Bachelor of Communication

Programme Overview

The Bachelor of Communication imparts an advanced understanding of the significant role communication plays within organisations and broader society. The degree develops specialist skills in professional writing, public speaking, critical and creative thinking, leadership, and cultural competency.

Students focus their studies by selecting one of three distinct majors at the start of the programme. In the final year, a dedicated internship course bridges academic theory with practical, industry-facing workplace experience.

1. Communication and Social Change

• Focuses on the creation of public and political messages designed to address and drive social change.
• Covers critical communication domains including public health, environmental issues, science communication, and sustainability.

2. Communication and Technology

• Examines the fluid connections between humans, society, and modern machines via social media and digital platforms.
• Explores the impacts of digital ethics, misinformation, artificial intelligence, and machine-generated data on communication.

3. Communication in Leadership

• Explores the vital role of ethical and strategic communication across diverse organisational settings, including business, government, and non-profits.
• Develops practical leadership capabilities such as conflict resolution, corporate negotiation, team collaboration, and crisis communication management.

What You'll Study

The degree is structured around 24 courses (15 points each) over three years of full-time study, divided into core requirements, major papers, thematic modules, and electives.

Year 1 (Stage I Foundations):

• Core Communication: Compulsory core courses (COMMS 100, COMMS 101, and PHIL 104).
• Performance/Language Toolkits: One selection from DRAMA 100, LINGUIST 100, LINGUIST 101, or SCIGEN 101.
• Major Introduction: At least two Stage I introductory courses mapped directly to your chosen major.
• Skill Modules: Introduction to a specific three-course thematic skill module.

Year 2 (Stage II Intermediate):

• Advanced Core & Major: Continuation of mid-level core communication modules and major-specific papers.
• Methodologies: Focus on communication research methods (e.g., COMMS 207).
• Context Electives: Exploration of interdisciplinary options or broader thematic electives.

Year 3 (Stage III Advanced):

• Strategic Specialization: High-level advanced courses diving deep into the selected major.
• Workplace Internship: The capstone experience (COMMS 307 Communication Internship) placing students into public relations, advertising, media, or corporate communication sectors.
• General Education: Completion of the university's required General Education courses.

Why Choose This Programme?

• Interdisciplinary Reach: Seamlessly integrates human-centric social sciences with business frameworks and modern technological insights.
• Thematic Skill Modules: Allows custom packaging of three-course skill blocks (such as language or business innovation) alongside a major.
• Built-in Work Experience: A structured internship program offering direct regional industry connections prior to graduation.

Entry Requirements

• Academic Entry: Meet the standard New Zealand University Entrance (UE) threshold and secure the specific minimum rank score for the Bachelor of Communication. Selection criteria apply as entry is limited.
• Alternative Pathways: Eligible domestic candidates may apply via the Undergraduate Targeted Admission Schemes (UTAS) if missing standard rank parameters.
• Technology: A reliable laptop is required to engage with online lecture content, digital platform simulations, and multimedia coursework assignments.
• English: IELTS Academic 6.0 overall (with no individual band below 5.5) or equivalent.