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Quick Facts

Programme Tabs

Overview

Programme Overview

Communication is more important than ever in today’s world. Organisational, social and global change are all strongly influenced by the ways in which politicians, activists, entrepreneurs and leaders communicate.

The Bachelor of Communication imparts advanced understanding of communication's significant role in our world.

You will develop specialist skills in writing, public speaking, critical and creative thinking, leadership, research and cultural competency. The knowledge and skills you acquire can empower you as a communications professional and a future leader.

What you gain from studying Communication 

Bachelor of Communication graduates are capable communicators with an advanced understanding of the important role that communication plays within organisations and in society more broadly. They're well-prepared to take up positions as communication professionals and leaders across a wide range of public, private, not-for-profit and community contexts.

Our graduates have strong research and problem-solving skills that are valuable in professional environments and prepare them for further postgraduate studies.

Need help and advice? Reach out to us at bc@auckland.ac.nz.

Programme Structure

The Bachelor of Communication is made up of 24 courses across 3 years of full-time study.

Majors 

When you start the programme, you will choose one of three majors:

Internship course

In your third year, you can take our internship course and gain practical experience in the workplace. Placements are available in a range of industries including media, public relations, advertising, broadcasting, and corporate communication. Entry to the course isn't guaranteed and depends on a separate application and interview. 

We recommend you choose WTRAED 100 - Waipapa Taumata Rau: Introduction to Te Pūtahi Mātauranga, Arts and Education as your General Education course.

Conjoint options - Conjoint programmes let you pursue two undergraduate bachelors degrees at the same time.

Learn more about conjoints

Programme Careers

Potential Careers

Communications professionals are in demand as they play a key role in helping organisations achieve their goals. You’ll be equipped for a media, PR, communication or marketing career in a wide range of sectors, including corporate, not-for-profit and government. You’ll also develop skills for future leadership and management roles.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Broadcast media producer
  • Content producer
  • Copywriter
  • Digital communications specialist
  • Journalist
  • Marketing adviser
  • Public relations specialist

Further Study Options

Student career planning services

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Graduate careers

Explore our graduates' career journeys and different industries they've entered. 

See details on our Communication and Arts careers page. 

Key Information for Students

Key Information for Students

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

button for easy access to information about study this qualification

Experience the University

Video

Bachelor of Communication at the University of Auckland

Hear from two BC students - Aishlin and Andrew - about their experience studying at the University of Auckland.

Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates

Programme Entry Requirements

Overseas qualifications

If your highest qualification was gained outside New Zealand, view our international entry requirements . 


New Zealand secondary school qualifications

You are guaranteed entry to this programme if you meet these requirements.

  1. First, you must meet the University Entrance (UE) standard.
  2. You must also meet the rank score for this programme. Not sure about your rank score? Use our rank score calculator.
  3. You may need to have studied certain subjects or achieved credits in particular subjects.
  4. Some programmes have additional requirements, such as an interview, portfolio or references.

Guaranteed rank score, subject and other requirements

If your rank score is slightly lower than the guaranteed score, we encourage you to still apply. We will consider your application if places are available. If you don’t meet the requirements, you may be able to apply under our Undergraduate Targeted Admission Schemes.

Qualification and Score required

NCEA - 180

CIE - 190   

IB - 27


New Zealand tertiary qualifications

You can transfer from another tertiary institution, or another University of Auckland qualification, if you meet these requirements.

Guaranteed grade requirements

These are the grades required for guaranteed entry to this programme. If your grades are slightly lower, we encourage you to still apply. We will consider your application if places are available.  

Grade required

3 Grade Point average  Calculate your Grade Point Average

3 Grade Point equivalent Calculate your Grade point Equivalent

Other Pathways to Study

You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:

Fees and scholarships

Fees

Fees Disclaimer

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses. For more information, please see Fees and Money Matters.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

Scholarships

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Loans and Allowances

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of Living

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

Advice on Programme Limits

This is a limited entry programme: there is a limit on the number of enrolments due to staff or space capacity. For more information, please see the Programme and Course Limitations section of the University Academic and General Statutes and Regulations.

Key Dates

Application Advice

Please note: we will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Key Dates

SemesterApplication Closing DateSemester Start DateSemester End Date
2026 Semester One08 December 202502 March 202629 June 2026
2026 Semester Two08 June 202620 July 202616 November 2026
2027 Semester One01 March 202728 March 2027
2027 Semester Two19 July 202715 November 2027

Other Important Dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

Regulations

Preamble

The regulations for this degree are to be read in conjunction with all other relevant statutes and regulations including the Academic Statutes and Regulations.

Note: This is a limited entry programme as per the Limitation of Entry Statute 1991 and selection criteria apply. Selection criteria are available from the Faculty of Arts and Education.

Duration and Total Points Value

1 A student enrolled for this degree must follow a programme of the equivalent of six full-time semesters and pass courses with a total value of 360 points, unless credit is granted under the Admission Regulations and/or the Credit Regulations.

Structure and Content

2 Of the 360 points required for this degree, a student must pass:

a at least 300 points from courses listed in the Bachelor of Communication Schedule, including:

(i) at least 180 points in courses above Stage I, of which at least 90 points must be above Stage II

(ii) 120 points from the Core Courses listed in the Bachelor of Communication Schedule

(iii) a major of at least 120 points from the Bachelor of Communication Schedule

(iv) 60 points from any other courses available in the Bachelor of Communication Schedule 

b 30 points from courses offered in either the General Education Open schedule or the relevant General Education schedule approved for this degree or from a combination of these schedules.

3 A student must complete the Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

4 A student who is required to meet the Academic English Language Requirement, as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic English Language Requirement, of the University Calendar, may substitute an academic English language course approved by Senate or its representative for 15 points of General Education.

5 Up to 30 points may be taken from other undergraduate courses offered at this University.

General Education Exemptions

6 a A student is exempted from the requirement to pass courses offered in the General Education Schedule who has:

either

(i) completed an undergraduate degree at a tertiary institution

or

(ii) been admitted to this degree having completed 240 points or more of degree-level study at another tertiary institution.

b A student who has been exempted from the requirement to pass courses offered in the General Education Schedules must substitute 30 points for courses available for this degree.

c A student admitted to this degree, who has completed between 120 and 235 points inclusive of degree-level study at another tertiary institution, or who has completed a minimum of 50 points of study towards this degree in one semester at an overseas institution, either through an overseas exchange programme or through prior approval under the Credit Regulations, must pass 15 points from courses offered in the General Education Schedules.

d A student who has been fully or partially exempted from the requirement to pass courses offered in the General Education Schedules is nonetheless required to complete the Academic Integrity course.  

Conjoint Degrees

7 Special arrangements apply where this degree is taken as a component degree of an approved conjoint combination. The specific requirements and a complete list of the conjoint degrees available are set out in the Conjoint Degrees section of the University Calendar.

Variations

8 In exceptional circumstances the Programme Director may approve a variation to a student’s programme of study in accordance with the Enrolment and Programme Regulations.

Regulation Commencement or Amendment

9 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2026.

Schedule

Programme Schedules

Complete 360 points comprising:

  • 300 to 330 points for Bachelor of Communication Schedule, and
  • 30 points from General Education Courses, and
  • 0 to 30 points from Other Undergraduate Courses, and
  • 1 item from Academic Integrity Course

Bachelor of Communication Schedule

Complete 300 to 330 points comprising:

  • 120 points for Core Courses, and
  • 120 points for one Major from Majors, and
  • 60 points from Other Courses from the Bachelor of Communication Schedule

Selected courses must include at least 180 points at level 200 or higher.

Selected courses must include at least 90 points at level 300.

Core Courses

Complete 120 points comprising:

  • 45 points for all Stage I Compulsory Courses, and
  • 15 points from Stage I Elective Courses, and
  • 30 points from Stage II Elective Courses, and
  • 30 points from Stage III Elective Courses

Stage I Compulsory Courses

Complete 45 points for ALL of the following:

Stage I Elective Courses

Complete exactly 15 points from the following:

Stage II Elective Courses

Complete exactly 30 points from the following:

Stage III Elective Courses

Complete exactly 30 points from the following:

Majors

Complete one Major from the following:

Other Courses from the Bachelor of Communication Schedule

Complete exactly 60 points from the following:

General Education Courses

Complete exactly 30 points from the following:

Other Undergraduate Courses

Select between 0 and 30 credits from University of Auckland at levels 100 to 400.

Academic Integrity Course

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Degree Plan

Overview

*Students must select at least one course above stage I from the Other courses from the Bachelor of Communication Schedule or Other Undergraduate courses. Students who take two stage I courses from the Communication and Technology major must select at least two courses above stage I from the Other courses from the Bachelor of Communication Schedule or Other Undergraduate courses.


Please note this is a sample degree plan. Course selection will depend on your chosen major and course availability. Please contact the Student Hubs for advice.

Degree Plan for the Bachelor of Communication

Year 1
Semester One
COMMS 100
Communication, Technology and Culture
Bachelor of Communication Schedule - Core Courses - Stage I Compulsory Courses
15 Points

Stage I Elective Course

15 Points

Bachelor of Communication Schedule - Core Courses
Majors
Bachelor of Communication Schedule
15 Points

Stage I required course
Other Courses from the Bachelor of Communication Schedule
Bachelor of Communication Schedule
15 Points

Any stage*
ACADINT A01
Academic Integrity Course
Academic Integrity Course
Points
Semester Two
COMMS 101
Understanding Communication in Māori and Pacific Worlds
Bachelor of Communication Schedule - Core Courses - Stage I Compulsory Courses
15 Points
COMMS 106
Communicating Your Way: Platforms, Organisations, Communities
Bachelor of Communication Schedule - Core Courses - Stage I Compulsory Courses
15 Points
Other Courses from the Bachelor of Communication Schedule
Bachelor of Communication Schedule
15 Points

Any stage*
General Education Courses
15 Points
Year 2
Semester One

Stage II Elective Course

15 Points

Bachelor of Communication Schedule - Core Courses

Stage II Elective Course

15 Points

Bachelor of Communication Schedule - Core Courses
Majors
Bachelor of Communication Schedule
15 Points

Stage II compulsory major course
Majors
Bachelor of Communication Schedule
15 Points

Stage II required course
Semester Two
Majors
Bachelor of Communication Schedule
15 Points

Stage II required course

Other Courses from the Bachelor of Communication Schedule
Bachelor of Communication Schedule
15 Points

Any stage*

Elective Course

15 Points

Other Bachelor of Communication Schedule course (Any stage*)

OR

Other Undergraduate course (Any stage*)
General Education Courses
15 Points
Year 3
Semester One

Stage III Elective Course

15 Points

Bachelor of Communication Schedule - Core Courses

Stage III Elective Course

15 Points

Bachelor of Communication Schedule - Core Courses
Majors
Bachelor of Communication Schedule
15 Points

Stage III compulsory major course
Majors
Bachelor of Communication Schedule
15 Points

Stage III required course
Semester Two
Majors
Bachelor of Communication Schedule
15 Points

Stage III required course

Majors
Bachelor of Communication Schedule
15 Points

Stage III required course
Other Courses from the Bachelor of Communication Schedule
Bachelor of Communication Schedule
15 Points

Any stage*

Elective Course

15 Points

Other Bachelor of Communication Schedule course (Any stage*)

OR

Other Undergraduate course (Any stage*)

Graduate Profile and Programme Capabilities

Graduate Profile

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Programme Capabilities

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Programme Capabilities to Graduate Profile Map

Programme Learning OutcomesPeople and PlaceSustainabilityKnowledge and PracticeCritical ThinkingSolution-SeekingCommunicationCollaborationEthics and Professionalism
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       

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