Communication Studies

Print, broadcast and new media shape and reflect our perceptions and reactions to the world. From purchases to policy, all our decisions are based on the messages we receive. AUT’s communication studies graduates shape these messages. Our graduates pick up the best jobs in the best companies and media outlets, and they win awards, lots of awards. The Bachelor of Communication Studies degree (BCS) equips you with the skills to decide the media’s look, sound, feel and flavour – as a journalist, broadcaster, producer, creative advertising professional, digital media specialist or PR professional. As well as a thorough understanding of the media, you develop a life-long sense of questioning and pushing your own boundaries. 

Key features

• New Zealand’s most sought-after professional communications degree
• Combines theoretical and practical experience in a range of communication fields
• On-campus  media networks include: Te Waha Nui (journalism training newspaper), Pacific Media Centre, Static 88.1fm student radio, student-run PR agency Outside the Square; Journalism, Media and Democracy Research Centre and Multimodal Research Centre
• AUT's new WG learning precinct houses the School of Communication Studies and state-of-the-art facilities, including a screen and television studio, motion capture and chroma key studio, performance studio, radio station, sound and edit suites, digital media computer labs and a brand new media centre
• Advertising Creativity, Journalism, Public Relations, Radio, Television and Digital Media students will have the opportunity to work together in the new media centre, a collaborative media studio in the new learning precinct
• Industry-experienced, well-connected and passionate academic staff
• Journalism students make field trips to a marae, news outlets throughout the North Island, courts and local community boards
• Guest lecturers include former BCS graduates such as Jacob Slack, TVNZ; Nils Pokel and Paul Robertson, Arcade, and industry professionals from DDB and Mediaworks
• Some majors offer an opportunity to complete an industry project/work experience in Year 3
• Internships may be available for Journalism and Advertising Creativity students
• Industry partners include ACP Media NZ Ltd, APN National Publishing, Asia NZ Foundation, DDB, Maori Television, Media Monitors, National Business Review, Pacific Island Media Association, Porter Novelli, PRINZ, Radio New Zealand, TVNZ, TV3
• Students and graduates are internationally recognised, having won Sally Logan-Milne Young Practitioner of the Year award, CAANZ AXIS awards, ORCA awards, Cannes International Advertising awards, and NZ Student Marketer of the Year award

Majors

• Advertising Creativity
• Creative Industries
• Digital Media
• Journalism
• Public Relations
• Radio
• Television and Screen Production

Structure

When you study the BCS you prepare for your area of interest by specialising in one major area in Year 3. You can keep your options open by studying a major and a minor. Whatever you choose you’ll enjoy the benefits of small, focused classes and tutors with in-depth knowledge and a passion for their subject.

Year 1
You’ll be introduced to the media world and essential communication theories and practice.

Year 2
You’ll be involved in more practical work in up to three communication disciplines, while continuing to study critical theory. This keeps your options open for your major and minor, which start this year. We recommend you choose two prerequisite papers each for three majors. Entry into some majors is competitive.

Year 3
Emphasis is put on the theory and practice of your major throughout this year. If you began a minor in Year 2, you will complete this alongside your major. An industry project may be offered as part of your Year 3 programme.

All Year 3 students must study Media Communication III plus the equivalent of 60 points in their major to reach the 90 points required to complete a major. The remaining 45 points may be used to complete a minor or to study additional elective papers of the student’s choice.

Entry to a Year 3 major may be restricted if applications exceed places available. Preference will be given to students who achieve good academic results and show aptitude in the relevant prerequisite papers in Year 2.

Entry requirements

• University Entrance
• Applicants for whom English or Māori is not their first language must provide proof of their English proficiency. IELTS (academic), completed within the last two years is the preferred test for entry. Minimum IELTS (academic) requirements are as follows: 6.5 overall with all bands 6 or higher
• There are limited places; generally students with the highest level of academic achievement are selected
• Preference will be given to students who have completed Year 13 with:
  NCEA
  • A rank score of 180 or higher, with at least 14 credits in each of two subjects from: Classical Studies, Drama, English, Geography, Health Education, History, History of Art, Media Studies, Social Studies, Te Reo Māori or Te Reo Rangatira 
• CIE
  • A rank score of 150 or higher, including a minimum AS level grade of C in at least one of the subjects listed above, or equivalent
• International Baccalaureate
  • A rank score of 28 including a minimum grade 5 in one of the subjects listed above, or equivalent.
    Other documentation may be requested.
• Mature applicants should submit:
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Academic transcript
  • A letter of application stating why you are applying, your relevant experience and qualifications

• Non-school leavers please complete the Addendum form.
  Other documentation may be required.

Applicants who do not meet the preferred selection criteria above will be considered on a case-by-case basis where places are available.

What we look for in an applicant

Entry to the Bachelor of Communication Studies (BCS) is competitive. Approximately 300 places are available to first year students. We look for the ability to think creatively, laterally and independently. The degree demands motivation, energy and an inquiring mind.

Other qualities taken into account include:

• Ability in written, spoken and/or visual communication areas.
• Involvement in non-academic areas such as community groups, drama, or sporting activities.

It is desirable to have students who reflect the multicultural nature of New Zealand society. School leaver applicants should ideally be performing strongly in Year 13 humanities subjects.

AUT encourages early application. There are limited places available. Late applications will be accepted if the programme is not full. Applicants will normally be selected on the basis of their level of academic achievement and may be required to attend a selection interview.

Study abroad fees at AUT University: what you'll pay

2016 fees per semester in NZ dollars

• Tuition fee for Study Abroad: NZ$12,500 per semester
• Enrolment fee: NZ$150
• Learner services levy: NZ$320.08 per 60 points
• Placement fee (internship option only): NZ$800
• AUT Insurance Premium: NZ$294.50 per semester

Other compulsory fees (in addition to tuition fees)

• 2016 Compulsory Student Services Fee - $573.30 for 120 points or $4.77 per academic point (GST incl)
• 2016 Building Levy- $66.85 for 120 points or $0.56 per academic point (GST incl)