Postgraduate Certificate in Communication Studies
Interested in postgraduate study in communications? In as little as one semester you can explore a range of topics - from inclusive journalism to media innovation and communication leadership.
The Postgraduate Certificate in Communication Studies is a great option if you have a three-year bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline but lack the grade point average for admission to the Master of Communication Studies.
Download programme guides
Minimum entry requirements
- Bachelor of Communication Studies or equivalent OR
- Relevant professional qualification or experience approved by the Dean to be equivalent to a bachelor’s degree
A selection interview may be required.
International student entry requirements
English language 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.
You need to complete 60 points from courses in the Master of Communication Studies. Our expert staff will guide you in your choice of courses, which range from communication leadership and inclusive journalism to media innovation and research methodologies.
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.
Choose 60 points from the following courses
Semester 1
- COMM818 Change and Sustainability (15 points)
- COMM819 Communicating Wicked Problems (15 points)
- COMM820 Digital Citizenship (15 points)
- DIGM809 Media Innovation Practice (15 points)
- DIGM810 Producing for Media Ecosystems (15 points)
- DIGM811 Managing Innovation in the Digital Economy (15 points)
- JOUR811 Indigenous Journalism (15 points)
- JOUR812 Journalism of Inclusion (15 points)
- JOUR813 Accidental and Alternative Journalisms (15 points)
Semester 2
- COMM807 Media Communication Research Methods (15 points)
- COMM811 Professional Practice Project (30 points)
- COMM821 Persuasion and Social Change (15 points)
- DIGM812 Media Futures (15 points)
- JOUR814 Experimental Modes and Forms (15 points)
More details about courses in the Postgraduate Certificate in Communication Studies
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.
($5,014 tuition fees + $596 student services levy)
($19,800 tuition fees + $596 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.