Course details

Summary

From the uprisings in Ukraine and the Middle East, to your relationship with friends on Snapchat - media are changing the world. Media and Communication as a subject of study enables you to be a part of understanding these profound societal shifts. This subject examines the influence and impact of the media and new information technologies.

The spectacular growth of Media and Communication at UC since its introduction fifteen years ago 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. The programme draws on both the arts and social sciences to build a degree that teaches students how to think about media critically and also how to create thoughtful, analytical media content.

The Media and Communication department's close relationship with professional media 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

The Certificate in Arts (CertArts) is designed for you if you want to study at university level without having to commit to several years of study. It is also an option if you want to take a few courses for interest or study part-time.

Qualification structure and duration

The Certificate in Arts is made up of five courses (a minimum of 75 points) at 100 and/or 200-level.

It can be completed full-time, or over one to two years of part-time study.

You can transfer the credits you gain during the Certificate in Arts to the Bachelor of Arts (and some other degrees), as long as you have not graduated with the certificate.

Further study

The Certificate in Arts can be used as a stepping stone to a Bachelor of Arts.

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 in media, commerce, local and central government, education, research, arts/culture/design, tourism, museums, libraries, IT and telecommunications, social services, international affairs, management and business.

Entry criteria

Admission to UC with University Entrance, or equivalent, is required to enrol for a Certificate in Arts. Applicants must have completed New Zealand University Entrance through NCEA; or Cambridge International Examinations (CIE); or International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) or any other equivalent overseas qualification.

Other English language requirements: TOEFL PBT with a minimum score of 550 and TWE with a minimum score of 4.5; CCEL EAP Level 2 with a minimum C+ grade; CAE or CPE minimum score of 169 with at least 162 in reading, writing, listening and speaking; Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PTE with an overall score of 57 and no PTE communicative skills score below 50.