Bachelor of Communication BC

at University of Canterbury

• 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.
 

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.
 

Majors

Communication Strategy and Practice
Journalism
Political Communication
Tauwhitinga Māori: Māori Communication Strategy and Practice

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
   

Year 3

• COMS330 Communication in Context
   

You also must complete 30 points of courses at any level selected from Bachelor of Arts subjects during study.

The Bachelor of Communication is open to everyone 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 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.

 

This is an indicative fee - total tuition fee will be dependent on your course selection (banded) - $ 29,550

• 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.