Postgraduate Diploma in Communication – PGDipC

The Postgraduate Diploma in Communication is designed to deepen your understanding of communication practice. This qualification is useful if you are in a communication role and wish to broaden your skills, or if you’d like to expand your understanding of different approaches to communication from business or humanities traditions.

Type of Qualification

• Postgraduate diploma

Level of Study

• Postgraduate study
• NZQF level 8

Time to Complete

• 1 year full-time (120 credits)
• Part-time available

Where You Can Study

• Distance and online
• Wellington campus

International Students

• Open to international students on campus in New Zealand

Key Dates

• Admission application due dates
• Course enrolment dates for accepted students
• Semester dates

Study a Postgraduate Diploma in Communication – PGDipC

Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Communication will provide you with an in-depth look at communication principles and practice to help progress your career. You will follow similar study and learning processes and take courses that are also part of the Master of Communication. The difference is that this qualification does not have a research thesis component.

Multi-disciplinary

In the Postgraduate Diploma in Communication, you will gain access to Massey's world-leading expertise across a broad range of specialisations. These include media, humanities, business, organisational studies, social sciences, health, and social sciences.

A PGDipC is a Good Fit if You:

• want to move into a communication-related job or career from another field
• would like to deepen or formalise your understanding of communication theory and practice
• would like to complete a taught qualification that does not have a research component

Entry Requirements

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

Specific Requirements

To enter the Postgraduate Diploma in Communication, you will have been awarded or qualified for a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in a field related to the study of communication, and have achieved a B grade average across the 300-level courses.

English Language Requirements

If English is not your first language and your qualifying degree was not completed at a university where English was the medium of instruction, you must have achieved an IELTS of 7 with no band less than 6.5 within the preceding 5 years.

Prior Learning, Credit, and Exemptions

For information on prior learning, exemptions, and transfer of credit or other questions, review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations.

English Language Skills

If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.

Maximum Time Limits for Completion

There are maximum time limits to complete postgraduate qualifications. If you do not complete within the maximum time, you may be required to re-apply for the qualification if you wish to continue your studies.

Time Limits for Honours, Distinction, and Merit

Where your qualification is completed within the stated time limit and to a high standard, you may be able to graduate with a class of Honours, Distinction, or Merit.

Structure of the Postgraduate Diploma in Communication

Credit Summary

• 120 credits
  • Core courses – 60 credits
  • Communication courses – Up to 60 credits
  • Electives – Up to 30 credits

Course Planning Key

• Prerequisites: Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level.
• Corequisites: Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course.
• Restrictions: Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar.

Schedule A: Core Courses

Choose 60 credits from:

• Course code: The Communication Field Credits: 30 credits
• Course code: Transdisciplinary Communication Research Methods Credits: 30 credits

Schedule B: Communication Courses

Choose no more than 60 credits from:

• Course code: Advanced Film Studies Credits: 30 credits
• Course code: Modern Fiction, Popular Culture and the Media Credits: 30 credits
• Course code: Technology and Cultural Change Credits: 30 credits
• Course code: Media Practice and Global Culture Credits: 30 credits
• Course code: Marketing for Social Change Credits: 30 credits
• Course code: Multimodal Discourse Analysis Credits: 30 credits
• Course code: Language and Communication in Late Modernity Credits: 30 credits
• Course code: Management Communication Credits: 30 credits
• Course code: Perspectives in Business Communication Credits: 30 credits
• Course code: International and Intercultural Communication Credits: 30 credits
• Course code: Writing Science Credits: 30 credits
• Course code: Community Theatre Credits: 30 credits
• Course code: Theatre for Innovation and Communication Credits: 30 credits
• Course code: Creative Writing Workshop Credits: 30 credits

Schedule C: Elective Courses

Choose no more than 30 credits from:

• Course code: Human Resource Management and Workplace Relations Credits: 30 credits
• Course code: Emergency Management Credits: 30 credits
• Course code: Tino Rangatiratanga: Strategic Māori Development Credits: 30 credits
• Course code: International Relations: Theory and Practice Credits: 30 credits
• Course code: Evaluation: Theory and Principles Credits: 30 credits

Fees and Scholarships

2026 Tuition Fees

• Domestic students: $10,652
• International students: $39,840

Tuition fees are estimates only. The exact fees charged will depend on which courses you select at the time of enrolment.

Student Loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free Scheme

You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees. The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students.

Scholarship and Award Opportunities

Search our scholarships and awards.

Careers and Job Opportunities

You may be currently in a communication role or in a position that has a communication dimension. Or, you may be interested in working in communication at a senior level. Whichever of these is your situation, the Postgraduate Diploma in Communication can help you take your career to the next level.

A postgraduate diploma qualification helps you stand out in the employment market. International trends are for employers to reward postgraduate study well, especially in larger enterprises. The skills you learn are increasingly recognised as setting you apart from other potential employees.

Related Study Options

• Applied Communication – Bachelor of Communication
• Communication – Master of Business Studies
• Diploma in Communication – DipC
• Expressive Arts and Media Studies – Bachelor of Communication
• Master of Communication – MC

Official Regulations

To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate, read the official rules and regulations for this qualification. General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate Certificates.

Massey University of New Zealand - Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa

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Overview:

Massey University is a research-led university in New Zealand, known for its excellence in innovation and the creation of new knowledge. It offers a wide range of academic programs and support services to students.

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Services Offered:

Massey University provides a variety of support services to students, including: *

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Academic support:

Guidance and resources for academic success. *

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Student life services:

Support for personal well-being, career development, and social engagement. *

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Māori @ Massey:

Dedicated services and resources for Māori students. *

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Pacific Massey:

Support and resources for Pacific students.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Research-led institution:

Massey University is known for its strong research focus and commitment to innovation.

Diverse student body:

The university welcomes students from various backgrounds and cultures.

Supportive environment:

Massey provides a range of services and resources to help students succeed.

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Other:

Distance and online study:

Massey offers a wide range of distance and online study options.

Alumni network:

The university has a strong alumni network that provides support and connections for graduates.