Duration
Full-time: 3 years
Part-time: Varies
Next start date
2023 Semester Two – 17 July
2024 Semester One – 26 February
Available locations
City
Points
360
Programme type
Undergraduate

Programme overview

Communication is more important than ever in today’s world. Organisational, social and global change are all strongly influenced by the ways in which politicians, activists, entrepreneurs and leaders communicate.

The Bachelor of Communication is designed to impart advanced understanding of the significant role of communication in our world.

You will develop specialist skills in writing, public speaking, critical and creative thinking, leadership, research and cultural competency. The knowledge and skills you will acquire can enable and empower you as a communications professional and a future leader.

What you gain from studying Communication 

Bachelor of Communication graduates are capable communicators with an advanced understanding of the important role communication plays within organisations and in society more broadly. They're well-prepared to take up positions as communication professionals and leaders across a wide range of public, private, not-for-profit and community sectors.

Our graduates have strong research and problem-solving skills that are valuable in professional environments and prepare them for further postgraduate studies.

Need help and advice? Reach out to us at bc@auckland.ac.nz.

Programme structure

The Bachelor of Communication takes three years to complete if you're studying full time. Most students will take 24 courses overall (each course being worth 15 points), with 8 courses per year.

Majors 

When you start the programme, you will choose one of three majors:

In your first year, you will complete the first two courses of your major, alongside core courses in communication. Over the course of your degree you will also take three courses in an additional focused area of study (a module), up to two elective courses and two General Education courses. Twelve courses (or 180 points) of your degree must be above Stage I level.

Modules 

Modules are three courses grouped together around a particular theme. They are designed to add to your skill set for future employment and potentially benefit your future career path. You must take one module as part of your Bachelor of Communication. 

Find out more information and see avaliable modules.

Internship course

In your third year you can take our internship course and gain practical experience in the workplace. Placements are avaliable in a range of industries including media, public relations, advertising, broadcasting, and corporate communication. Entry to the course isn't guaranteed and depends on a seperate application and interview. 

Overall programme structure:

  • Eight core Communication courses (120 points)
  • At least nine courses from your chosen major (including three major-specific core courses) (135 points)
  • Two General Education courses (30 points)
  • Three courses to make up a module (45 points)
  • Up to two elective courses (30 points)

You can also study the BC alongside another degree through a conjoint programme. Conjoint options for the BC include: Arts, Commerce, Engineering, Fine Arts, Global Studies, Health Science, Law, Law (Hons), Science, and Advanced Science.

Information for students located outside of New Zealand 

You can start to study Bachelor of Communication online in Semester 1 2023, but you must be intending to come to New Zealand in Semester 2 as you won’t be able to continue to study from overseas. There will be limited course offerings available for Bachelor of Communication students who are studying online in Semester 1. If you need any assistance choosing your courses, please get in touch at bc@auckland.ac.nz

Most students need to take one or two General Education courses.

Students should also be aware of the University’s Academic English Language Requirement.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Sample programme structure

Year 1 120 points

  • Code:
    COMMS 100
    Name:
    Communication, Technology and Culture
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    COMMS 101
    Name:
    Understanding Communication in Māori and Pacific Worlds
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    PHIL 104
    Name:
    Ethics and Justice
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Stage I course
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Stage I course
    Type:
    Compulsory major course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Stage I course
    Type:
    As required for major
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Stage I course
    Type:
    Module
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Stage I course
    Type:
    General Education course
    Points:
    15 pts

Year 2 120 points

  • Code:
    COMMS 210
    Name:
    Practicing Communication in Māori and Pacific Worlds
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    COMMS 207
    Name:
    Communication Research Methods
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Stage II course
    Type:
    Compulsory major course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Stage II course
    Type:
    As required for major
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Stage II course
    Type:
    As required for major
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Stage II course
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Stage II course
    Type:
    Module
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Stage I course
    Type:
    General Education course
    Points:
    15 pts

Year 3 120 points

  • Name:
    Stage III course
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Stage III course
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Stage III course
    Type:
    Compulsory major course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Stage III course
    Type:
    As required for major
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Stage III course
    Type:
    As required for major
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Stage III course
    Type:
    As required for major
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Stage III course
    Type:
    Module
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Stage III course
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts

Subjects available in this programme

  • Communication & Social Change
  • Communication and Technology
  • Communication in Leadership

About the majors

Communication and Social Change 

For students who wish to study and contribute to the creation of public and political messages directed towards social change in a range of areas including health, science, the environment and sustainability. 

Communication and Technology 

For students who wish to examine connections between humans, society and machines via social media and other digital platforms, and study how machine-generated data has an impact on communication.

Communication in Leadership

For students who wish to study leadership roles across different organisational contexts including entrepreneurship, conflict resolution, and strategic communication. 

Modules 

Modules are three courses grouped together around a particular theme. You can browse the list of module options and see what appeals to you here. 

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

2023 entry requirements

My highest qualification is from:

Secondary school qualifications

If you're joining us from secondary school, here's what you need to enter the programme.

You are guaranteed entry to this programme if you meet these requirements.

  1. First, you must meet the University Entrance (UE) standard.
  2. You must also meet the rank score for this programme. Not sure about your rank score? Use our rank score calculator.
  3. You may need to have studied certain subjects or achieved credits in particular subjects.
  4. Some programmes have additional requirements, such as an interview, portfolio or references.

Guaranteed rank score, subject and other requirements

If your rank score is slightly lower than the guaranteed score, we encourage you to still apply. We will consider your application if places are available. If you don’t meet the requirements, you may be able to apply under our Undergraduate Targeted Admission Schemes.

  • Qualification
    NCEA National Certificate of Educational Achievement
    Score required
    180
  • Qualification
    CIE Cambridge International Examinations
    Score required
    190
  • Qualification
    IB International Baccalaureate
    Score required
    27

Read more about entry requirements for New Zealand secondary school applicants.

Tertiary qualifications

If you've studied at a tertiary institution, here's what you need to enter the programme.

You can transfer from another tertiary institution, or another University of Auckland qualification, if you meet these requirements.

Minimum grade requirements

These are the likely grades required, but they do not guarantee entry. Applicants may require higher grades to gain entry to this programme.

Other pathways to study

You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:

My highest qualification is from this country or region:

Secondary school qualifications

If you're joining us from secondary school, here's what you need to enter the programme.

You need to have one of the following:

  • International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum total score of 24.
  • General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level. You must have completed a minimum of three A-Level subjects. 
  • Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). You must have completed a minimum of three A-level subjects.

GCE ‘A’ Level requirements apply to ‘A’ Level qualifications examined by bodies such as AQA, OCR, Edexcel, WJEC, CCEA and Pearson Education Limited taken outside of New Zealand.

Guaranteed grade, subject and other requirements

These are the grades required for guaranteed entry to this programme. If your grades are slightly lower, we encourage you to still apply. We will consider your application if places are available.

  • Qualification
    IB International Baccalaureate Diploma
    Score required
    27
    Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6

    No bands less than 5.5

    See alternative English language requirements

  • Qualification
    CIE Cambridge International Examinations
    Score required
    BCC
    Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6

    No bands less than 5.5

    See alternative English language requirements

  • Qualification
    GCE A Level General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level
    Score required
    BCC
    Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6

    No bands less than 5.5

    See alternative English language requirements

Tertiary qualifications

If you've studied at a tertiary institution, here's what you need to enter the programme.

You can transfer from another tertiary institution if you meet these requirements.

You need to have the following:

One year successful bachelor-degree level study at a recognised university (or similar institution) overseas. 

See information about prior tertiary study requirements

Minimum grade requirements

These are the likely grades required, but they do not guarantee entry. Applicants may require higher grades to gain entry to this programme.

Other pathways to study

You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

How much does a Bachelor of Communication cost per year?

2023 fees

Domestic students
NZ$7,105 – $7,607*
International students
NZ$41,381 – $42,180*

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $8.38 per point, estimated at $1,005.60 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

See course fees for each faculty

Find out about financial support information

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Key dates

Please note: We will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Application closing dates

Semester One 2023
8 December 2022

Start dates

Here are the start dates for the programme.

Other important dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

How to apply

Applying for an undergraduate programme? Check out our step-by-step guide.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

The Bachelor of Communication consists of core courses, a major, a module, General Education, and elective courses. You will need to plan carefully to make sure that you complete all of these elements.

The degree consists of 24 courses with at least six courses at Stage II (second year level), and at least six courses at Stage III (third year level). Each year you must take eight courses, this means four courses per semester.

Here's how to structure your stand-alone degree:

Year One 

Core courses

In your first year you should take a total of four Stage I courses for your core courses.

You must take the Stage I core courses COMMS 100, COMMS 101, PHIL 104 and one of the following: DRAMA 100, LINGUIST 100, LINGUIST 101, SCIGEN 101.

Courses for your major

In your first year you should take at least two Stage I courses for your chosen major. Pay particular attention to the courses that your major must include. You will need to check the semester in which your preferred courses are taught in order to plan successfully. You can find the courses available for your major in the BC Schedule. Take courses that your major must include first.

Module course 

Modules are a core part of this degree. A module is a group of three papers that focus on a specific skill, and you must choose ONE for your degree.

We recommend taking at least one module paper in your first year. If you are taking one of the language modules it can sometimes be recommended that you take a language paper in each semester. Find out more about first time enrolment in language courses.

General Education 

You can take one General Education course in your first year. You must take two General Education papers over your degree, but they can be taken at any semester or stage. You can choose courses from the Open, and Arts Schedules. Browse the General Education schedules. We recommend only taking one in your first year. Do not enrol in more than two in your whole degree.

Note: Do not take a General Education course that is the same subject as another paper you are interested in. For example, if you think you would like to take ANTHRO 100 as an elective, you cannot choose ANTHRO 104G as a General Education course. This principle also applies to language papers.

Elective course 

Should you be having trouble making a General Education or Module course fit then you have the option of using an elective course. You can only take two elective courses over the course of your degree and you do not have to take one in your first year.

Using an elective course in your second and third year can be useful to help meet the Stage II and III requirements of the degree.

Electives are papers that are not counted towards your Core courses, your Major, your Module, or General Education courses. At least one of the electives must be from the BC Schedule and the other can be from any programme

Year two 

Core course

You must take the Stage II core courses: COMMS 207 and COMMS 210.

Courses for your major 

Choose at least two courses at Stage II from the course listings for your major, paying attention to the prerequisites for the Stage III courses that you plan to take in year three. You can find the courses that you need to complete for your major in the BC Schedule.

The remaining papers are dependant on the enrolment choices you made in the first year, therefore the remaining three papers will be from the following options, make sure that in you are following the degree planner and are meeting the required amount of Stage II courses. You can see these rules in the BC Schedule.

Module course 

See the list of modules avaliable for BC and BA students and you can find the required papers in the BC Schedule. 

General Education

You can choose courses from the Open and Arts Schedules. Browse the General Education schedules here. Do not enrol in more than two General Education courses in your whole degree.

Elective Course

Using an elective course in your second and third year can be useful to help meet the Stage II and III requirements of the degree. You can only take two elective courses over the course of your degree.

Year three

Core course

You must take at least two of the Stage III core courses: COMMS 307, COMMS 311, COMMS 320, COMMS 322.

Courses for your major

Choose at least three courses at Stage III from the course listings for your major. You can find the courses that you need to complete for your major in the BC Schedule.

The remaining papers are dependant on the enrolment choices you made in the first year, therefore the remaining three papers will be from the following options. Make sure that in you are following the degree planner and are meeting the required amount of Stage III courses. You can see these rules in the BC Schedule. 

Module course

See the list of modules available for BC and BA students and you can find the required papers in the BC Schedule.

General Education

You can choose courses from the Open and Arts Schedules. Browse the General Education schedules. Do not enrol in more than two General Education courses in your whole degree. 

Elective course

Using an elective course in your second and third year can be useful to help meet the Stage II and III requirements of the degree. You can only take two elective courses over the course of your degree. 

Degree planner

Download the Bachelor of Communication standalone degree planner here. 

BC conjoint degrees 

When conjointing your Bachelor of Communication with another degree, the BC component is made up from the core courses and your major's courses. Overall you will take 17 BC courses - 11 of which must be Stage II or III.

To see how these courses are organised, download the BC conjoint degree planners: 

Variations 

Variations to this structure are possible but require the approval of the programme director. If you need help at any time, please contact Communications Student and Programme Adviser, Harry Lillington at bc@auckland.ac.nz

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Where could this programme take you?

Communications professionals are in demand as they play a key role in helping organisations achieve their goals. You’ll be equipped for a media, PR, communication or marketing career in a wide range of sectors, including corporate, not-for-profit and government. You’ll also develop skills for future leadership and management roles.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Broadcast media producer
  • Content producer
  • Copywriter
  • Digital communications specialist
  • Journalist
  • Marketing adviser
  • Public relations specialist

Further study options

See all study options

Internship course

Gain workplace experience as part of your degree.

Explore the course

Student career planning service

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Graduate careers

Explore our graduates' career journeys and different industries they've entered. 

• Advertising and marketing
• Communications and publicity
• Media and technology

See details on our Communication and Arts careers page. 

Key Information for Students

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

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Experience the University

Introducing the Bachelor of Communication

Associate Professor Luke Goode and Dr Bingjuan Xiong talk about the BC and what students can look forward to studying.

Watch now

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