Course details

Summary

From the uprisings in Ukraine and the Middle East, to your relationship with friends on Snapchat - media are changing the world. Media and Communication as a subject of study enables you to be a part of understanding these profound societal shifts. This subject examines the influence and impact of the media and new information technologies.

Why study Media and Communication at UC?

The spectacular growth of Media and Communication at UC since its introduction fifteen years ago reflects the robust growth of media as a profession and the strength of our internationally recognised faculty. UC is ranked in the top 150 universities in the world for Communication and Media Studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2016).

Unlike other media departments in New Zealand, our curriculum is designed to provide students with a critical understanding of how communication and media work within the broader context of society, power and culture. The programme draws on both the arts and social sciences to build a degree that teaches students how to think about media critically and also how to create thoughtful, analytical media content.

The Bachelor of Arts requires a minimum total of 360 points:

• at least 255 points from Arts courses
• the remaining 105 points can be from either Arts courses or courses from other degrees.
• A minimum of 225 points must be from courses above 100-level, with at least 90 points at 300-level.

Double Degrees

It is possible to combine an Arts degree with other degrees such as the Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Health Sciences, Bachelor of Laws or Bachelor of Science.

Further study

The Bachelor of Arts with Honours is designed to turn students into investigative thinkers who are ready for a career in media and communication or further study. Applicants should have no less than a B average in Media and Communication at 300-level. The core honours course (COMS401 Media Research Project) teaches research, presentation and publication skills. Four honours courses also comprise the first year of a master's degree.

Career opportunities

Media and Communication courses are an excellent preparation for a career in a communication industry or profession, from the news media to marketing or government communication. While many Media and Communication graduates enter careers directly related to their studies, some graduates tend to initially enter careers that seek university graduates of any discipline, but which offer ample opportunity to use their knowledge, skills and perspectives on communication in society.

Many organisations place a high value on people who can develop relationships between media and the public as well as manage internal communications. These same skills are also valued by government departments and agencies, both in liaising with the public and in developing policy.

Media and Communication graduates are employed in media, commerce, local and central government, education, research, arts/culture/design, tourism, museums, libraries, IT and telecommunications, social services, international affairs, management and business.

Entry criteria

Admission to UC with University Entrance, or equivalent, is required to enrol for a Bachelor's degree. Applicants must have completed New Zealand University Entrance through NCEA; or Cambridge International Examinations (CIE); or International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) or any other equivalent overseas qualification.

Other English language requirements: TOEFL PBT with a minimum score of 550 and TWE with a minimum score of 4.5; CCEL EAP Level 2 with a minimum C+ grade; CAE or CPE minimum score of 169 with at least 162 in reading, writing, listening and speaking; Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PTE with an overall score of 57 and no PTE communicative skills score below 50.