Bachelor of Communication Studies

Communication is a powerful tool. Every task is completed through communication and to manage is to communicate. Learn how to use this power strategically and creatively to address communication challenges, build loyalty and drive organisational success.

BCS Benefits

• Specialised communication degree.
• Broad range of paper options.
• Research-led teaching from internationally recognised staff.
• Can lead on to BCS with Honours.

The Bachelor of Communication Studies (BCS) is a three-year degree that blends creative disciplines with practical communication theory and practice. You’ll be provided with the skills and knowledge needed to become a strategy-based communication, marketing or public relations practitioner. 

You’ll also learn about the responsibilities of the communication industries in local, national and global contexts, and how communication affects individuals, groups and social culture. The degree provides opportunities to gain hands-on experience of communication, public relations and marketing practice in the classroom and in industry and community organisations. You’ll be taught by internationally sought-after PR, marketing and communication consultants and researchers.

By the time you graduate, you’ll understand the role of communication in business and society and have a set of practical vocational industry skills. You will also have a portfolio of work which will provide you with a solid basis for entering the workplace. Your personal, written and verbal communication abilities will stand you in good stead wherever you go and whatever you do.

Practical Experience

In the Public Relations major you develop a campaign for a real client, and learn how to write press releases, brochures, speeches and broadcast news material. Both PR and marketing students learn to develop websites and are taught skills to create advertisements for a range of media and with a range of software. Students also have the opportunity to undertake a research project (the “399”) where you prepare a report for an external company and address a practical communication challenge within their organisation.

BCS Career Opportunities

• Advertising Executive
• Arts Administrator
• Communications Manager
• Events Manager
• Marketing Manager
• Media Producer
• Media Relations Executive
• Media Researcher
• Production Manager
• Public Relations
• Consultant

Majors

• Management Communication
• Marketing
• Public Relations

A second major can also be selected from the majors offered by other Faculties and Schools of Studies. Please consult with your Faculty or School of Studies to see how this can fit into your programme.

Specialisations

A specialisation is similar to a major in that it is a group of papers in a specific subject area, though it usually requires fewer papers than a major. It is optional whether to take a specialisation.

You may choose to specialise in: Management Education Abroad, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Spanish or Te Reo Māori.

Entry Requirements

You will be eligible to apply for this degree if you have University Entrance and meet any additional requirements for the qualification. All other applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Students are required to have 14 credits at Level 3 NCEA English or Te Reo Māori or History (including Achievement Standard 90658) or Classical Studies (including Achievement Standard 90513) or Media Studies, or they will be required to take certain prerequisite papers in their first year of study.

Scholarships

The Brian Perry Charitable Trust Business Management Scholarship, The Brian Smith Memorial Entrance Scholarship, The Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship.

For more information, visit www.waikato.ac.nz/scholarships

Degree Structure

3 Years - 360 Points

It is recommended that students include 100 level prerequisites for any compulsory papers in their chosen major(s) in the first year of their programme of study.

* Students doing a 2nd major in a subject not listed for the degree will need to take a 200 level major paper in place of a Year 1, 100 level elective paper.

^ MCOM220 may be counted toward your 2nd major if you choose another available BCS subject.

Candidates must demonstrate competency in writing, as prescribed in the Waikato Management School Student Handbook, and undertake an Employment Skills module towards the end of the degree.