The Master of Communication Studies is your opportunity to research an area of your interest in the field of communication studies – from journalism to public relations, and radio to critical discourse analysis or film studies.
In your first year, you complete courses that are a mix of creative and academic work, and cover current developments in media and communication studies.
The research thesis is at the core of the programme. You'll work with our experienced supervisors to design and develop your thesis. Many of our students produce a creative component as part of their thesis, for example a screenplay, an in-depth journalism piece, digital media artefact, radio programme or public relations campaign.
Start date: 2022
Start date: 2023
Must have completed the Bachelor of Communication Studies 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
IELTS (Academic) 7.0 overall with 7.0 in Writing, 6.5 in Reading, 6.5 in Listening and 7.0 in Speaking; or equivalent
In the first part of your study you choose courses to suit your individual interests, including a core research methods course and at least one course on current developments in media and communication studies.
In the second part of your study, you focus on your thesis. The thesis can be produced in a traditional academic form or may include a creative component as part of your research inquiry. A thesis that includes a creative component also needs to include a written exegesis that analyses and critically reflects on the creative work in its critical, theoretical, historical and personal context.
Or any other postgraduate course approved by the programme leader.
Search for a course (Arion)
Email pgcommqueries@aut.ac.nz
Enrolment in courses is subject to meeting all requirements and availability of courses.
The information on this page was correct at time of publication. For a comprehensive overview of AUT qualifications, please refer to the Academic Calendar.