Bachelor of Arts (BA) majoring in Media and Communication

Summary

The Bachelor of Arts is a flexible degree so you can specialise or study a wide variety of topics. Over the three years of your degree, you will gain the critical thinking, creative problem solving, and communication skills that employers want. Unique practical experiences such as internships are on offer too. The Bachelor of Arts requires a minimum total of 360 points. Each major has specific course requirements, but all consist of a minimum of 135 points in a single Arts subject. Of these, at least 60 points must be at 300-level and at least 45 points at 200-level.

Communication shapes the world we live in — whether by media professionals, companies, or individuals on social media. In Media and Communication, you will learn how to analyse, produce, and harness the power of communication media.

You will study how communication is produced in television, social media, and in organisational life, and how it is interpreted by people within their own social worlds. You will explore how media build community, reinforce gender norms, drive social change by holding the powerful accountable, and much more. The subject provides an important perspective on politics and culture, and on the operation of business and management.

Why study Media and Communication at UC?

The spectacular growth of Media and Communication at UC reflects the robust growth of media as a profession and the strength of our internationally recognised staff.

Unlike other media departments in New Zealand, our curriculum is designed to provide students with a critical understanding of how communication and media work within the broader context of society, power and culture.

Double degrees

It is possible to combine an Arts degree with other degrees.

Further study

The College of Arts has a wide range of options for postgraduate and graduate study with excellent research facilities. Pathways include: Bachelor of Arts with Honours; Master of Arts; Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Career opportunities

Media and Communication courses are an excellent preparation for a career in a communication industry or profession, from the news media to marketing or government communication. While many Media and Communication graduates enter careers directly related to their studies, some graduates tend to initially enter careers that seek university graduates of any discipline, but which offer ample opportunity to use their knowledge, skills and perspectives on communication in society.

Many organisations place a high value on people who can develop relationships between media and the public as well as manage internal communications. These same skills are also valued by government departments and agencies, both in liaising with the public and in developing policy.

Media and Communication graduates are employed as journalists/reporters, social media editors, broadcasting presenters/producers, public relations officers, policy analysts/advisors, communications advisors, digital marketing executives, publishers/editors, web and app designers, business development executives, account managers, and entrepreneurs.