MC - Master of Communication

Overview
Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates
Regulations
Schedule
Graduate Profile and Programme Capabilities

The Master of Communication provides exposure to a broad and interdisciplinary range of approaches and perspectives, with a particular emphasis on communication and social change, as well as communication for social change.

Throughout this programme, you will explore key themes in communication and social changes such as

changing technologies,
environment and sustainability,
Indigeneity, equity, diversity and inclusion,
health, and social justice

both within the context of Aotearoa New Zealand, and globally.

You will define your own research focus for your dissertation, drawing upon the knowledge and expertise gained from our experienced teaching team. Have access to our top researchers, global connections and a unique set of supervisory opportunities, guiding you in exploring communication challenges relevant to your interests.

Gain a unique perspective on bicultural and multicultural communication, developing skills and knowledge that are highly valuable in a globalised world. This programmes prepares you for a future where communication transcends borders and cultures, shaping a more understanding and inclusive world.

Master of Communication graduates will have developed advanced competencies that are highly valued across a broad range of employment sectors.

Graduates will be well-prepared for leadership roles in communication professions, including media, public relations and advertising. You will also be well-placed to take on leadership roles across a wide range of public, private and social organisations in which advanced communication skills are highly sought-after, including government agencies, community and charitable organisations, for-profit and not-for-profit enterprises, and civil society organisations.

Whichever sector you work in, the distinctive character of this programme will empower you to become influential agents of positive social change. Graduates from the Master of Communication will also be qualified and well-prepared to enter international or domestic doctoral programmes in Communication.

Communication strategy for NGO’s, not-for-profit and advocacy groups
Documentary production
Public relations
Social media comms
Government and public sector communications
Digital content marketing specialist
Journalism

PhD - Doctor of Philosophy

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Key Information for Students

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Minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

Taught (180-point) - 5.0 Grade Point Average

Bachelor of Communication

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

Depending on the type of programme you are pursuing, you may have the opportunity to complete a unique research project. To find out more about the research carried out at the University of Auckland and to identify potential supervisors, check out our researcher profiles.

Taught (180 points)

Completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Communication from this University, with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II
Completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts from this University, with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, and a major in Communication, Media or other relevant subject, or have equivalent prior study
Completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts from this University, with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II, and a major in Communication, Media or relevant subject
Completed the requirements for a Bachelors degree from this University in a relevant subject, or have equivalent prior study and passed 60 points of relevant courses towards the Postgraduate Certificate in Arts from this University, with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher (provided that the postgraduate certificate has not been awarded.)

If you do not meet the above entry requirements, but have other relevant experience and think you would be successful in postgraduate study, please contact us to discuss alternative pathways into our programmes.

Year Fees Applicable

Domestic Student Annual Fees

International Student Annual Fees

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses. For more information, please see Fees and Money Matters.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

Scholarships and awards

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Student loans and allowances

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Cost of living

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Please note: we will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Semester	Application Closing Date	Semester Start Date	Semester End Date
2026 Semester One	16 February 2026	02 March 2026	29 June 2026

1 - 1

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

The regulations for this degree are to be read in conjunction with all other relevant statutes and regulations including the Academic Statutes and Regulations.

1 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant must have:

a completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Communication from this University, with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

b completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Communication from this University, with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II

c completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts from this University, with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, and a major in Communication, Media or other relevant subject, or have equivalent prior study

d completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts from this University, with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II, and a major in Communication, Media or relevant subject

e (i) completed the requirements for a Bachelors degree from this University in a relevant subject, or have equivalent prior study

and

(ii) passed 60 points of relevant courses towards the Postgraduate Certificate in Arts from this University, with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, provided that the postgraduate certificate has not been awarded.

2 Equivalence and relevance in Regulation 1 will be determined by the University. Equivalence pertains to the standard as well as nature and level of study.

3 In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 1 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience that provides an equivalent level of preparation.

Note: Relevant subjects or majors may include Business, Communication, Education, English, Gender Studies, Global Studies, History, Journalism, Linguistics, Marketing, Media, Politics, Psychology, Public Policy, Public Relations, Sociology and Theatre Studies.

4 A student admitted to this degree must:

a pass courses with a total value of 180 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees

and

c not exceed 220 points for the total enrolment for this degree.

5 A student enrolled for this degree must complete the requirements as listed in the Master of Communication Schedule.

6 A student must achieve a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher in the first 120 points of taught courses taken for this degree. If this Grade Point Average is not achieved, enrolment in the Master of Communication cannot continue.

7 A student must complete the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

8 a The dissertation is to be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by the Academic Head.

b The dissertation topic must be approved by the Programme Director prior to enrolment.

c The dissertation is to be completed and submitted in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

9 A student may apply to reassign courses passed for this degree to the Postgraduate Diploma in Communication or Postgraduate Certificate in Arts.

10 This degree may be awarded with Honours as specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

11 In exceptional circumstances the Programme Director may approve a variation to a student’s programme of study in accordance with the Enrolment and Programme Regulations.