Study the Master of Communications (MComms)
Why study the Master of Communications?
Communication sits at the centre of how organisations, institutions, and publics operate. From policy and public debate to marketing, media, and leadership, effective communication shapes decisions, relationships, and outcomes.
The Master of Communications (MComms) is designed for a world where communication is increasingly complex, fast-moving, and mediated by technology. The programme combines conceptual depth with applied, practice-based learning, equipping students with advanced skills in writing, persuasion, policy communication, and audience engagement.
With a strong emphasis on ethical, human-centred communication, the MComms prepares graduates to analyse, critique, and create effective messaging across diverse professional and public contexts, including in environments shaped by digital media, global audiences, and emerging technologies
Who is this programme for?
- The Master of Communications is suited to graduates and early- to mid-career professionals who want to develop advanced communication skills for professional or public contexts. It is particularly relevant for those with backgrounds in communication, media, humanities, social sciences, marketing, policy, or related fields.
- The programme is not research-focused and does not include a thesis. Applicants seeking a research-led pathway may wish to consider other postgraduate options.
View postgraduate Communication Studies options
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Programme details
Regulations for the Degree of Master of Communications (MComms)
Admission to the Programme
- Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Director of the MComms or their delegate.
- Every applicant must have been awarded a bachelor’s degree with an average grade of at least B.
Structure of the Programme
- The degree may be awarded within either ‘Concentration 1’ or ‘Concentration 2’ of the MComms Schedule.
- The programme of study shall consist of either:
- 180 points of approved papers at 400 and 500-level including: HUMS 588; HUMS 501; MFCO 416; SCOM 432; MFCO 518; and either MART 566 or MART 565 or MART 449 or MANT 437 or MANT 447 or MANT 472.
- 180 points of approved papers at 400 and 500-level including: HUMS 588; HUMS 501; MFCO 416; and MFCO 518, and 60-points of other papers from MFCO or approved papers in the Division of the Humanities.
- With the permission of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities), and the Director of the MComms, a candidate may substitute for one required paper a paper of another subject at the same level.
Duration of the Programme
A candidate shall normally follow a programme of twelve months of full-time study and not more than twenty-eight months of part-time study. Exceptions to the normal duration of a programme shall be permitted only with the approval of the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Humanities) and no programme of study shall exceed three calendar years from the date of first admission.Withdrawal from the Programme
Where a candidate withdraws from the programme after completing 120-points, the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Humanities) may recommend the award of the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects.
Variations
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities) may in exceptional circumstances approve a course of study which does not comply with these regulations.
Explore more in Communications
Learn where this subject can take you and discover the full range of study options, from undergraduate programmes to postgraduate pathways.
Career opportunities
Your fast track into professional communication roles.
Graduates of the Master of Communications are equipped for roles where clear, ethical, and effective communication is central to professional practice. The programme develops advanced skills in writing, persuasion, audience engagement, and critical analysis, preparing graduates to work across a wide range of sectors and contexts.
Depending on their areas of focus, graduates may move into roles related to:
- Strategic and organisational communication
- Public relations and media engagement
- Marketing and digital communication
- Policy, public affairs, and government communication
- Journalism and content production
- Social media and platform-based communication
- Crisis, risk, and issues communication
- Communications roles in NGOs and cultural organisations
The MComms also provides a strong foundation for roles that require critical media literacy and an understanding of how communication operates within social, cultural, and political systems, both in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally.
Communicate, critique and create. The Master in Communication equips you with vital skills in how messaging works – its political and social impacts – and the power to move people through language.
Communicate and persuade with precision. Make an impact in the world through the power of language.
MComms Co-ordinator and Lecturer
More information
If you have questions about the Master of Communications, including entry requirements, programme structure, or study options, we’re happy to help.
For programme-specific questions, you can also contact the Master of Communications programme team.
For international enquiries and advice, contact our International team.
