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Master of Strategic Communication

The Master of Strategic Communication (MStratCom) prepares students for a career in complex, professional media for corporations, public relations, and advocacy. Students 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.

Introduction

This coursework 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.

Online Study Option

Students can study either on campus or exclusively online. The online programme follows different term dates and has a more prescribed course list.

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.
• 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.
• Students will have the opportunity to complete an industry internship to credit towards their Master's, with UC's extensive contacts with key local corporations.

Entry Requirements

Students should have achieved at least a B Grade Point Average in 300-level courses in their undergraduate degree, or have relevant professional work experience. If English is not their first language, they are also required to meet UC's Postgraduate language requirements.

How to Apply

Students can apply online for the on-campus version or through UC Online for the online version.

Degree Structure

The MStratCom includes 180 points of coursework, including compulsory and elective courses and finishing with either a 60-point dissertation or portfolio piece. These courses are completed either fully online or as a mixture of online and on-campus study.

Subjects and Courses

For in-person study, students must complete the following compulsory courses:

• COMS421 Strategic Communication Theory and Application (30 points - on campus)
• COMS432 Building Impactful Campaigns: Research, Strategy and Ethical Practice (15 points - through UC Online)
• COMS433 Campaign Success: Messaging, Tactics and Pitching with Impact (15 points - through UC Online)

Students must also choose 60 points of elective courses from the following options:

• COMS408 Communication Ethics (30 points)
• COMS420 Public Diplomacy (30 points)
• COMS441 Strategic Leadership Communication (30 points)
• PACE495 Professional and Community Engagement Internship (30 points)

Dissertation or Portfolio

For their final course, students may choose between either a research dissertation or a portfolio of applied communication work:

• COMS692 Dissertation
• COMS693 Strategic Communication Portfolio

Fees

Domestic Students

2025 tuition fee estimate: $12,718 (180 points)
2026 tuition fee estimate: $13,481 (180 points)

International Students

2025 Special Programme Fee: $48,600 (180 points)
2026 Special Programme Fee: $51,000 (180 points)
2027 Special Programme Fee: $54,000 (180 points)

Student Services Levy (SSL)

2025 SSL: $9.72 per point ($1,166.40 per 120 points)
2026 SSL: $10.30 per point ($1,236.00 per 120 points)

Further Study

Students can go on to study a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Media and Communication, or Journalism.

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.