bachelorofcommunication istock 846843150

Bachelor of Communication

Bachelors Degree BC
bachelorofcommunication istock 846843150

The world is full of stories that need to be told. Get the industry skills you need to become a communications specialist and weave stories with digital threads using a wide range of technologies, from websites and apps to films, podcasts and more.

360 points, 3 years

Hamilton

Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July)

bde8041c 8424 4255 80fd fe43c0938e56

Why study the Bachelor of Communication?

Get the know-how to embark on a vibrant career in the creative, design and media industries.

With this degree, you will learn how to create engaging multimedia content that connects with audiences and sparks conversations that can shift hearts and minds, leading to social change.

From designing websites and mobile apps; through to producing TV, films and podcasts, creating social media content, designing games and virtual reality (VR) experiences; or developing a digital marketing campaign – the possibilities are endless.

Waikato's Bachelor of Communication is an ideal choice if you’re a creative thinker who enjoys expressing ideas and talking to people, and you're interested in the latest social trends and digital technology.

This degree offers a unique blend of arts, design and management perspectives on communication, providing you with a versatile skillset tailored for the modern world.

Choose from five exciting subject majors: Applied Digital Communication, Creative Media, Public Relations, Marketing, and Media Production.

Career Opportunities

  • Brand and campaign manager
  • Communications advisor
  • Creative Art Director
  • Digital content writer
  • Digital marketing specialist
  • Events manager
  • Film or television producer
  • Game designer
  • Marketing executive
  • Mobile App Designer
  • Multimedia journalist
  • Podcaster
  • Public relations manager
  • Social Media Manager
  • User experience (UX) designer
  • Web Designer

360 points, 3 years

Hamilton

Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July)

Degree information

Plan your study Subjects Entry Requirements Fees and scholarships

Major subjects in the BC

applieddigitalcommunication istock 970503984

Develop the user-centred design and technical skills required to create high-impact websites, social media, and interactive mobile apps. 

creativemedia istock 1059208520

Exploit media-rich creative arts such as images, music, text, sound and film for the purpose of clear, persuasive and powerful storytelling.

marketing istock 842856832

Marketing is essential for attracting customers to products or services. It creates strong, unique brands that stand out from their competitors.

mediaproduction istock 171583296

Get the hands-on technical skills you need to work in media production studios, whether your passion is for film, podcasting, or game design.

public relations istock 1089813056

Help organisations achieve their goals and enhance their reputation by acting as a crucial link with journalists and key stakeholders.

unistart-students-hamilton-walking-study

The University of Waikato offers a huge range of subjects that can be taken as a minor (four papers) with the Bachelor of Communication.

Course content

In your first year, the core papers of this degree will introduce you to the key principles of communication, and give you a taste of your major/minor subjects.

You’ll also learn how to build trust and credibility, maintain positive relations with key stakeholders, and consider different perspectives when communicating across cultures.

With a focus on applied learning in this degree, you’ll build a portfolio of work that showcases your talents to future employers.

For example, you could be asked to develop a visual brand identity for a new product, create a user-centred website for a start-up business, design a publicity campaign around mental health awareness, or produce a festival-ready short film.

In later years, you’ll take more advanced papers that dive deeper into your chosen subjects. You could explore topics such as web development, interactive media design, transmedia storytelling, creative music technology, film production, podcasting, digital marketing, or public relations campaigns.

Why study communication at Waikato?

creativemedia istock 669775772

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.

globalconnections istock 1271613373

Internationally recognised

Waikato's Bachelor of Communication is the only degree in NZ and Australasia certified by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).

graduating-students-holding-photo-frame

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.

mcsatriptoskycity 2018

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.

Regulations for the BC

Read the full Regulations for the Bachelor of Communication in the University of Waikato Calendar.

Contact us

International Enquiries

Monday to Friday 8:30am - 5pm