Bachelor of Communication
The world is full of stories that need to be told. Get the industry skills you need to become a communications specialist and weave stories with digital threads using a wide range of technologies, from websites and apps to films, podcasts and more.
360 points, 3 years
Hamilton
Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July)
Why study the Bachelor of Communication?
Get the know-how to embark on a vibrant career in the creative, design and media industries.
With this degree, you will learn how to create engaging multimedia content that connects with audiences and sparks conversations that can shift hearts and minds, leading to social change.
From designing websites and mobile apps; through to producing TV, films and podcasts, creating social media content, designing games and virtual reality (VR) experiences; or developing a digital marketing campaign – the possibilities are endless.
Waikato's Bachelor of Communication is an ideal choice if you’re a creative thinker who enjoys expressing ideas and talking to people, and you're interested in the latest social trends and digital technology.
This degree offers a unique blend of arts, design and management perspectives on communication, providing you with a versatile skillset tailored for the modern world.
Choose from five exciting subject majors: Applied Digital Communication, Creative Media, Public Relations, Marketing, and Media Production.
Career Opportunities
- Brand and campaign manager
- Communications advisor
- Creative Art Director
- Digital content writer
- Digital marketing specialist
- Events manager
- Film or television producer
- Game designer
- Marketing executive
- Mobile App Designer
- Multimedia journalist
- Podcaster
- Public relations manager
- Social Media Manager
- User experience (UX) designer
- Web Designer
360 points, 3 years
Hamilton
Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July)
Degree information
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Plan your study -
Subjects Choose a subject
Browse available subjects and choose one for more information.
Browse BC subjects Browse available subjects and choose one for more information
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Entry Requirements There are five ways you can gain admission to the University of Waikato.
- NCEA University Entrance
- Admission at entrance level
- Discretionary entrance
- University Entrance prior to 2015
- Special admission.
For full details visit Entry Requirements.
As an international student studying at undergraduate level, you are required to meet English language and academic entry requirements.
View Entry requirements for undergraduate international students.
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Fees and scholarships Estimated fees
$8,290 per year
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Domestic tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for domestic students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
Domestic tuition costs -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 30 October 2024.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees. View information about fees free study.
Estimated fees
$36,430 per year
-
International tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for international students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
International tuition costs -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 30 October 2024.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees.
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Graduate outcomes Graduates of the Bachelor of Communication will have the ability to:
1. Problem-solve:
- Research and analyse situations, make recommendations, and develop strategies and plans for effective communication.
- Conduct research to identify a range of solutions for effective communication.
- Solve communication issues with an evidenced-based approach.
2. Reflect:
- Learn from action, and act from learning.
- Apply reflexive practices to facilitate learning from previous experiences.
- Use communication theory in their discipline to reflect and guide action.
3. Engage:
- Create, nurture and maintain sustainable relationships with diverse individuals, groups, and communities.
- Demonstrate their ability to contribute ethical and socially responsible advice within a range of communication policies and practices.
- Build and maintain relationships between a variety of organisations and stakeholders.
4. Design:
- Design, develop and implement a range of professional tools and technologies for effective communication.
- Assess, develop and use a range of media.
- Asses, develop and use a range of communication systems and technologies.
5. Influence:
- Develop strategies to create, reinforce change or shape beliefs, attitudes and behaviours.
- Apply principles of ethical persuasion and influence using a variety of communication channels and media.
6. Critique:
- Critically evaluate and practice ethical principles for communication strategies and processes.
- Evaluate communication strategies and processes.
- Apply ethical principles to all communication activities.
7. Transform:
- Develop the ability to construct a shared and inclusive vision for a sustainable future.
- Demonstrate their ability to contribute ethical and socially responsible advice within a range of communication policies and practices.
Browse available subjects and choose one for more information
There are five ways you can gain admission to the University of Waikato.
- NCEA University Entrance
- Admission at entrance level
- Discretionary entrance
- University Entrance prior to 2015
- Special admission.
For full details visit Entry Requirements.
As an international student studying at undergraduate level, you are required to meet English language and academic entry requirements.
View Entry requirements for undergraduate international students.
Estimated fees
$8,290 per year
-
Domestic tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for domestic students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
Domestic tuition costs -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 30 October 2024.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees. View information about fees free study.
Estimated fees
$36,430 per year
-
International tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for international students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
International tuition costs -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 30 October 2024.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Communication will have the ability to:
1. Problem-solve:
- Research and analyse situations, make recommendations, and develop strategies and plans for effective communication.
- Conduct research to identify a range of solutions for effective communication.
- Solve communication issues with an evidenced-based approach.
2. Reflect:
- Learn from action, and act from learning.
- Apply reflexive practices to facilitate learning from previous experiences.
- Use communication theory in their discipline to reflect and guide action.
3. Engage:
- Create, nurture and maintain sustainable relationships with diverse individuals, groups, and communities.
- Demonstrate their ability to contribute ethical and socially responsible advice within a range of communication policies and practices.
- Build and maintain relationships between a variety of organisations and stakeholders.
4. Design:
- Design, develop and implement a range of professional tools and technologies for effective communication.
- Assess, develop and use a range of media.
- Asses, develop and use a range of communication systems and technologies.
5. Influence:
- Develop strategies to create, reinforce change or shape beliefs, attitudes and behaviours.
- Apply principles of ethical persuasion and influence using a variety of communication channels and media.
6. Critique:
- Critically evaluate and practice ethical principles for communication strategies and processes.
- Evaluate communication strategies and processes.
- Apply ethical principles to all communication activities.
7. Transform:
- Develop the ability to construct a shared and inclusive vision for a sustainable future.
- Demonstrate their ability to contribute ethical and socially responsible advice within a range of communication policies and practices.
Major subjects in the BC
Applied Digital Communication
Develop the user-centred design and technical skills required to create high-impact websites, social media, and interactive mobile apps.
Creative Media
Exploit media-rich creative arts such as images, music, text, sound and film for the purpose of clear, persuasive and powerful storytelling.
Marketing
Marketing is essential for attracting customers to products or services. It creates strong, unique brands that stand out from their competitors.
Media Production
Get the hands-on technical skills you need to work in media production studios, whether your passion is for film, podcasting, or game design.
Public Relations
Help organisations achieve their goals and enhance their reputation by acting as a crucial link with journalists and key stakeholders.
Minor subjects available
The University of Waikato offers a huge range of subjects that can be taken as a minor (four papers) with the Bachelor of Communication.
Course content
In your first year, the core papers of this degree will introduce you to the key principles of communication, and give you a taste of your major/minor subjects.
You’ll also learn how to build trust and credibility, maintain positive relations with key stakeholders, and consider different perspectives when communicating across cultures.
With a focus on applied learning in this degree, you’ll build a portfolio of work that showcases your talents to future employers.
For example, you could be asked to develop a visual brand identity for a new product, create a user-centred website for a start-up business, design a publicity campaign around mental health awareness, or produce a festival-ready short film.
In later years, you’ll take more advanced papers that dive deeper into your chosen subjects. You could explore topics such as web development, interactive media design, transmedia storytelling, creative music technology, film production, podcasting, digital marketing, or public relations campaigns.
Why study communication at Waikato?
Practical industry experience
In your third year, you'll gain real-world industry experience through a communication consulting project. Working in teams, students will evaluate the host organisation's needs and challenges, and then develop a robust communication plan.
Internationally recognised
Waikato's Bachelor of Communication is the only degree in NZ and Australasia certified by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).
World-leading alumni
Follow in the footsteps of prestigious Waikato alumni like former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Briar Thompson at Boston Consulting Group, Kym Bradbury at IKEA UK & Ireland, and TVNZ journalist Lucas de Jong.
Mix it up with MCSA!
MCSA is a student-run group that gives Waikato communication students a head-start in their chosen career by linking them up with industry professionals. Get access to skills workshops, fun social events, and meet some future employers.
Regulations for the BC
Read the full Regulations for the Bachelor of Communication in the University of Waikato Calendar.
Success stories
Graduate and postgraduate study
Graduate or postgraduate study lets you develop advanced knowledge in an area of management that you are passionate about, giving you an edge in the job market.