Bachelor of Communication
BC
Duration
3 years full-time
Entry times
Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Bachelor of Arts with Honours
- Master of Arts
- Master of Strategic Communication
- Master of Writing
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Download Brochure
Duration
3 years full-time
Entry times
Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Bachelor of Arts with Honours
- Master of Arts
- Master of Strategic Communication
- Master of Writing
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Download Brochure
Overview
The Bachelor of Communication (BC) is an applied communication degree, developing a broad skillset in media content production, planning, and research in international and national contexts.
You will have the opportunity to use a variety of communication technologies, including digital, audio and visual, and social media in areas like journalism, creative projects, and communications scenarios catering to different audiences. You will also learn to meet strategic goals of corporates and drivers of social change.
- Opportunities to use your skills in practical ways, including working with local organisations, and with a variety of communication technologies including digital, audio and visual, and social media platforms.
- Placements in local newsrooms as part of the Journalism major.
- Tauwhitinga Māori is the only Māori communications major on offer in Aotearoa.
- With links to international partners in journalism and media studies, we offer guest lectures from global experts each semester.
Admission to UC with University Entrance (or equivalent) is required to enrol.
If English is your additional language, you are also required to meet UC's English language requirements.
For information on the enrolment process, please see how to apply for undergraduate qualifications.
Recommended preparation
The Bachelor of Communication is open to everyone with entry to the University and without previous study in the area. A good standard of spoken and written English is important.
From the second year, entry to the Journalism major is limited to 25 places in total, and requires a special application by October 31 of the preceding year. See how to apply or contact Te Tari Mātai Pāpāho | Department of Media and Communication for more information.
Mid-year (July) starts for the Bachelor of Communication are possible, however Journalism majors are strongly recommended to begin their degree in February due to the limited entry and coursework requirements. Please contact a Student Advisor for more information and help planning your study.
Bachelor of Communication – example degree structure
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Compulsory courses
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Major courses
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Courses from Bachelor of Arts subjects
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Courses from Arts or other degrees
Students must complete at least 225 points at 200-level or above.
Each small block represents a 15-point course. However, some courses may be 30 points or more.
This diagram is an example only – other combinations are possible. For full course requirements, see the Regulations for the Bachelor of Communication.
The Bachelor of Communication is made up of 360 points:
- 165 points of compulsory courses
- 90—105 points of major courses
- 30 points from Arts courses
- up to 75 points of elective courses from any bachelor’s degree at UC.
At least 225 points must be from courses above 100-level, with at least 90 points at 300-level.
BC students also complete the requirements for one major subject. Each major has specific course requirements, but all consist of a minimum 90 points, with at least 30 points at 200-level and at least 60 points at 300-level. You will begin your major studies in the second year of the degree.
The degree takes 3 years of full-time study, or can be studied part-time for up to 10 years.
Double degrees
It is possible to study a Bachelor of Communication alongside other degrees at the same time, such as the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Commerce.
Find out more information about Double degrees.
Courses in the BC focus on introductory communication, as well as practical courses in media production and communicating with data analytics, and advanced applied courses in a major subject area. You may also take on an internship or project-based course in the industry as part of your degree.
See ‘How do I plan my degree?’ above for an example degree structure diagram.
Compulsory courses
Year 1
- COMS101 Media and Society
- COMS102 Introduction to News and Journalism
- COMS104 Introduction to Strategic Communication
- MGMT100 Fundamentals of Management
- WRIT101 Writing for Academic Success
Year 2
- COMS201 Media Audiences
- COMS207 Social Media
- COMS231 Digital Media Production
- DIGI204 Communicating with Data and Digital Media
Plus complete the required 200-level courses from your chosen major.
Year 3
Plus complete the required 300-level courses from your chosen major.
You must also complete a total 105 points of elective courses during study, with at least 30 points selected from Arts subjects. At least 45 points must be above 100-level.
Communication Strategy and Practice majors need only 90 points of elective courses.
UC's graduate and postgraduate Communications options include:
- Graduate Diploma in Journalism
- Graduate Diploma in Strategic Communication
- Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Media and Communication
- Master of Arts in Media and Communication
- Master of Strategic Communication
- Master of Writing
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Media and Communication or Journalism
- Get workplace experience through internships, industry projects, or community campaigns within local businesses.
- Gain applied knowledge in new and emerging media, collection and usage of data, media ethical practice, critical thinking, and analysis skills.
- Develop your skills and confidence to represent our bicultural nation through our media.
- Graduates will be ready to work as journalists, social media managers, marketers, crisis communication advisors, event managers, editors, and more.
Find out more about what you can do with a degree from UC.
See Tuition Fee Structure for more information
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2024 | 120 | Indicative first year fee. Actual fee will be determined by course selection. | $6,847 |
| 2023 | 120 | Indicative first year fee. Actual fee will be determined by course selection. | $6,660 |
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2024 | 120 | This is an indicative fee - total tuition fee will be dependent on your course selection (banded) | $32,200 |
| 2023 | 120 | This is an indicative fee - total tuition fee will be dependent on your course selection (banded) | $30,650 |
Contact us
For the full degree requirements, see the Regulations for the Bachelor of Communication.
For study planning help, contact a Student Advisor.
For more information on facilities, resources, and staff, see Te Kaupeka Toi Tangata | Faculty of Arts.
For more general information, email info@canterbury.ac.nz or freephone 0800 VARSITY (827 748).