Master of Strategic Communication
MStratCom
Duration
1 year (February entry) or 1.5 years (July entry) full-time
Entry times
Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Download Brochure
Online to on-campus
Duration
1 year (February entry) or 1.5 years (July entry) full-time
Entry times
Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Download Brochure
Overview
The Master of Strategic Communication (MStratCom) prepares students for careers 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.
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.
- 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. Recent examples include lecturers from Cardiff University and the Danish School of Media and Journalism.
- 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.
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 to the satisfaction of the Head of Department and the Dean of Arts (Academic).
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.
How to apply
You can apply online at myUC. Find out more about how to apply for graduate and postgraduate qualifications.
The MStratCom includes 180 points of coursework, including one 60-point dissertation.
This can be completed in 1 year (February entry) or 1.5 years (July entry) full-time study, or up to 3 years part-time.
The MStratCom requires 180 points of coursework, with two compulsory courses, a dissertation, and two optional courses:
Compulsory courses:
Optional courses – choose two:
- COMS 408 Ethics for Professional Communicators
- COMS 420 Special Topic: Public Diplomacy
- PACE 495 Professional and Community Engagement Internship (enrolment subject to approval by the Arts Internship Coordinator)
Please contact the Arts Internship Coordinator (artsinternships@canterbury.ac.nz) as soon as possible if you are interested in PACE 495.
Dissertation
Students 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.
Students may also find work in a variety of fields such as news media, publishing, communications advisories, non-profit organisations, social media, and strategic marketing.
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) |
| 2021 | 180 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $11,427 |
| 2022 | 180 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $11,622 |
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) | Fees (NZD) Excl GST |
| 2021 | 180 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $40,800 | $35,478 |
| 2022 | 180 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $42,300 | $36,783 |
Contact us
For full requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Strategic Communication.
For study planning help, contact Te Tari Mātai Pāpāho | Department of Media and Communication or the College of Arts:
Te Rāngai Toi Tangata | College of Arts
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
Phone +64 3 369 3377
Email artsdegreeadvice@canterbury.ac.nz