University Of Canterbury Media and Communication

Qualifications

Overview

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 Aotearoa 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.
  • Te Tari Mātai Pāpāho | Department of Media and Communication maintains close relationships with professional media, which ensures numerous visits by guest speakers from the industry and associated industry organisations. Internationally renowned professors from all over the world visit the department every semester, giving public presentations, research seminars, and guest lectures. Some recent fellows came from Cardiff University, University of Florida, George Washington University, University of Helsinki, University of Bradford, and the Danish School of Media and Journalism.

Courses

UC offers a major and a minor in Media and Communication as part of the Bachelor of Arts.

You can also study this subject as a minor within the Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Sport Coaching, and Bachelor of Youth and Community Leadership.



The Bachelor of Communication offers specialised studies in media technologies and communication strategies.

Media and Communication major

To complete a major in Media and Communication within the Bachelor of Arts, you will need to take the following courses throughout the degree:

100-level

  • Two 100-level COMS courses

200-level

  • Three 200-level COMS courses

300-level

  • Two 300-level COMS courses

Media and Communication minor

For the Media and Communication minor in the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Sport Coaching, or Bachelor of Youth and Community Leadership, you will need to take these courses throughout your chosen degree:

  • 75 points in 100 to 300-level COMS courses, with at least 45 points at 200-level or above

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.



Find out more about what you can do with a degree in Media and Communication.