Bachelor of Communication
If you are an international student who is not currently in New Zealand, you may be able to start online until you are able to join us on campus in New Zealand. View online programme options. .
The world is full of stories that need to be told. Get the industry-relevant skills you need to become a communications specialist and digital storyteller using a wide range of technologies - from websites and apps through to films, podcasting and social media.

Waikato's Bachelor of Communication offers a choice of five subject majors in Applied Digital Communication, Creative Media, Public Relations, Marketing, and Media Production.
Learn how to create engaging multimedia content that helps people and organisations tell powerful stories in new ways, connect and engage with people, and communicate with purpose in the digital era.
This degree is an ideal choice if you’re a creative thinker who enjoys expressing ideas and talking to people, you're interested in the latest social trends and digital technology, and you want to produce content that blends writing, film, images, sound and websites.
Our graduates will be equipped with the versatile communication skills needed to launch exciting careers in a wide range of creative and media industries - marketing agencies, public relations, film and TV studios, web design, social media, gaming and virtual reality (VR), podcasting and mobile applications, and so much more. These kind of roles are available in private firms, central and local government, as well as not-for-profit community organisations.
In this degree, students will learn how to create digital communications that have the power to shape people’s beliefs and behaviours; or seek to bring about meaningful social change.
For example, you could be asked by a client to run a publicity campaign around mental health services, spark wider discussion around government legislation, attract new customers to buy a company’s new products/services, or help an organisation build trust and credibility. Which creative media tools should you harness to achieve this?
For this degree, you will gain expertise in one or more major subjects:
In first year, the core papers of this degree will introduce you to the fundamentals of communication, marketing, public relations and the creative industries.
You’ll also learn how to build and maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders, and consider different perspectives when communicating across cultures.
In later years, you’ll take more advanced papers focused on your major subject/s. For example, you could study web development, user experience design, transmedia storytelling, digital marketing, strategic brand management, film production, podcasting, interactive media design, events management, or PR campaigns.
Practical industry experience
In third year, all BC students will complete a work-integrated learning paper called COMMS300 Communication Consulting Project. This is a great opportunity to gain practical industry experience by working on a real communication project for a host organisation.
Major and minor subjects
As part of this degree, you can opt to take a second major or 1-2 minors in almost any undergraduate subject offered at the University of Waikato, such as Creative Writing, Digital Business, or Political Science. See below the degree planner for more suggestions.
Why study communication at Waikato?
Waikato is ranked in the world's top 250 universities for Communication and Media Studies (QS World University Subject Rankings 2023).
Our Bachelor of Communication is the only communication degree in New Zealand – and one of only five outside the United States - certified by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). This is your guarantee of a world-class learning experience, as the PRSA sets the gold standard for PR education.
World-leading alumni
Our graduates are highly regarded by employers - their creative ideas can help small or large organisations to stand out in a crowded marketplace. You’ll be following in the footsteps of prestigious Bachelor of Communication alumni such as former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Briar Thompson at Boston Consulting Group, Kym Bradbury at IKEA Group, and TVNZ journalist Lucas de Jong.
Key information
Entry Requirements: | University Entrance, or its equivalent, or on a case-by-case basis. |
---|---|
Years: | 3 |
Points: | 360 |
Study Locations: | Hamilton |
Start Dates: | Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July) |
Estimated Fees* (Domestic): |
$7,821 per year
See if you're eligible for fees-free study in your first year |
Estimated Fees* (International): | $34,695 per year |
Entry Requirements: | Undergraduate International |
Area of Study: | |
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. |
Degree Planner
Degree planner — Bachelor of Communication (BC) - Single Major
Year 1
100 Level
Major
100 Level
Major
100 Level
Elective or Minor
100 Level
Elective or Minor
Year 2
200 Level
Major
200 Level
Major
200 Level
Major
100 Level or above
Elective or Minor
200 Level
Elective or Minor
200 Level
Elective or Minor
Year 3
300 Level
Major
300 Level
Major
300 Level
Major
300 Level
Major
200 or 300 Level
Elective or Minor
200 or 300 Level
Elective or Minor
200 or 300 Level
Elective or Minor
- Major
- Field
- Elective
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) papers:
- COMMS300 Communication Consulting Project
- OR an alternative Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) paper - please talk to a student advisor first
Degree planner — Bachelor of Communication (BC) - Double Major
Year 1
100 Level
Major 1
100 Level
Major 1
100 Level
Major 2
100 Level
Major 2
Year 2
200 Level
Major 1
200 Level
Major 1
200 Level
Major 1
200 Level
Major 2
200 Level
Major 2
200 Level
Major 2
Year 3
300 Level
Major 1
300 Level
Major 1
300 Level
Major 1
100 Level or above
Any BC field paper
300 Level
Major 2
300 Level
Major 2
300 Level
Major 2
- Major
- Field
- Second Major
Work-Integrated Learning papers:
- COMMS300 Communication Consulting Project
- OR an alternative Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) paper - please talk to a student advisor first
BC field papers
Open this section to read more
- Any Applied Digital Communication paper
- Any Creative Media paper
- Any Marketing paper
- Any Media Production paper
- Any Public Relations paper
Choose a major
Recommended minors
- Communication Design
- Creative Writing
- Digital Business
- Interface Design
- Media Design
- Political Science
- Project Management
- Public Policy
- Leadership Communication
- Social Policy
- Sociology
- Strategic Management
- Esports
You have the option to include one or two minors focused on almost any subject as part of your degree programme, instead of taking a 2nd Major or eight elective papers.
A minor is four papers (60 points) in the same subject, including at least two papers above 100-level, plus any required papers for that minor.
Career opportunities
- Advertising account executive
- Brand and campaign manager
- Communications advisor
- Community engagement manager
- Creative art director
- Digital content writer
- Digital marketing specialist
- Digital strategist
- Documentary film producer
- Events manager
- Film or television producer
- Game designer
- Interactive media artist
- Internal communications manager
- Marketing/sales manager
- Market researcher
- Media relations advisor
- Multimedia journalist
- Podcaster
- Press secretary
- Product category manager
- Producer - film, TV, web series
- Public relations manager
- Social media advisor
- Sound designer
- Sponsorship/fundraising manager
- User experience (UX) designer
- Web designer/developer
- Web editor
I’ve had the opportunity to start a podcast through Nexus Media, and network with organisations. I’ve also learned how the public relations industry functions through industry trips organised by the Management Communication Students’ Association.
Read stories from other Bachelor of Communication students
Scholarships and prizes
Visit our Scholarship Finder for information about possible scholarships
Graduate study options
Expand to read available graduate study options
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.
Choose from the following options:
- Bachelor of Communication Studies with Honours
- Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma
- Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma
- Master of Management Studies (MMS)
For more information about the best study pathway for you, please talk to an adviser in the Management Student Centre (MSC).
Exchange programme and study abroad
Expand to read about exchange programme and study abroad opportunities
Prepare yourself for a global business career and broaden your horizons by going on an overseas student exchange to one of our partner universities in Europe, Asia, North America or Mexico. You can study overseas for 1-2 semesters, pay your usual Waikato tuition fees, and then credit the points back to your BCS degree.
An overseas exchange will enhance your personal development, enable you to explore new places and cultures, and make your CV stand out to employers.
We strongly encourage our students to apply for the Waikato Management School International Exchange Scholarship, offered twice a year and worth up to $2,500.
If you’re planning to go to Asia, you can apply for a Prime Minister's Scholarship for Asia.
Student experience at Waikato
A great way to meet other like-minded people is through student clubs, such as:
- Management Communication Students Association (MCSA) - for Public Relations and Marketing students
- Te Ranga Ngaku - the Māori management student network
- Pacific Islands Management Students Association (PIMSA)
- Women in Business Association (WIBA)
- Waikato Management School Students' Association (WMSSA)
Regulations for the BC
Read the full Regulations for the Bachelor of Communication in the University of Waikato Calendar.
Contacts
Have a chat with one of our friendly advisers to help you plan your degree.
Student Centre
Phone: 0800 WAIKATO (0800 924 528) or 07 838 4176
Email: [email protected]
Have a chat with one of our friendly advisers to help you plan your degree.
Phone: +64 7 807 9275 Email: [email protected]
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