Master of Strategic Communication
- Degree Structure - Start In
- February, July, September
180
Overview
Master of Strategic Communication
Introduction
The Master of Strategic Communication (MStratCom) prepares you for a career in complex, professional media for corporations, public relations, and advocacy. You will learn how to generate communications using creative understanding of the audience and corporate goals, media ethics, and using a range of research and data analytics.
This coursework Master鈥檚 is well suited for students wanting to develop skills in public media relations and organisational communication, including those who have no previous experience in these areas, or are wanting to change their career focus.
The Master of Strategic Communication is offered on campus or fully online through .
Master of Strategic Communication
Why study a Master of Strategic Communication at UC?
- 鲍颁鈥檚 Te Tari M膩tai P膩p膩ho | Department of Media and Communication maintains close relationships with professional media outlets and frequently hosts guest speakers from the industry, including internationally renowned professors from other universities. Recent examples include lecturers from Cardiff University and the Danish School of Media and Journalism.
- 鲍颁鈥檚 Journalism graduates can be found in leading newsrooms throughout the country, and many have received national awards in news reporting and editorial writing.
- You will have the opportunity to complete an industry internship to credit towards your Master鈥檚, with 鲍颁鈥檚 extensive contacts with key local corporations.
Master of Strategic Communication
Entry requirements
You should have achieved at least a B Grade Point Average in 300-level courses in your undergraduate degree, or have relevant professional work experience.
- If you are an international student and need help meeting these requirements, study one of 鲍颁鈥檚 International Pre-Master鈥檚 pathways to gain entry into this degree.
- If you are a domestic student and need help meeting these requirements, study 鲍颁鈥檚 Diploma in Advancing University Studies to gain entry into this degree.
- If English is not your first language, you are also required to meet UC's English language requirements. If you need help meeting these requirements, or would like to practise your English skills before studying, UC offers English for Academic Purposes (EAP) language programmes.
For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Strategic Communication or use the .
How to apply
You can apply online at .
See Admission and enrolment for all information on enrolling at UC.
Master of Strategic Communication
How do I plan my degree?
The MStratCom includes 180 points of coursework, including compulsory and elective courses and finishing with either a 60-point dissertation or portfolio piece.
This can be completed in 18 months full-time study, or up to 5 years part-time. The degree can be started in February and July if studying in-person or online, and also in September if studying exclusively online.
See for all information on courses, start dates, and applications for the online version of the programme.
For full requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Strategic Communication.
Master of Strategic Communication
Subjects and courses
Compulsory courses
Choose two from the following:
And choose another two from the following:
Elective courses
- Choose 60 points of courses from
Please contact the Internship Coordinator, PACE (paceinternships@canterbury.ac.nz) as soon as possible if you are interested in PACE495.
Dissertation or Portfolio
For your final course, you may choose between either a research dissertation or a portfolio of applied communication work:
顿辞尘别蝉迟颈肠听蝉迟耻诲别苍迟蝉
2025 tuition fee estimate: $12,718 (180 points)
2026 tuition fee听estimate: $13,481 (180 points)
滨苍迟别谤苍补迟颈辞苍补濒听蝉迟耻诲别苍迟蝉
2025 Special Programme Fee:听$48,600 (180 points)
2026 Special Programme Fee:听$51,000 (180 points)
2027 Special Programme Fee:听$54,000 (180 points)
Master of Strategic Communication
Further study
You can go on to study a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Media and Communication, or Journalism.
Master of Strategic Communication
Career opportunities
Graduate students of the MStratCom will have advanced skills in communications writing and editorial knowledge for different kinds of media. They will be prepared to lead professional and business communications that go out to clients, and large audiences or communities.
Strategic Communication graduates will find their skills highly valued within organisations involved in public policy and advocacy, government agencies, public relations, and also internal communications within companies.
You may also find work in a variety of fields such as news media, publishing, communications advisories, non-profit organisations, social media, and strategic marketing.
Useful information:
- Read what other UC postgraduate students have gone on to achieve in their studies and careers in our student stories.
- Te R艒p奴 Rapuara | UC Careers can help you to achieve the career you want, connect with employers, or find a job.
- For research into career destinations by qualification, visit .
- Find out more about what can you do with a degree from UC.
- Come along to an upcoming information event for prospective postgraduate students.
