The Postgraduate Diploma in Communication Studies is an advanced postgraduate qualification designed for students and professionals who want to strengthen their expertise in communication leadership, media innovation, digital communication, and strategic communication practices.

The programme combines academic study with practical and creative learning and provides a flexible pathway into higher postgraduate study such as the Master of Communication Studies. Students develop advanced understanding of contemporary communication issues, media ecosystems, digital technologies, sustainability communication, and communication strategies for complex societal challenges.

Why Study Postgraduate Diploma in Communication Studies at AUT?

Industry-Focused Communication Education

AUT’s communication programmes emphasise practical learning, digital communication skills, and portfolio development rather than purely theoretical essays. Students graduate with practical communication work and industry-ready skills.

Specialised Communication Pathways

Students can specialise in:

• Communication Leadership
• Media Innovation

These pathways allow students to tailor studies toward leadership, sustainability communication, digital innovation, and media strategy.

Flexible Learning Structure

Classes are structured to support working professionals:

• Evening classes
• Classes every second week
• Saturday workshops
• Full-time and part-time options

This flexibility makes the programme attractive for both domestic and international students balancing work and study.

Taught by Industry and Research Experts

Students learn from internationally recognised academics and communication professionals with expertise in media innovation, digital communication, sustainability communication, and social change.

Practical and Portfolio-Based Learning

Throughout the programme, students build portfolios and apply communication theories to real-world communication challenges and creative projects.

Pathway to Master’s Study

Students who achieve the required academic performance may progress into the Master of Communication Studies. 

Programme Structure / Subjects Offered

Students complete 120 points through specialisation courses and electives.

Specialisation 1: Communication Leadership

Students complete:

• COMM818 Change and Sustainability
• COMM819 Communicating Wicked Problems
• COMM820 Digital Citizenship
• COMM821 Persuasion and Social Change

This specialisation focuses on:

• Crisis communication
• Sustainability communication
• Social change communication
• Digital citizenship
• Strategic leadership communication

Specialisation 2: Media Innovation

Students complete:

• DIGM809 Media Innovation Practice
• DIGM810 Producing for Media Ecosystems
• DIGM811 Managing Innovation in the Digital Economy
• DIGM812 Media Futures

This pathway focuses on:

• Digital communication
• Media production
• Innovation management
• Creative industries
• Future media technologies

Additional Elective Options

Students also select additional courses such as:

• COMM811 Professional Practice Project
• COMM807 Media and Communication Research Methods
• Additional COMM or DIGM postgraduate courses

Students may choose:

• Four 15-point courses
  OR
• One 30-point project plus two 15-point courses

Disciplines and Areas Covered

The programme develops expertise in:

• Communication Leadership
• Media Innovation
• Digital Communication
• Sustainability Communication
• Social Change Communication
• Media Production
• Creative Industries
• Communication Strategy
• Digital Citizenship
• Innovation Management
• Media Futures
• Professional Communication Practice

Career Outcomes

Graduates may pursue careers in:

• Strategic Communication
• Public Relations
• Communication Leadership
• Media Management
• Digital Communication
• Corporate Communication
• Media Production
• Communication Consulting
• Creative Industries
• Digital Content Strategy
• Social Media Leadership
• Sustainability Communication

Programme Highlights

• Industry-focused communication education
• Flexible evening and workshop-based learning
• Portfolio-driven practical learning
• Two specialist pathways available
• Taught by internationally recognised experts
• Strong digital media and innovation focus
• Pathway to Master of Communication Studies
• Study in Auckland, New Zealand’s media and creative hub

Latest Updates and Important Information

• From 2025 onward, classes are generally delivered in the evenings every second week plus one Saturday workshop per course.
• Students build professional communication portfolios throughout the programme.

• Students wishing to progress to the Master of Communication Studies must:

  • Complete COMM807 Media and Communication Research Methods
  • Achieve at least a B- average
  • Submit an approved postgraduate research proposal

• Some courses may only be offered once per year and timetables may change depending on enrolment numbers.
• Student discussions online often highlight AUT’s practical communication teaching style and strong creative learning environment

Visa Requirements for International Students

International students must obtain a valid New Zealand student visa before beginning studies.

Typical visa requirements include:

• Offer of Place from AUT
• Valid passport
• Proof of tuition fee payment
• Evidence of sufficient living expenses
• Medical and travel insurance
• English language proficiency proof
• Genuine student intent documentation