Duration
Full-time: 3 years
Part-time: Varies
Next start date
2023 Semester One – 27 February
2023 Semester Two – 17 July
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.
 

Information for students located outside New Zealand

The Bachelor of Communication (BC), including conjoint programmes, is not available for online study outside New Zealand. The Communication major in the Bachelor of Arts is available for online study while you are located outside New Zealand, but if you wish to transfer into the BC you cannot do so until you are studying in person in New Zealand.

The Bachelor of Communication will be open to international students currently located outside New Zealand as an in-person programme when New Zealand border regulations permit travel to New Zealand and study on campus.

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.

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.

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 in a focused area of study (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.  

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
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?

2022 fees

Domestic students
NZ$6,417.60 – $7,402.80*
International students
NZ$39,790 – $40,558*

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 $8.16 per point, estimated at $979.20 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.

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

Scholarships and funding

Scholarships and prizes available to students studying a Bachelor of Communication.

Explore scholarships

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.

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

Do you need help?

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Can’t find the answer in AskAuckland?

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You can phone us directly.

Auckland
923 5025
Outside Auckland
0800 61 62 63
International
+64 9 373 7513