Bachelor of Communication Studies

AUT’s communication studies degree is highly-regarded by industry. Our students and graduates pick up top jobs at the best companies and media outlets.

As a communications studies student you have access to industry-standard facilities and equipment, including a media centre, radio studio and fully-equipped TV studio.

Workplace experience

As part of your studies you could work on live projects for real clients, or complete workplace experience or internships for major industry organisations. Journalism students, for example, get a taste of different media outlets through the internships that are part of their degree. Similarly, public relations students can work on a project for a not-for-profit client through our public relations agency Outside the Square.

Quick Facts

Entry Requirements

Preferred entry: Preference will be given to applicants who have completed Year 13 with:

  • NCEA: A rank score of 180 or higher, with 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 Maori or Te Reo Ragatira.
  • 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.
  • IB: A minimum of 28 points including a minimum grade 5 in one of the subjects listed above, or equivalents.

Preferred school subjects: Language-rich subjects are useful.

Don’t meet the entry requirements? Consider starting with our Certificate in Communication Studies.

Majors

Additional Majors and Minors

Additional majors and minors

Structure and Content

Year 1

You’ll be introduced to the media world and essential communication theories and practice. This year you take seven papers (including one paper worth 30 points). There are five core papers.

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 papers each for three majors of your choice.

Year 3

Your final year focuses on the theory and practice of your major. You may also be able to complete an industry project as part of this year.

Related Programmes

Career Opportunities

  • Copywriter
  • Digital media producer
  • Internal communications advisor
  • Journalist
  • Music director or programmer
  • News reporter / announcer / presenter
  • Production or studio engineer
  • Promotions or station manager
  • Public relations consultant
  • Record company representative
  • Social media manager
  • Theatre production manager
  • TV camera operator
  • TV or screen director or producer
  • Web editor