Postgraduate Diploma in Communication Studies
From communication leadership to inclusive journalism and media innovation, this one-year intensive postgraduate programme equips you with skills in the communications field.
Explore current developments in media and communication studies, and specialise in communication leadership, inclusive journalism or media innovation.
Taught by staff who are internationally known as experts in their field, the Postgraduate Diploma in Communication Studies is combination of academic and creative options. It provides a relevant and flexible entry into postgraduate study.
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
In the Postgraduate Diploma in Communication Studies you’ll develop expertise in current topics in 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.
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 four 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 four 15-point courses, or one 30-point course and two 15-point courses.
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 Postgraduate Diploma in 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.
More details about courses in the Postgraduate Diploma in 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.
($10,028 tuition fees + $1,192 student services levy)
($39,900 tuition fees + $1,192 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.