Master of Strategic Communication
- Degree Structure - Start In
- Semester 1 (February)
UC's Master of Strategic Communication (MStratCom) prepares you for a career in complex, professional media for corporations, public relations, and advocacy. Learn more about studying an MStratCom through our Te Kaupeka Toi Tangata | Faculty of Arts.
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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.
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.
You can apply online at myUC.
See Admission and enrolment for all information on enrolling at UC.
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.
2024 tuition fee estimate: $11,998 (180 points)
2025 tuition fee estimate: $12,718 (180 points)
2024 Special Programme Fee: $46,350 (180 points)
2025 Special Programme Fee: $48,600 (180 points)
The MStratCom requires 180 points of coursework, with two compulsory courses, a dissertation, and two elective courses:
Please contact the Internship Coordinator, PACE (paceinternships@canterbury.ac.nz) as soon as possible if you are interested in PACE495.
You can go on to study a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Media and Communication, or Journalism.
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.