Bachelor of Communication Studies

AUT's communications degree is very well regarded in New Zealand and around the world. That’s because our students pick up top jobs in the best companies and media outlets, and win many prestigious awards.

AUT communications students and graduates are internationally recognised, having won the Sally Logan-Milne Young Practitioner of the Year award, CAANZ AXIS award, ORCA awards, Cannes International Advertising award and NZ Student Marketer of the Year award.

Study communications at AUT and you have access to industry standard facilities and equipment, including a media centre, radio studio and fully equipped TV studio, journalism training newspaper Te Waha Nui, student radio station Static 88.1 fm and  student-run PR agency Outside the Square. You also gain invaluable workplace experience before you graduate.

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Minimum entry requirements

International student entry requirements

English language requirements

  • IELTS (Academic) 6.0 overall with all bands 5.5 or higher; or equivalent

English language requirements

Useful New Zealand school subjects

  • Language rich subjects are useful

Don’t meet the entry requirements?

Consider starting with our Certificate in Social Sciences.

Certificate in Social Sciences

Majors you can study in the Bachelor of Communication Studies

Additional majors and minors for bachelor’s degrees

Add an additional major or a minor to your bachelor’s degree and study another area that interests you. You can choose from a wide range of additional majors or minors.

Additional majors and minors for bachelor’s degrees

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 career options open. We recommend you choose two prerequisite papers each for three majors. Entry into some majors is competitive.

Year 3

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

Quick facts
Programme code:
AK3303
Level:
7
Points:
360
Duration:
3 years full-time
Campus:
City Campus
Starts:

15 Jul 2019

24 Feb 2020

13 Jul 2020

Fees:
Domestic
$6,120 - $7,033
  • This represents the approximate tuition fee range based on a full-time workload of 120 points in 2019. Exact fees will depend on papers selected and may exceed this range.
  • Fees are subject to change year to year, if you are planning for beyond 2019, fees may vary from those stated.
  • There may also be other fees and charges you need to pay. Learn more about fees to study at AUT
  • Check if you're eligible for fees-free study
International
$29,670
  • This represents the approximate tuition fee based on a full-time workload of 120 points in 2019. The exact fees will depend on papers selected and may vary from the figure stated.
  • Fees are subject to change year to year, if you are planning for beyond 2019 the fee may vary from the figure stated.
  • There may also be other fees and charges you need to pay. Learn more about fees to study at AUT
  • International students' tuition fees reflect the full cost of tuition. Domestic students' tuition fees are less due to a proportion of the tuition fees being funded by the New Zealand Government.

Scholarships at AUT

Julian Braatvedt
Briony Sowden
Hulu Tu'inukuafe
John Pelasio
Andrew Cho
Julian Braatvedt
Great graduatesJulian BraatvedtFreelance Camera OperatorBachelor of Communication StudiesHe is living his childhood dream, says AUT communications alumnus Julian Braatvedt who now works as a wildlife cameraman in central and southern Africa.He is living his childhood dream, says Julian Braatvedt who now works as a wildlife cameraman, with almost all of his work based in central and southern Africa. There have been many highlights in his career as a wildlife cameraman, says Julian who has been working as a camera operator for the past five years. However, becoming a filmmaker wasn’t always Julian’s plan.
Briony Sowden
Great graduatesBriony SowdenBroadcast Journalist, BBC World News, LondonBachelor of Communication StudiesThe best part of her job is learning about the world, especially when it has the power to change somebody’s life, says AUT journalism alumna Briony Sowden.The best part of her job is learning about the world, especially when it has the power to change somebody’s life, says AUT journalism alumna Briony Sowden. As a broadcast journalist, Briony typically works on two major stories a day and all the content related to those stories. She also enjoys being involved in the planning for BBC World News, researching bigger stories and exploring the best approach to cover upcoming news events.
Hulu Tu'inukuafe
Great graduatesHulu Tu'inukuafeMaster of Communication Studies
Bachelor of Communication StudiesLearning about interactive media was eye opening, says digital media student Hulu Tu’inukuafe who has created an app to showcase Tongan food and culture.Learning about interactive media was eye opening, says digital media student Hulu Tu’inukuafe. In her second year at AUT, she took a paper on interactive media, and was fascinated by the creation of apps and how they help people in their everyday lives. She soon decided that she wanted to make an app that represents her, and went on to create an app about Tonga to provide visitors with information about the island and Tongan culture.
John Pelasio
Great graduatesJohn PelasioGraphic Designer, NZMEMaster of Arts
Bachelor of Communication StudiesChoosing to study at AUT was easy, says John Pelasio who completed a Bachelor of Communication Studies, followed by a Master of Arts in Māori Development.Choosing to study at AUT was an easy decision, says John Pelasio who completed a Bachelor of Communication Studies, followed by a Master of Arts in Māori Development. The broad nature of the communications degree is a sound foundation for many careers, says John who is now a graphic designer at integrated media company NZME.
Andrew Cho
Great graduatesAndrew ChoProduct & Brand Designer, MighwayBachelor of Communication StudiesCommunications alumnus Andrew Cho enjoys using his digital media skills to create better user experiences for anyone renting a motorhome through Mighway.The workplace experience that is part of AUT’s communications degree was a key reason he decided to study at AUT, says digital media alumnus Andrew Cho. One of the things he enjoyed most was the Digital Media Project paper in his final year, for which Andrew and his group were working for Te Papa museum. This workplace experience is one of many ways AUT prepares students for the changing world, Andrew says.
View all student profiles

The information on this page was correct at time of publication. For a comprehensive overview of AUT qualifications, please refer to the Academic Calendar.

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