Diploma in Communication Studies

About the Programme

Ready to move into a communications role?
Want to move into communications?
If you are looking for a direction that will utilise your personality and people skills, communication studies is an exciting and diverse option. You'll learn about the media, public relations, business relationships and how to present a public image, and be prepared for roles in PR, customer service, management, media, journalism, events and organisational communication.

This diploma is extremely flexible, offering you the opportunity to gain a recognised qualification after just one year or go on to complete the Bachelor of Applied communication. The diploma can be completed part-time to fit in around your existing work or other commitments. MIT's communications qualifications are unique in their hands-on approach, equipping you with real-world experience and involving you with the industry.

Want to take your studies further?
The Diploma in Communication Studies is made up of courses from the Bachelor of Applied Communication, so it's easy to cross-credit into the degree programme.

Download the Enrolment Guide and Timetable

Offered by

Faculty of Business - Communication

Entry Requirements

Applicants must meet the following entry requirements:

• At least NCEA 64 credits at Level 2, including one subject which demonstrates fluency in English or
• At least 14 credits in an approved subject at Level 3, including one subject which demonstrates fluency in English or
• The MIT Certificate in Communication or its equivalent or
• Demonstrate equivalent practical, professional or educational experiences which indicate the ability to study at diploma level
• Demonstrate English language competence (equivalent to IELTS 6.5) to undertake this programme which is taught and assessed in English
• International applicants must have an overall IELTS (Academic) band score of 6.5 (with no score below 6.0) or equivalent.

Applicants will be accepted in order of application.

Cost

$5,200 (approx)

International Student Fees

$16,260 per year (this is not set yet)

Programme Summary

You must successfully complete 8 courses to graduate. For details on how to select your courses see enrolment guide EG5.

Course selection includes:

•  +  − Interpersonal Communication

  Course Code – 181.517

  Understand the field of communication with particular emphasis on building competence in interpersonal communication in personal and workplace contexts.

•  +  − News Media

  Course Code – 184.506

  Understand how the news media in New Zealand works by analysing construction and production practices, contexts, issues and theory.

•  +  − Public Relations and Event Management

  Course Code – 186.504

  Understand public relations approaches, methodology, campaigns and media needs.

•  +  − Writing and Critical Thinking

  Course Code – 311.527

  Understand effective writing and critical analysis of a wide range of texts: written, spoken, internet, film and television.

•  +  − Psychology

  Course Code – 182.507

  Increase understanding of human behaviour in personal and professional contexts by introducing the concepts, research and applications of psychology.

•  +  − Team and Organisational Communication

  Course Code – 183.507

  Increase understanding of the organisational and work context of communication. Investigate the communication processes and activities in contemporary workplaces, working in and facilitating a team, and completing and reporting on a communication-related project.

•  +  − Communication and Relationships

  Course Code – 182.603

  Explore the nature of relationships, relationship formation and processes, and their associated communication patterns in personal and workplace contexts.

•  +  − eCommunication and Knowledge Management

  Course Code – 184.606

  Apply the concepts and theories of electronic communication to information and knowledge management, analyse and design e-media to meet communication objectives, and develop communication strategies in digital networks.

•  +  − Effective Presentations

  Course Code – 187.603

  Apply theory, design and analysis to informative or persuasive presentations in a business or technological environment.

•  +  − Media Writing and Relationships

  Course Code – 184.607

  Develop an understanding of what is effective media writing, the skills of good media writing and the principles of relating to the media as a communication professional.

•  +  − Popular Media

  Course Code – 184.605

  Learn about popular culture, an area broadly defined as ‘entertainment’. The course focuses on analysis of this area of mass communication with an emphasis on television and film.

•  +  − Professional and Organisational Writing

  Course Code – 185.603

  Learn to evaluate professional documents and to apply the strategies professional writers use to inform, instruct and persuade.

•  +  − Public Relations in Practice

  Course Code – 186.603

  Develop an understanding of how PR works. Explore the use of social media for PR campaigns. Learn to research audiences, write for fundraising, prepare persuasive presentations, and apply these to areas such as health, corporate PR, not-for-profit organisations, sports, and entertainment.

•  +  − Advanced Public Relations and Event Management

  Course Code – 186.703

  Combine the theory and application of public relations, public relations, marketing, advertising and communication together in order to understand and problem solve client goals, and manage organisational image/reputation.

•  +  − Communication Research

  Course Code – 181.710

  Learn to apply research techniques and findings to practical work-related situations and undertake an original piece of research by drawing on communication themes developed in previous learning.

•  +  − Intercultural Communication

  Course Code – 183.704

  Develop cross cultural and intercultural communication understanding and strategies for use in the work environment, whether it be within a national and/or international community.

•  +  − Negotiation, Advocacy and Lobbying

  Course Code – 181.711

  Understand, analyse and apply the principles of negotiation, advocacy and lobbying, using a variety of strategies for a range of contexts.

•  +  − Organisational Communication

  Course Code – 183.705

  Develop organisational communication competencies through theory, practice and analysis. Examine personal communication styles, formal and informal contexts, and communication roles and relationships within organisations. Includes practical industry-based projects.

• Plus two additional courses

Further Training or Study

Diploma in Integrated Marketing Communications
Bachelor of Applied Communication

Career Opportunities

Positions such as Editorial Assistants, Liaison/Marketing/ Customer Service Officers and Managers, Journalists in local newspapers, Public Relations Consultants, Organisational Communication Assistants, Research Assistants, Special Event Organisers, Communication Advisers, Organisational Writers and Community Advisers, Public Affairs Officers.

Apply here now!