovation in the Digital Economy (15 points)
- DIGM812 Media Futures (15 points)
And complete another three from*
- COMM811 Professional Practice Project (30 points)
- COMM818 Change and Sustainability (15 points)
- COMM819 Communicating Wicked Problems (15 points)
- COMM820 Digital Citizenship (15 points)
- COMM821 Persuasion and Social Change (15 points)
- DIGM809 Media Innovation Practice (15 points)
- DIGM810 Producing for Media Ecosystems (15 points)
- DIGM811 Managing Innovation in the Digital Economy (15 points)
- DIGM812 Media Futures (15 points)
*Choose three 15-point courses, or one 30-point course and one 15-point course.
And complete a research dissertation
- COMM997 Dissertation (60 points)
Study planner for this programme
Download our study planner to see in which semester courses are offered and what your studies could look like in the Master of Communication Studies.
If you started your studies in this programme before 2025, email pgcommqueries@aut.ac.nz to find out what courses you should enrol in in 2025.
Ready to enrol in your courses?
Find out how you can enrol in the courses and classes for your programme, whether you’ve just joined AUT as a new student or you’re already studying with us. If you’re looking for a course timetable or more info on a specific course use our course search.
More details about courses in the Master of Communication Studies
Email pgcommqueries@aut.ac.nz
Enrolment in courses is subject to meeting all requirements and availability of courses. Some courses may only be offered once per year. To find out more, contact the postgraduate coordinator at the email address above. The timetable may be subject to change and courses could be cancelled if there aren’t enough students enrolled.
($10,630 tuition fees + $1,221.60 student services levy)
($40,700 tuition fees + $1,221.60 student services levy)
- Fees shown are based on a full-time workload for the points indicated next to the fee. The exact fee charged will depend on which courses you select at the time of enrolment.
- Fees are subject to change year to year. If you are planning for study beyond the current year, fees may vary from those stated.
- There may also be other fees and charges you need to pay.
- International students' tuition fees reflect the full cost of tuition. Domestic students' tuition fees are less due to a proportion of the tuition fees being funded by the New Zealand Government.
The information on this page was correct at time of publication. For a comprehensive overview of AUT qualifications, please refer to the Academic Calendar.