AUT - Advertising Creativity Major: Bachelor of Communication Studies

AUT
Centre Banner
Main Content

Advertising Creativity Major: Bachelor of Communication Studies

Design, writing and storytelling are at the heart of advertising creativity. It is all about thinking laterally and developing effective creative communications for advertising campaigns. Technology may be changing the way we communicate, but it will only do what you tell it to. In advertising, we start with a great idea and then choose how to combine and use the media.

The Advertising Creativity major in the Bachelor of Communication Studies degree (BCS) helps you turn your ideas into advertising people notice. Courses focus on ideation, art direction and copywriting across a variety of media including print, radio, outdoor, television, interactive and web. You also learn the transferable skill of creative problem solving, and the ability to think laterally and communicate information in a compelling and effective way.
  • AUT is the only NZ university that teaches advertising creativity specifically and to degree level (other universities cover it as part of studying graphic design, marketing and business studies)
  • Only NZ qualification recognised by D&AD International University Network, the most highly regarded design and advertising industry body in the world
  • Supported by CAANZ (Communication Agencies Association of New Zealand)
  • From 2013, you will have the opportunity to work together with students from other majors in the new media centre, a collaborative media studio in AUT's new WG learning precinct
  • Mainly practical papers; work on live briefs, and write and design print, TV, radio, web and outdoor ads for real products
  • Develop a portfolio of professional work that can lead to a career as a copywriter or art director in an ad agency
  • Can also lead to a career in account service, account planning or media in an ad agency
  • Opportunity to have work experience in the creative department of an advertising agency
  • Real clients: agencies and clients brief students directly both at AUT and at their own premises
  • Chance to see your work published and broadcast in the media
  • Guest speakers from client companies and leading advertising agencies such as Telecom, TVNZ, New Zealand Post, MediaWorks, Saatchi & Saatchi, DDB, Film Construction
  • Internships and scholarships for top students may be offered by CAANZ
More information about the Bachelor of Communication Studies

Structure

Most papers last one semester and are worth 15 points. Students must complete 120 points each year (360 points for the entire degree). In each year students study core (compulsory) papers, and select other papers from a range of options.

Year one papers - 120 points in total

Introduces essential theory and practice as a basis for later specialisation. This focuses on media and interpersonal communication and the relationships between communication, technology and New Zealand society.

CORE PAPERS
145701 Interpersonal Communication (15)
145708 Media Communication I (15)
145717 Image and Sound (15)
145718 Media Production Workshop (30)
285008 Applied Media Ethics (15)

SELECT TWO
145705 Principles of Writing (15)
145709 Introduction to New Zealand Literature (15)
145719 Introduction to Popular Culture (15)
145720 Performance Communication (15)
285706 New Zealand Political Studies (15)
915101 Te Kākano I (15)

Year two papers - 120 points in total

You undertake more practical work in all the communication disciplines while continuing to develop critical theory.

CORE PAPERS
146719 Intercultural Communication (15)
146723 Media Communication IIA (15)

ADVERTISING CREATIVITY PREREQUISITE PAPERS
146735 Visual Communication (15)
146740 Advertising Creativity (15)

OPTIONAL PAPERS:
Choose from other papers listed below.

Year three papers - 120 points in total

All students study the core paper, Media Communication III. You then choose the remaining papers from a range of advertising creativity papers, and optional papers.

CORE PAPERS:
147717 Media Communication III (15)

MAJOR PAPERS:
SELECT 105 points - a minimum of 60 points from your MAJOR and 30 points from your minor (if desired).

147764 Creative Principles and Strategy (compulsory) (15)
147772 Copywriting (compulsory) (15)
147774 Campaigns (15)
147834 Issues in Media Communication (15)
147835 Advertising Art Direction (compulsory)(15)
487964 Intergrated Marketing Communications (15)

OPTIONAL PAPERS:

Level 5:
915404 Sound Production (15)
915405 Technology and Composition (15)

Level 6:
116232 Photography (15)
386626 Advertising Media Planning (15)
466650 Project Management (15)
916100 Technology and Creative Expression (15)

Level 7:
147723 Persuasive Communication (15)
147732 Editing and Design (15)
147734 Magazine Journalism (15)
147753 New Media Journalism (15)
147777 The Music Industries (15)
147782 Issues in Cross-Cultural Communication (15)
147787 News Production (15)
147788 Performance for Camera (15)
147789 Radio Journalism (15)
147790 Photo Journalism (15)
147791 Television Journalism (15)
147792 Advanced Copywriting (15)
147813 Radio and Society (15)
147814 Knowledge Management (15)
147816 Promotional Culture (15)
147825 Reporting the Pacific Region (15)
147826 Maori and Pasifika Media Industry (15)
147827 Sponsorship and Promotion (15)
147832 Advanced Advertising Art Direction (15)
387932 Strategic Advertising Management (15)
487964 Integrated Marketing Communications (15)

AND/OR any specified BCS minor or other level 5-7 papers.

Enrolment in papers is subject to meeting all requirements and availability of papers.

Career opportunities

  • Art Director 
  • Copywriter
  • Web content creator
  • Account director
  • Account planner
  • Media buyer/planner

Last updated: 18 May 2012 4:00pm

AUT University, New Zealand | Copyright © | Privacy | Site map | IT support | Website feedback