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

Selection criteria

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 Māori or Te Reo Rangatira
  • 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 equivalent.

Other documentation may be requested.

Applicants who don't meet the preferred selection criteria above will be considered on a case-by-case basis where places are available.

English language requirements

  • IELTS (Academic) 6.5 overall with all bands 6.0 or higher; or equivalent

Preferred New Zealand school subjects

  • Language rich subjects are useful

Don’t meet the entry requirements?

Consider starting with our Certificate in Communication Studies.

Certificate in Communication Studies

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:

16 Jul 2018

25 Feb 2019

15 Jul 2019

Fees:
Tuition and other fees
  • The tuition fee for a year of full-time study varies depending on your course of study and the combination of papers you study within your qualification. Estimates given are based on paper selection of previous student enrolments within each qualification. Your exact fees will be calculated at the time of invoicing.
  • The tuition fee for a year of full-time study varies depending on your course of study and the combination of papers you study within your qualification. Estimates given are based on paper selection of previous student enrolments within each qualification. Your exact fees will be calculated at the time of invoicing.
Iain Nealie
Andrew Cho
Briony Sowden
Julian Braatvedt
Hulu Tu'inukuafe
Iain Nealie
Great graduatesIain NealieCreative Director, Google APAC, SydneyBachelor of Communication StudiesHis role doesn’t feel like work, says AUT advertising alumnus Iain Nealie who is now a creative director for Google, working across the Asia-Pacific region.His role doesn’t feel like work, says AUT advertising alumnus Iain Nealie who is now a creative director for Google, working across the Asia-Pacific region. There have been many highlights in his career so far, says Iain who graduated from AUT in 2009. Since then, Iain and his classmate and creative partner Tara Mckenty have become one of the top creative duos in the Asia-Pacific region, and were named in Campaign Magazine’s Top 50 Emerging Talent list.
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.
Briony Sowden
Great graduatesBriony SowdenProducer/Journalist, Al Jazeera Media NetworkBachelor of Communication StudiesThe best part of AUT alumna Briony Sowden's job at Al Jazeera is learning about the world, especially when it has the power to change somebody’s life.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 who is a producer for Al Jazeera. She loves working on some of the most complex stories in the world and is often blown away by the stories she is writing about; real historic events that are shaping the political landscape.
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.
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.
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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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