Postgraduate Diploma in Strategic Communication
Media & Comms
A course by
UC Online
Advance your expertise in strategic communication with a fully online postgraduate diploma designed for real-world application. Study part-time while you work, supported by academic and industry experts.
NZ$1,085
inc GST
Enquire about international pricing
Online study
Flexible online learning from anywhere
It will take a total of 2 years
This course requires 18 hours per week
NZ$1,085
inc GST
Enquire about international pricing
Core skills this course teaches
Explain strategic communication concepts and theories
Learners will understand and be able to explain key theoretical concepts underpinning strategic communication research.
Apply strategic communication theories to case studies
Learners will apply theories to analyse organisational communication efforts and publics' responses.
Critically evaluate communication and campaigns
Learners develop critical evaluation skills related to strategic communications, ethical considerations, and campaign effectiveness.
About This Course
The Postgraduate Diploma in Strategic Communication from the University of Canterbury is a fully online, part-time qualification designed to deepen knowledge and skills in strategic communication. It includes courses on communication ethics, leadership, crisis communication, public diplomacy, data analysis, campaign planning and execution, and digital marketing. It prepares professionals to lead purposeful, data-informed campaigns across various sectors including government, corporate, nonprofit, and community contexts. With flexible study options, learners can exit early with a Postgraduate Certificate or credit courses towards a Master's degree. The program emphasizes practical skills, ethical considerations, and data-driven decision-making.
Course Content
- Building Influence: Strategic Communication, Organisational Identity and Change (COMS430)
- The Dynamic of Publics: Partnership, Participation and Power (COMS431)
- Building Impactful Campaigns: Research, Strategy and Ethical Practice (COMS432)
- Campaign Success: Messaging, Tactics and Pitching with Impact (COMS433)
- Mapping Meaning: Tools for Qualitative Data Analysis (COMS434)
- Good Data and How to Use It: Measuring Impact in Strategic Communication (COMS435)
- Crisis Management in Strategic Communication (COMS436) - elective
- Leadership Communication for Workplace Engagement (COMS438) - elective
- Professional Pathways in Strategic Communication (COMS437) - elective
- Digital Marketing (MKTG640) - elective
- Content and Social Media Marketing (MKTG642) - elective
Entry Requirements
Bachelor's degree with B average in 300-level or equivalent courses OR bachelor's degree plus at least three years relevant work experience OR at least five years relevant work experience
English language proficiency with IELTS Academic score of at least 6.5, minimum score 6.5 in each band, preference given to scores 7 or above
Build towards these roles
Communications specialistPublic relations officerCorporate communications managerMarketing communications professionalDigital marketing analyst
Build skills in these industries
CommunicationsMarketingPublic RelationsGovernmentNonprofit
