AUT - Bachelor of Communication Studies
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Bachelor of 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.
- 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 will house the School of Communication Studies and state-of-the-art facilities from 2013, 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
Quick facts
Programme Code: AK3303
Level: 7
Points: 360
Duration: Three years full time
Venue: City Campus
Start date: 3 March 2014
Application deadline: 30 September 2013
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.
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 minimum of 60 NCEA Level 3 credits over four subjects (with at least three subjects from the approved list),
- 18 NCEA Level 3 credits, in any one of Art History, Classics, English, Geography, History or Media Studies.
- A minimum of 60 NCEA Level 3 credits over four subjects (with at least three subjects from the approved list),
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CIE
- 150 points on the UCAS tariff in CIE over a minimum of 3 and maximum of 5 subjects; and AS level grade of C in any one subject similar to the NCEA subjects listed above.
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International Baccalaureate
- Minimum of 28 points in International Baccaulaureate including a minimum grade of 5 in at least one subject similar to the NCEA language rich subjects.
- Minimum of 28 points in International Baccaulaureate including a minimum grade of 5 in at least one subject similar to the NCEA language rich subjects.
- 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.
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.
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 will be introduced to the essential theories and practice you need for later specialisation, focusing on media and interpersonal communication, and the relationships between communication, technology and New Zealand society. This will provide an overview of the media world, insights into New Zealand society’s demographics and paradigms and an understanding of how to interact and interpret that knowledge.
Year 2
You move into more practical work in up to 3 communication disciplines, while continuing to develop critical theory. This allows you to focus your studies while keeping your options open for placement in a major and minor, which begin this year. Students are required to complete 90 points for a major and 60 points for a minor (if desired). We recommend that options are kept open by choosing the two prerequisite papers for each of 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.