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.
Communication has experienced rapid growth in the digital environment. Graduates with skills across communication platforms, who can use data, and who are creative and critical thinkers are in demand in professional communication. More widely, Aotearoa New Zealand employers are seeking graduates with skills as public communicators and who can engage with wider communities.
You will have the opportunity to use a variety of communication technologies, including digital, audio and visual, and social media. You will be able to use critical thinking skills 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.
This degree combines expertise in communication with courses in Digital Humanities, Marketing, Management, Media and Communication, and Māori and Indigenous Studies, as well as the College of Arts internship programme.
- UC is renowned for its Journalism programme and experts in Media and Communication. Staff in Te Tari Mātai Pāpāho | Department of Media and Communication have active research and participation in areas such as health communication practice, crisis communications, activist and social change communication, social media ethical practice, radio and television journalism, Pacific and alternative media, and critical analysis of media in Aotearoa New Zealand.
- The only degree in Aotearoa New Zealand that offers a major specialisation in Māori communication strategy.
- Opportunities for students to add a practical component to their degree through UC’s extensive contacts, such as internships, industry projects, or community campaigns within local businesses.
- Flexible degree that allows you to take electives in other subjects, for example in languages, political science, cultural studies, business, and more.
- UC maintains a close relationship with the professions and links to international partners in journalism and media studies, with visiting professors offering seminars and guest lectures each semester. Some examples include fellows from Cardiff University, University of Florida, George Washington University, University of Helsinki, University of Bradford, and the Danish School of Media and Journalism.
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 all students with entry to the University and without previous study in the area. A good standard of oral 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 students in the Journalism major are strongly recommended to begin their degree in February due to the limited entry and coursework requirements. Please contact a Te Rāngai Toi Tangata | College of Arts 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 core courses
- 90-105 points of major courses
- 30 points from Arts courses
- up to 75 points of optional 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 combine the Communication degree with other degrees, such as the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Laws, and Bachelor of Science.
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. Students may also take on an internship or project-based course in the industry as part of their degree.
See ‘How do I plan my degree?’ above for an example degree structure diagram.
Majors
To graduate with a Bachelor of Communication you must complete the requirements of one of these major subjects:
Compulsory courses
The BC includes 165 points of compulsory core courses for all students in each year of the degree:
Year 1
- COMS 101 Media and Society
- COMS 102 Introduction to News and Journalism
- COMS 104 Introduction to Strategic Communication
- MGMT 100 Fundamentals of Management
- WRIT 101 Writing for Academic Success
Year 2
- COMS 201 Media Audiences
- COMS 207 Social Media
- COMS 231 Digital Media Production
- DIGI 204 Communicating with Data and Digital Media
Year 3
Students also must complete 30 points of courses at any level selected from Bachelor of Arts subjects during their studies.
Students may choose to study the Bachelor of Arts with Honours or the Master of Arts in Media and Communication.
UC also offers a Graduate Diploma in Journalism, a Graduate Diploma in Strategic Communication, a Master of Strategic Communication, and a Master of Writing.
Students may also go on to the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) specialising in Media and Communication or Journalism.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Communication meet a growing need for communicators in media, creative industries, government, and iwi organisations. Many employers are seeking graduates that have applied knowledge in new and emerging media, collection and usage of data, media ethical practice, critical thinking, and analysis skills. Employers are increasingly telling us they want graduates who are competent in bicultural contexts.
Job titles can include public and stakeholder relations, advertising and marketing, media management and production, journalism, public opinion research, social media management, crisis communications, publications, events and project management, iwi organisations, non-profits, and government.
Graduates will also be suited to roles in business management and strategy, especially in the Aotearoa New Zealand context, with their experience in biculturalism, project management, and communicating corporate goals to the public.
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) |
| 2020 | 360 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $6,259 - $6,389 per 120 points |
| 2021 | 360 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $6,328 - $6,459 per 120 points |
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2020 | 360 | This is an indicative fee - total tuition fee will be dependent on your course selection (banded) | $27,000 (first 120 points) |
| 2021 | 360 | This is an indicative fee - total tuition fee will be dependent on your course selection (banded) | $29,125 (first 120 points) |
| 2022 | 360 | This is an indicative fee - total tuition fee will be dependent on your course selection (banded) | $29,925 (first 120 points) |
Contact us
For the full degree requirements, see the Regulations for the Bachelor of Communication.
For study planning help, contact Te Rōpū Takawaenga o UC | UC Liaison Office (new students) or a Te Rāngai Toi Tangata | College of Arts Student Advisor (advancing students).
For more information on facilities, resources, and staff, see Te Rāngai Toi Tangata | College of Arts.
For more general information, email info@canterbury.ac.nz or freephone 0800 VARSITY (827 748).