Graduate Diploma in Strategic Communication
GradDipStratComm
Duration
1 year full-time
Entry times
Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Master of Strategic Communication
- Master of Writing
- Master of Arts
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Download Brochure
Duration
1 year full-time
Entry times
Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Master of Strategic Communication
- Master of Writing
- Master of Arts
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Download Brochure
Overview
Strategic communication is key to successful management in every area of business and society. Using audience and data analytics, expert communicators can create effective, targeted messaging campaigns, in a wide range of fields from marketing, organisational development, or health communication through to political campaigning and cultural activities.
The Graduate Diploma in Strategic Communication (GradDipStratComm) is an ideal option for those wanting to add professional communication skills to their current studies or career, or for those looking to change career direction towards corporate or creative media work.
Any bachelor’s degree, or other qualifications of an equivalent standard, is required to enrol in the Diploma.
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 Graduate Diploma in Strategic Communication or use the admission requirements checker.
How to apply
You can apply online at myUC. Find out more about how to apply for graduate and postgraduate qualifications.
The GradDipStratComm is made up of 120 points of coursework.
The Diploma will usually take 1 year of full-time study, or can be completed part-time within 5 years.
It can be started in either February or July.
Compulsory courses
Elective courses
- 30 points of 300-level elective courses
- another 30 points of elective courses from any level
GradDipStratComm graduates may go on to the Master of Strategic Communication.
UC also offers a Master of Writing, or a Master of Arts and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in a variety of related subjects, for example Media and Communication.
The Graduate Diploma in Strategic Communication is particularly useful for building communication skills onto existing studies and in work roles that need to engage with clients, communities, or businesses on a professional level.
Expertise in creative and business writing, strategic planning, and campaign management will also prepare graduates for careers in stakeholder or public relations, policy and advocacy, advertising, consultancies, agencies, editing and publishing, and news media.
Useful information:
- Read what other UC postgraduate students have gone on to achieve in their studies and careers in our student and graduate profiles.
- 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 you can do with a degree from UC.
- Come along to an upcoming information event for prospective postgraduate students.
See Tuition Fee Structure for more information
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2024 | 120 | Fee estimate. Actual fee will be determined by course selection. | $6,745 |
| 2023 | 120 | Fee estimate. Actual fee will be determined by course selection. | $6,564 |
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2024 | 120 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $31,600 |
| 2023 | 120 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $30,000 |
Contact us
For full requirements, see the Regulations for the Graduate Diploma in Strategic Communication.
For study planning help, contact Te Tari Mātai Pāpāho | Department of Media and Communication.
Te Kaupeka Toi Tangata | Faculty of Arts
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
Phone +64 3 369 0742
Email StudyMediaAndCommunications@canterbury.ac.nz