Programme overview
Communication is more important than ever in today’s world. Organisational, social and global change are all strongly influenced by the ways in which politicians, activists, entrepreneurs and leaders communicate.
The Bachelor of Communication is designed to impart advanced understanding of the significant role of communication in our world.
You will develop specialist skills in writing, public speaking, critical and creative thinking, leadership, research and cultural competency. The knowledge and skills you will acquire can enable and empower you as a communications professional and a future leader.
What you gain from studying Communication
Bachelor of Communication graduates are capable communicators with an advanced understanding of the important role communication plays within organisations and in society more broadly. They're well-prepared to take up positions as communication professionals and leaders across a wide range of public, private, not-for-profit and community sectors.
Our graduates have strong research and problem-solving skills that are valuable in professional environments and prepare them for further postgraduate studies.
Need help and advice? Reach out to us at bc@auckland.ac.nz.
Conjoint programmes let you pursue two undergraduate bachelors degrees at the same time.
Learn more about conjointsProgramme structure
The Bachelor of Communication takes three years to complete if you're studying full time. Most students will take 24 courses overall (each course being worth 15 points), with 8 courses per year.
Majors
When you start the programme, you will choose one of three majors:
In your first year, you will complete the first two courses of your major, alongside core courses in communication. Over the course of your degree you will also take three courses in an additional focused area of study (a module), up to two elective courses, one General Education course and one Waipapa Taumata Rau course. Twelve courses (or 180 points) of your degree must be above Stage I level.
Modules
Modules are three courses grouped together around a particular theme. They are designed to add to your skill set for future employment and potentially benefit your future career path. You must take one module as part of your Bachelor of Communication.
Find out more information and see avaliable modules.
Internship course
In your third year, you can take our internship course and gain practical experience in the workplace. Placements are available in a range of industries including media, public relations, advertising, broadcasting, and corporate communication. Entry to the course isn't guaranteed and depends on a separate application and interview.
Overall programme structure:
- Eight core Communication courses (120 points)
- At least nine courses from your chosen major (including three major-specific core courses) (135 points)
- One General Education course (15 points)
- One Waipapa Taumata Rau core course (15 points)
- Three courses to make up a module (45 points)
- Up to two elective courses (30 points)
You can also study the BC alongside another degree through a conjoint programme. You can do a BA as a conjoint option for the BC.
Most students need to take one General Education course.
Students should also be aware of the University’s Academic English Language Requirement.
Sample programme structure
Year 1 120 points
-
- Code:
- COMMS 100
- Name:
- Communication, Technology and Culture
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- COMMS 101
- Name:
- Understanding Communication in Māori and Pacific Worlds
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- PHIL 104
- Name:
- Ethics and Justice
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Stage I course
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Stage I course
- Type:
- Compulsory major course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Stage I course
- Type:
- As required for major
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Stage I course
- Type:
- Module
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Waipapa Taumata Rau
- Type:
- Core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
Year 2 120 points
-
- Code:
- COMMS 210
- Name:
- Practicing Communication in Māori and Pacific Worlds
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- COMMS 207
- Name:
- Communication Research Methods
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Stage II course
- Type:
- Compulsory major course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Stage II course
- Type:
- As required for major
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Stage II course
- Type:
- As required for major
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Stage II course
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Stage II course
- Type:
- Module
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Stage I course
- Type:
- General Education course
- Points:
- 15 pts
Year 3 120 points
-
- Name:
- Stage III course
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Stage III course
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Stage III course
- Type:
- Compulsory major course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Stage III course
- Type:
- As required for major
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Stage III course
- Type:
- As required for major
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Stage III course
- Type:
- As required for major
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Stage III course
- Type:
- Module
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Stage III course
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
Subjects available in this programme
- Communication & Social Change
- Communication and Technology
- Communication in Leadership
About the majors
Communication and Social Change
For students who wish to study and contribute to the creation of public and political messages directed towards social change in a range of areas including health, science, the environment and sustainability.
For students who wish to examine connections between humans, society and machines via social media and other digital platforms, and study how machine-generated data has an impact on communication.
For students who wish to study leadership roles across different organisational contexts including entrepreneurship, conflict resolution, and strategic communication.
Modules
Modules are three courses grouped together around a particular theme. You can browse the list of module options and see what appeals to you here.
2024 entry requirements
My highest qualification is from:
Secondary school qualifications
If you're joining us from secondary school, here's what you need to enter the programme.
You are guaranteed entry to this programme if you meet these requirements.
- First, you must meet the University Entrance (UE) standard.
- You must also meet the rank score for this programme. Not sure about your rank score? Use our rank score calculator.
- You may need to have studied certain subjects or achieved credits in particular subjects.
- Some programmes have additional requirements, such as an interview, portfolio or references.
Guaranteed rank score, subject and other requirements
If your rank score is slightly lower than the guaranteed score, we encourage you to still apply. We will consider your application if places are available. If you don’t meet the requirements, you may be able to apply under our Undergraduate Targeted Admission Schemes.
-
QualificationNCEA National Certificate of Educational AchievementScore required180
-
QualificationCIE Cambridge International ExaminationsScore required190
-
QualificationIB International BaccalaureateScore required27
Read more about entry requirements for New Zealand secondary school applicants.
Tertiary qualifications
If you've studied at a tertiary institution, here's what you need to enter the programme.
You can transfer from another tertiary institution, or another University of Auckland qualification, if you meet these requirements.
Minimum grade requirements
These are the likely grades required, but they do not guarantee entry. Applicants may require higher grades to gain entry to this programme.
-
Grade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 3
-
Grade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 3
Other pathways to study
You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:
- See if you meet the criteria for the Undergraduate Targeted Admission Scheme (UTAS).
- Bridge your educational gap with a preparation and foundation programme.
- If you are under 20, have no formal University Entrance (UE) qualification, and are a New Zealand or Australian citizen or permanent resident you can apply for discretionary entrance.
- If you can demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and maturity, we offer admission to applicants under 16.
My highest qualification is from this country or region:
Secondary school qualifications
If you're joining us from secondary school, here's what you need to enter the programme.
You need to have one of the following:
- International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum total score of 24.
- General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level. You must have completed a minimum of three A-Level subjects.
- Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). You must have completed a minimum of three A-level subjects.
GCE ‘A’ Level requirements apply to ‘A’ Level qualifications examined by bodies such as AQA, OCR, Edexcel, WJEC, CCEA and Pearson Education Limited taken outside of New Zealand.
Guaranteed grade, subject and other requirements
These are the grades required for guaranteed entry to this programme. If your grades are slightly lower, we encourage you to still apply. We will consider your application if places are available.
-
QualificationIB International Baccalaureate DiplomaScore required27QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6
No bands less than 5.5
-
QualificationCIE Cambridge International ExaminationsScore requiredBCCQualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6
No bands less than 5.5
-
QualificationGCE A Level General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced LevelScore requiredBCCQualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6
No bands less than 5.5
Tertiary qualifications
If you've studied at a tertiary institution, here's what you need to enter the programme.
You can transfer from another tertiary institution if you meet these requirements.
You need to have the following:
One year successful bachelor-degree level study at a recognised university (or similar institution) overseas.
Minimum grade requirements
These are the likely grades required, but they do not guarantee entry. Applicants may require higher grades to gain entry to this programme.
-
Grade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 3
-
QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6
No bands less than 5.5
Other pathways to study
You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:
- Bridge your educational gap with a preparation and foundation programme.
- If you have an offer of place from us that is conditional on meeting English language requirements, you may be considered for English Pathway courses from the University of Auckland English Language Academy (ELA)
How much does a Bachelor of Communication cost per year?
2025 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$7,742.40 – $8,288.40*
- International students
- NZ$43,243 – $44,078*
Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $8.88 per point, estimated at $1,065.60 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.
*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.
Find out about financial support information
Scholarships and awards
Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.
Student loans and allowances
Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.
Cost of living
Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.
Key dates
Please note: We will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.
Application closing dates
- Semester One 2025
- 8 December 2024
- Semester Two 2025
- 4 July 2025
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
Semester One | Starts – 26 February |
---|---|
Ends – 24 June | |
Semester Two | Starts – 15 July |
Ends – 11 November |
Semester One | Starts – 3 March |
---|---|
Ends – 30 June | |
Semester Two | Starts – 21 July |
Ends – 17 November |
Other important dates
See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.
How to apply
Applying for an undergraduate programme? Check out our step-by-step guide.
The Bachelor of Communication consists of core courses, a major, a module, General Education, and elective courses. You will need to plan carefully to make sure that you complete all of these elements.
The degree consists of 24 courses with at least six courses at Stage II (second year level), and at least six courses at Stage III (third year level). Each year you must take eight courses, this means four courses per semester.
Here's how to structure your stand-alone degree:
Year One
Core courses
In your first year you should take a total of four Stage I courses for your core course component.
You must take the Stage I core courses COMMS 100, COMMS 101, PHIL 104 and one of the following: DRAMA 100, LINGUIST 100, LINGUIST 101, SCIGEN 101.
Courses for your major
In your first year you should take at least two Stage I courses for your chosen major. Pay particular attention to the courses that your major must include. You will need to check the semester in which your preferred courses are taught in order to plan successfully. You can find the courses available for your major in the BC Schedule. Take courses that your major must include first.
Module course
Modules are a core part of this degree. A module is a group of three papers that focus on a specific skill, and you must choose ONE for your degree.
- See the list of modules available for BC and BA students.
- Find the required papers in the BC Schedule.
We recommend taking at least one module paper in your first year. If you are taking one of the language modules it can sometimes be recommended that you take a language paper in each semester. Find out more about first time enrolment in language courses.
General Education
You can take one General Education course in your first year. You must take two General Education papers over your degree, but they can be taken at any semester or stage. You can choose courses from the Open, and Arts Schedules. Browse the General Education schedules. We recommend only taking one in your first year. Do not enrol in more than two in your whole degree.
Note: Do not take a General Education course that is the same subject as another paper you are interested in. For example, if you think you would like to take ANTHRO 100 as an elective, you cannot choose ANTHRO 104G as a General Education course. This principle also applies to language papers.
If you are a new student studying an undergraduate degree with us in 2025 you will most likely need to complete one General Education course and one Waipapa Taumata Rau course.
Elective course
Should you be having trouble making a General Education or Module course fit then you have the option of using an elective course. You can only take two elective courses over the course of your degree and you do not have to take one in your first year.
Using an elective course in your second and third year can be useful to help meet the Stage II and III requirements of the degree.
Electives are papers that are not counted towards your Core courses, your Major, your Module, or General Education courses. At least one of the electives must be from the BC Schedule and the other can be from any programme
Year two
Core course
You must take the Stage II core courses: COMMS 207 and COMMS 210.
Courses for your major
Choose at least two courses at Stage II from the course listings for your major, paying attention to the prerequisites for the Stage III courses that you plan to take in year three. You can find the courses that you need to complete for your major in the BC Schedule.
The remaining papers are dependant on the enrolment choices you made in the first year, therefore the remaining three papers will be from the following options, make sure that in you are following the degree planner and are meeting the required amount of Stage II courses. You can see these rules in the BC Schedule.
Module course
See the list of modules available for BC and BA students, and you can find the required papers in the BC Schedule.
General Education
You can choose courses from the Open and Arts Schedules. Browse the General Education schedules here. Do not enrol in more than two General Education courses in your whole degree.
Elective Course
Using an elective course in your second and third year can be useful to help meet the Stage II and III requirements of the degree. You can only take two elective courses over the course of your degree.
Year three
Core course
You must take at least two of the Stage III core courses: COMMS 307, COMMS 311, COMMS 320, COMMS 322.
Courses for your major
Choose at least three courses at Stage III from the course listings for your major. You can find the courses that you need to complete for your major in the BC Schedule.
The remaining papers are dependant on the enrolment choices you made in the first year, therefore the remaining three papers will be from the following options. Make sure that in you are following the degree planner and are meeting the required amount of Stage III courses. You can see these rules in the BC Schedule.
Module course
See the list of modules available for BC and BA students and you can find the required papers in the BC Schedule.
General Education
You can choose courses from the Open and Arts Schedules. Browse the General Education schedules. Do not enrol in more than two General Education courses in your whole degree.
Elective course
Using an elective course in your second and third year can be useful to help meet the Stage II and III requirements of the degree. You can only take two elective courses over the course of your degree.
Degree planner
Download the Bachelor of Communication standalone degree planner here.
BC conjoint degrees
When conjointing your Bachelor of Communication with another degree, the BC component is made up from the core courses and your major's courses. Overall you will take 17 BC courses - 11 of which must be Stage II or III.
To see how these courses are organised, download the BC conjoint degree planners:
Variations
Variations to this structure are possible but require the approval of the programme director. If you need help at any time, please contact contact a Programme Adviser at bc@auckland.ac.nz.
Where could this programme take you?
Communications professionals are in demand as they play a key role in helping organisations achieve their goals. You’ll be equipped for a media, PR, communication or marketing career in a wide range of sectors, including corporate, not-for-profit and government. You’ll also develop skills for future leadership and management roles.
Jobs related to this programme
- Broadcast media producer
- Content producer
- Copywriter
- Digital communications specialist
- Journalist
- Marketing adviser
- Public relations specialist
Student career planning service
Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.
Graduate careers
Explore our graduates' career journeys and different industries they've entered.
• Advertising and marketing
• Communications and publicity
• Media and technology
See details on our Communication and Arts careers page.
Experience the University
Bachelor of Communication at the University of Auckland
Hear from two BC students - Aishlin and Andrew - about their experience studying at the University of Auckland.
Do you need help?
Can’t find the answer in AskAuckland?
Need to speak to someone?
You can phone us directly.
- Auckland
- 923 5025
- Outside Auckland
- 0800 61 62 63
- International
- +64 9 373 7513