Communication Studies focuses on the social, technological, political and cultural implications of current and changing communicative practices and networks.
With an emphasis on social and media-based communication, courses initiate a critical and creative understanding of digital, broadcast, print and mobile communication, and develop written and screens-based skills. These are central to comprehending the role of media and communication industries and practices in the wider context of society and culture.
Challenge your mind and broaden your views in a diverse, stimulating learning environment that demands you be critical, creative and innovative.
You must choose a qualification to enrol, but you can easily change it later.
Communication studies is one of two majors offered by the Media, Film and Communication Studies Programme. The other major is Film and Media Studies.
Why study Media, Film and Communication?
Our courses will challenge your mind, broaden your views, and help you develop an increased awareness of transformations in society and culture.
Our goal is to prepare students to take their place as responsible and engaged citizens, who are critical, creative and innovative, equipped to connect with a diverse and fast-changing media world and to productively contribute to their communities and chosen professions. To serve this goal, our scholarship and teaching is interdisciplinary, inventive, and practical.
But that is not all that we do. Almost all employers look for fundamental life-long skills – literacy, numeracy, communication skills, the ability to lead and contribute to teams, as well as the ability to solve problems through dependable research. All of these skills are taught in our programme; they underlie most of what we do. We also value and develop an understanding of cultural diversity and differing perspectives, so it is not surprising that our graduates are to be found in many walks of life.
We have a well-established record of teaching and research, and staff who are internationally recognised in their disciplines.
Career opportunities
Our graduates work in a variety of fields,including media production, journalism, education, advertising, administration, archival and curatorial work, media policy analysis, public relations, tourism, and some go on to postgraduate study in our Honours, Masters and PhD programmes. A degree from our Programme prepares you for a wide range of career options, including career pathways that might not yet exist.
Background required
No prior background is required.
Teaching style
Our academic staff are experts in their fields (you can read about their areas of interest on our staff page on our website.) You will learn from the people who are doing the research. Our papers are designed to help you engage with cutting edge research and ideas through a range of coursework and assessment that will help you develop your written, oral and visual communication skills and critical competencies.
Qualifications
Explore your study options further. Refer to enrolment information found on the following qualification pages.
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom)
- Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc)
- Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA(Hons))
- Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts)
- Master of Arts (Coursework) (MA(Coursework))
- Master of Arts (Thesis) (MA(Thesis))
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
We live in a media saturated world. Learn how it works, how you can succeed, and how you can make a difference
The Media, Film and Communication programme offers two undergraduate majors: Film and Media Studies, and Communication Studies. We also offer an exciting range of postgraduate study options.
Students can take one or both of our majors as part of their undergraduate degree. Both majors are designed to be flexible and responsive to the needs and interests of students, and both provide skills that lead to a comprehensive and diverse range of future careers.
Our students enjoy the rewards of our strong research culture, which keeps up with this rapidly changing world. They also enjoy studying with our committed and supportive teaching staff, who are experts in their fields.
Undergraduate
If you’re in high school, a prospective student, or a current student and would like to learn about the undergraduate programs the Department offers,
Read more.
Postgraduate
If you’re interested in pursuing postgraduate study with us,
Read more.
Profiles
Chloe Banks took a wide variety of papers in her first year at Otago.
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