Bachelor of Communication
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 to films, podcasting and social media.
360 points, 3 years
Hamilton
Trimester A (February) and Trimester B (July).
Why study the Bachelor of Communication?
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.
Career Opportunities
- Advertising account executive
- Brand and campaign manager
- Communications Advisor
- Digital content writer
- Digital marketing specialist
- Digital strategist
- Events manager
- Multimedia journalist
- Public relations manager
- User experience (UX) designer
360 points, 3 years
Hamilton
Trimester A (February) and Trimester B (July).
Degree information
-
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
Minor subjects 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.
-
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.
-
Fees and scholarships Estimated fees
$7,821 per year
-
Fees free
You may be eligible for fees-free study in your first year.
Fees-free for new students -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Find a scholarship
Relevant as of 20 February 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.
Estimated fees
$34,695 per year
-
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Find a scholarship
Relevant as of 20 February 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.
-
Browse available subjects and choose one for more information
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.
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
$7,821 per year
-
Fees free
You may be eligible for fees-free study in your first year.
Fees-free for new students -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Find a scholarship
Relevant as of 20 February 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.
Estimated fees
$34,695 per year
-
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Find a scholarship
Relevant as of 20 February 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.
Major subjects in the BC
Applied Digital Communication
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.
Creative Media
Exploit media-rich creative arts for the purpose of clear, engaging, persuasive and powerful storytellng. Learn how to strategically blend text, images, music, sound, film and performance to achieve your communication goals.
Marketing
Marketing is all about satisfying customer needs and it'll open the doors to a huge range of careers – from advertising and brand management through to strategic planning and product development.
Media Production
Get the hands-on technical skills you need to work in professional media production studios. Whether your passion is for film and television, podcasting, game design or web media, this subject has it all.
Public Relations
The world of public relations is fast-growing and exciting. Get the public relations skills you need to help an organisation build trusted relationships with its key stakeholders and enhance its public reputation.
Minor subjects available
A minor subject is worth four papers (60 points). It is studied in some depth at 100-300 level, but not as much as a major subject. Options include Creative Writing, Digital Business, Political Science, and many more.
Course content
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.
In your first year, the core papers of this degree will introduce you to the fundamentals of communication, marketing, public relations and the creative industries.
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?
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.
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). We are also ranked in the world's top 250 universities for Communication and Media Studies (QS Rankings).
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.
What our students are saying
Regulations for the BC
Read the full Regulations for the Bachelor of Communication in the University of Waikato Calendar.
Study abroad
Broaden your horizons by studying overseas at one of Waikato's partner universities in Europe, Asia, or the Americas for 1-2 trimesters. You will pay the same tuition fees as usual, and can credit the papers back to your Bachelor of Communication degree.
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.
For more information about the best study pathway for you, please talk to an adviser in the Management Student Centre (MSC).
Contact us
Have a chat with one of our friendly advisers to help you plan your degree.