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Bachelor's degree

Bachelor of Communication

BC
02 October 2023

A Bachelor of Communication (BC) is an applied communication degree where you get to develop a broad skillset in media content production, planning, and research in national and international contexts. Find out about studying a BC through UC's Te Kaupeka Toi Tangata | Faculty of Arts.

START

Bachelor of Communication

Degree Structure - Start In
Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)

POINTS

360

DURATION

Bachelor of Communication

Degree Structure - Duration
3 years full-time, up to 10 years part-time

Overview


Bachelor of Communication

Introduction

With a BC, you will develop skills 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.

Bachelor of Communication

What will my study involve?

  • 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 mediaplatforms.
  • Placements in local newsrooms as part of the Journalism major.
  • Tauwhitinga Māori is the only Māori communications major on offer inAotearoa.
  • With links to international partners in journalism and media studies, we offer guest lectures from global experts eachsemester.

Bachelor of Communication

Entry requirements

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.

See Admission and enrolment for all information on enrolling at UC.

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. 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

How do I plan my degree?

The Bachelor of Communication is made up of 360 points:

  • 150 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.

For the full degree requirements, see the Regulations for the Bachelor of Communication.

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.

Bachelor of Communication

Subjects and courses

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.

Compulsory courses

Year 1

Year 2

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.

Domestic students

2024 tuition fee estimate:$6,847 per 120 points
2025 tuition fee estimate: $7,258 per 120 points

International students

2024 tuition fee estimate:$32,075 per 120 points
2025 tuition fee estimate:$33,325 per 120 points

Bachelor of Communication

Career ready

  • Get workplace experience through internships, industry projects, or community campaigns within localbusinesses.
  • 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, andmore.

Find out more about what can you do with a degree from UC.

Example degree structure diagram
Example degree diagram of UC’s Bachelor of Communication.

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 theRegulations for the Bachelor of Communication.


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Arts and the Community brochure 2025

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