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)

Inclusive Journalism

Focused on Aotearoa New Zealand, this specialisation empowers you to challenge traditional media paradigms and amplify diverse voices. You'll gain expertise in alternative, indigenous and citizen journalism, mastering innovative storytelling techniques like transmedia and participatory formats. You’ll be able to produce content that addresses societal inequalities and promotes social cohesion, making a lasting impact in our multicultural world.

Complete the following courses:

• JOUR811 Indigenous Journalism (15 points)
• JOUR812 Journalism of Inclusion (15 points)
• JOUR813 Accidental and Alternative Journalisms (15 points)
• JOUR814 Experimental Modes and Forms (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)
• JOUR811 Indigenous Journalism (15 points)
• JOUR812 Journalism of Inclusion (15 points)
• JOUR813 Accidental and Alternative Journalisms (15 points)
• JOUR814 Experimental Modes and Forms (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.

Master of Communication Studies study planner

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.