Communication Studies
Overview
Communication Studies may be defined as the study of the processes and effects of interpersonal and mass communication involving the production, reception, and human processing of aural, verbal and visual messages in their cultural contexts.
The interdisciplinary programme has been developed in response to the recognised need for graduates who understand the processes, effects, and cultural implications of communication in the Information Age. The revolution in information and communications technology has wrought profound changes in the way we experience the world and conduct our social, political and commercial affairs. It has produced more powerful systems of mass communication than have ever been seen before, which manipulate the ways in which we impart and receive information, and influence the ways in which we construct our individual and collective identities. It has resulted in a globalized economy with new pressures for increased understanding of intercultural communication, as well as the implications of modern technology and media for commercial and political interactions. Above all, it has introduced new interfaces with technology that affect every one of us in our daily lives.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA(Hons))
- Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts)
- Master of Arts (MA)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Papers
See the full list of Media, Film and Communication (MFCO) papers.
Programme Requirements
Bachelor of Arts (BA) majoring in Communication Studies
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level |
18 18 |
|
| 200-level |
One of MFCO 203, MFCO 212, MFCO 217, MFCO 220, MFCO 221, MFCO 222, MFCO 251 |
18 18 18 |
| 300-level |
Two of MFCO 304, MFCO 311, MFCO 312, MFCO 313, MFCO 315, MFCO 317, MFCO 320, MFCO 321, MFCO 322 |
18 18 36 |
| Plus |
198 further points; must include 54 points at 200-level or above. Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Arts |
198 |
| Total | 360 |
Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA(Hons)) majoring in Communication Studies
| Stage | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1st stage |
At least one of MFCO 102, MFCO 104 90 further points |
18 18 90 |
| 2nd stage |
Two of MFCO 203, MFCO 204, MFCO 212, MFCO 217, MFCO 220, MFCO 221, MFCO 222, MFCO 250, COMP 212, GEND 205, MANT 221, MART 201 48 further points STAT 110 recommended |
18 18 36 48 |
| 3rd stage |
Three of MFCO 304, MFCO 311, MFCO 312, MFCO 313, MFCO 315, MFCO 320, MFCO 321, MFCO 322, EDUX 317, GEND 305, SOCI 302 30 further points |
18 18 54
30 |
| 4th stage |
48 points from MFCO 402, MFCO 403, MFCO 404, MFCO 405, MFCO 409, MFCO 431, MFCO 441, or other approved papers |
48 24
48 |
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts) in Communication Studies
The Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts) programme in Communication Studies is the same as the fourth stage course for the degree of Bachelor of Arts with Honours.
Minor Subject Requirements
Communication Studies as a minor subject for a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Theology (BTheol), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), or Bachelor of Tourism (BTour) degree
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | MFCO 103 | 18 |
| 200-level | MFCO 202 | 18 |
| 300-level | MFCO 303 | 18 |
| Two further papers from those available for Communication Studies major subject requirements, one of which must be at 200-level or above | 36 | |
| Total | 90 |
Further Information
Please visit our website at http://www.otago.ac.nz/mfco

