Breadcrumbs

Map NZ Map World

BC - Applied Digital Communication as a major

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.

Prepare for a dynamic career in applied digital communication, where you can play a role in creating high-impact websites, social media, and mobile apps. Hone your technical skills and showcase your flair for good web design.


Apply to enrol

Key information

Entry Requirements:

University Entrance, or its equivalent, or on a case-by-case basis.

Years: 3
Points: 360
Start Dates: Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July)
Estimated Fees* (Domestic): $7,103 per year
Estimated Fees* (International): $34,695 per year
Entry Requirements: Undergraduate International
Area of Study:
*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.

Career opportunities

  • Web designer
  • User experience designer
  • Digital strategist
  • Design director
  • Social media designer

Degree Planner

Degree planner — BC in Applied Digital Communication

* If you taking the BC with a double major, choose the higher level paper indicated in the box.

Year 3

CSMAX300 or MEDIA308

200 or 300 * Level
Elective

200 or 300 * Level
Elective

200 or 300 * Level
Elective

  • Major
  • Field
  • Elective
This information is provisional and subject to change.
300 LEVEL PAPERS:

Applied Digital Communication focuses on the design of communication in digital environments. You will learn how to combine data and messages into effective digital communications for visual and web presentation. As a graduate, you will be equipped to work in multidisciplinary teams that can combine communication, data, and technologies to understand and address users' needs in a broad range of digital era environments. Design associated with the World Wide Web and other internet technologies is a key feature of Applied Digital Communication.

Applied Digital Communication is available as a first major for the Bachelor of Communication (BC). Applied Digital Communication may also be included as a second major or minor in other undergraduate degrees, subject to approval of the Division in which the student is enrolled.

To complete Applied Communication as a single major for the BC, students must gain 135 points from papers listed for Applied Digital Communication, including 105 points above 100 level, and 60 points above 200 level. Students must complete COMPX101, DSIGN141, COMPX222, DSIGN241, DSIGN243, COMPX324, DSIGN341, DSIGN342, and either COMMS302 or MEDIA308 or CSMAX300.

To complete Applied Digital Communication as part of a double major for the BC, or other undergraduate degree, students must gain 120 points from papers listed for Applied Digital Communication including 90 points above 100 level, and 45 points above 200 level. Students must complete COMPX101, DSIGN141, COMPX222, DSIGN241, DSIGN243, and 30 points from COMPX324, DSIGN341 or DSIGN342. Students may also select one of COMMS302, MEDIA308 or CSMAX300.

To complete a minor in Applied Digital Communication, students must complete 60 points from the papers listed for the Applied Digital Communication major, including at least 30 points above 100 level.

100 Level

Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
COMPX101Introduction to Programming15.024A (Hamilton), 24A (Online), 24B (Hamilton), 24B (Hamilton Waikato College), 24B (Secondary School - Unistart), 24X (Hainan University, Haikou, China) & 24X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China)
This paper introduces computer programming in C# - the exciting challenge of creating software and designing artificial worlds within the computer. It also covers concepts such as the internals of the home computer, the history and future of computers, cyber security, computer gaming, databases, mobile computing and current researc...
DSIGN141Principles of Form and Design15.024A (Hamilton) & 24X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China)
This paper develops the student's ability to recognise and utilise the basic elements and principles of design both two and three dimensionally. It explores topics related to 'thinking' and creativity with an emphasis on raising a student's creativity consciousness and attitude. The work will primarily be abstract in nature and wil...

200 Level

Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
COMPX222Web Development15.024B (Hamilton), 24B (Tauranga) & 24X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China)
This paper provides a broad overview of the principles and technologies used in Web Applications, with practical experience of client-side and server-side programming.
DSIGN241Aspects of Web Design15.024A (Hamilton) & 24X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China)
This paper presents the students with the challenge of designing, developing and publishing content for the World Wide Web, working with content management systems (CMS). The students are challenged to combine their typographic skills and their knowledge of design in order to practically solve communication design projects.
DSIGN243Visual Language and Information Design15.024B (Hamilton) & 24X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China)
This paper offers students the possibility to explore the area of information design. By using their knowledge of principles of design, visual communication using typography and image, students will design information graphics (infographics): visual representations of information, working in the passage from data to information uti...

300 Level

Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
COMPX324User Experience Design15.024B (Hamilton), 24B (Tauranga) & 24X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China)
An introduction to the field of human-computer interaction (HCI) where students develop skills and techniques for the design and evaluation of modern computer interfaces.
CSMAX300Visual Data Communication15.024A (Hamilton)
This paper focuses on the skills and knowledge for communicating with data. A variety of methods of communicating and presenting data will be covered.
DSIGN341Design Systems15.024A (Hamilton) & 24X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China)
This paper challenges students to design a visual identity system and apply it across multiple deliverables in different media.
DSIGN342User Centred Design15.024B (Hamilton) & 24X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China)
This paper provides opportunity for students to develop skills in design methods. Students will solve visual design problems for diverse target audiences using theoretical and practical design methodologies.

Scholarships and prizes

Visit our Scholarship Finder for information about possible scholarships

Find your scholarship