Master of Strategic Communication
- Degree Structure - Start In
- Semester 1 (February)
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 taught Master’s 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.
Master of Strategic Communication
Why study a Master of Strategic Communication at UC?
- UC’s Te Tari Mātai Pāpāho | 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.
- UC’s 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’s, with UC’s 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 English is your additional language, you are also required to meet UC's English language requirements.
For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Strategic Communication or use the admission requirements checker.
How to apply
You can apply online at myUC.
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 one 60-point dissertation.
This can be completed in 1 year (starting in February) full-time study, or up to 3 years part-time.
For full requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Strategic Communication.
Master of Strategic Communication
Subjects and courses
The MStratCom requires 180 points of coursework, with two compulsory courses, a dissertation, and two elective courses:
Compulsory courses:
Elective courses – choose two:
- COMS408 Ethics for Professional Communicators
- COMS420 Special Topic: Public Diplomacy
- PACE495 Professional and Community Engagement Internship (enrolment subject to approval by the Internship Coordinator, PACE)
Please contact the Internship Coordinator, PACE (paceinternships@canterbury.ac.nz) as soon as possible if you are interested in PACE495.
Dissertation
Domestic students
2024 tuition fee estimate: $11,998 (180 points)
2025 tuition fee estimate: $12,718 (180 points)
International students
2024 Special Programme Fee: $46,350 (180 points)
2025 Special Programme Fee: $48,600 (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 Rōpū 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 Te Pōkai Tara | Universities New Zealand website.
- Find out more about what can you do with a degree from UC.
- Come along to an upcoming information event for prospective postgraduate students.
