University
The University of WaikatoBachelor of Communication Studies with Honours
This course is available
On-Campus
Level of Study
Bachelor's Degree
Duration
1 year
Next start date
Expected Mar 2027
Campus
Hamilton Campus
Summary
Take your communication expertise to the next level and sharpen your research skills with a one-year BCS Honours degree specialising in Public Relations, Marketing, or Management Communication.
Stand out in the job market with an Honours degree in communication.
An Honours degree is a mark of academic excellence that tells employers you have advanced knowledge, sharp analytical thinking, and strong research capabilities in your chosen field.
This one-year, 120-point programme cultivates a diverse skillset that is highly valued, giving you a competitive advantage in professional environments that need strategic thinkers who can tackle complex challenges.
You'll learn how to communicate complex ideas with clarity, logic, and persuasion – supported by cutting-edge research, policy insights, and communication theory.
In the BCS(Hons), you'll specialise in one of the following subjects:
- Marketing
- Public Relations
- Management Communication
The programme includes a mix of taught subject papers (up to 90 points), and a research dissertation (at least 30 points) on a topic of your choice. You may include up to 30 points in elective paper/s from other subject/s to broaden your expertise.
The BCS(Hons) is ideal if you want to fast-track your career, deepen your specialist knowledge, or prepare for postgraduate research such as a master's or PhD.
By the time you graduate, you'll be well equipped to make a meaningful impact in business, government or community organisations.
You'll have the confidence and capability to analyse real-world issues and recommend evidence-based solutions, both locally and globally.
Entry criteria
To be admitted to the BCS(Hons), you must have been awarded the Bachelor of Communication (BC) degree, or an equivalent qualification, with at least a B grade average across the 300-level papers.
You also need to have satisfied the prerequisites for graduate study in the major subject you wish to specialise in for the BCS(Hons) at a level considered appropriate by the Academic Board.
Candidates who do not meet these requirements may still be considered for special admission, based on academic merit and relevant experience, subject to the completion of any qualifying papers.
- Marketing
There are some specified subject papers for the BCS(Hons) in Marketing, but not all of these papers will be offered every year. See the subject regulations and 500 Level papers for Marketing.
- Public Relations
See the subject regulations and 500 Level papers for Public Relations.
- Leadership Communication
See the subject regulations and 500 Level papers for Leadership Communication.
To be admitted to the BCS(Hons), international students must have been awarded the Bachelor of Communication (BC) degree, or an equivalent degree qualification from a recognised university, and meet the English language requirements.
You also need at least a B grade average across the 300-level papers in your degree qualification, and to have satisfied the prerequisites for graduate study in the major subject you wish to specialise in for the BCS(Hons), at a level considered appropriate by the Academic Board.
Candidates who do not meet these requirements may still be considered for special admission, based on academic merit and relevant experience, subject to the completion of any qualifying papers. This is considered on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of Waikato Management School.
- Marketing
There are some specified subject papers for the BCS(Hons) in Marketing, but not all of these papers will be offered every year. See the subject regulations and 500 Level papers for Marketing.
- Public Relations
See the subject regulations and 500 Level papers for Public Relations.
- Leadership Communication
See the subject regulations and 500 Level papers for Leadership Communication.
Disclaimer
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Please note that degrees and qualifications earned via remote or distance learning are excluded from the overseas credential evaluation and recognition services provided by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE). For more information, please contact CSCSE directly: +86-10-62677800 (phone) or visit their website(external link that opens in a new tab).
You can learn more about international recognition of New Zealand qualifications on the NZQA website.