Study the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Communication Studies
Understand who shapes information, public debate and social change
Communication is no longer simply about how information is produced and shared. Increasingly, audiences help shape the media they consume, influencing public debate, culture, politics, and social change.
At Otago, you will explore these evolving relationships through digital media, journalism, film, strategic communication, and communication research. Through lectures, tutorials, presentations, creative projects, and media analysis, you will develop the skills to evaluate information, understand different perspectives, and communicate effectively in a complex and rapidly changing world.
Along the way, you will learn from internationally recognised researchers whose work connects contemporary issues with real world communication challenges.
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Programme details
Regulations for the Degree of Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Structure of the Programme
Every degree programme shall consist of papers worth not less than 360 points,
- shall include at least 180 points for papers above 100-level, of which at least 72 points shall be for papers above 200-level,
- shall satisfy at least one of the major subject requirements listed above. No paper above 200-level may count for more than one Major Subject Requirement,
- may include one or more optional minor subjects which satisfy the Minor Subject Requirements listed in Arts and Music Schedule A, or Science Schedule A, or Commerce Schedule A, or BHealSc Schedule Part 2. No paper may count for both a Major and a Minor Subject Requirement or for more than one Minor Subject Requirement unless that paper is at 100- or 200-level and is specified as compulsory for both Requirements,
- may include papers which are not listed in Arts and Music Schedule C
- up to 90 points; or
- as specified in the Arts and Music Major Subject Requirements; or
- as specified in the Minor Subject Requirements.
Prerequisites, Corequisites and Restrictions
- Every programme of study shall satisfy the requirements for prerequisites, corequisites, and restrictions set out in the Prescriptions (published in the Guide to Enrolment).
- A candidate with outstanding results in a subject prior to entering the University may be permitted by the Head of Department concerned to enrol for a paper at 200-level without having satisfied the normal prerequisites. In such cases the candidate shall not be credited with the prerequisite papers, but shall be exempted from including those papers in a Major Subject Requirement. A candidate may not, having passed any such paper at 200-level, enrol subsequently for any paper for which the exemption has been given.
Cross Credits
A candidate who is enrolled for the degree concurrently with another degree, or who has completed one degree and is proceeding with the other, may cross credit 100- and 200-level papers which are common to both degrees up to a maximum of 126 points where the other degree is a three-year degree and up to a maximum of 180 points where the other degree is longer than a three-year degree.
Variations
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities) may in exceptional circumstances approve a course of study which does not comply with these regulations.
Explore more in Communication Studies
Learn where this subject can take you and discover the full range of study options, from undergraduate programmes to postgraduate pathways.
Study Communication Studies at Otago
Career opportunities
Your studies in Communication Studies open up a wide variety of career paths, whether you’re drawn to creative industries, communication strategy, social change or digital media.
Our graduates have found successful careers in a wide variety of fields, including:
- Media production and journalism
- Advertising and public relations
- Film production and script writing
- Social media content development and management
- Education or politics
- Archival and curatorial work
- Tourism and public service
University jargon
Starting to research your study options and already feeling lost in the jargon? Here are some handy links for common terms you’re likely to come across.
- What’s a degree and how does it work?
- What’s a double degree?
- What’s a combined degree?
- Explore all terminology
Minor subjects
A minor subject can be included in many undergraduate degrees. To earn a minor, you typically must complete a minimum of 90 points in that subject, with at least 18 points at the 300-level. Your minor can be a subject more commonly taken for a different degree. For example, a BCom majoring in Marketing can include Japanese as a minor subject.
Selecting a minor subject is not compulsory and there may be other combinations of papers more appropriate to your degree.
Analyse information, influence, and public debate
Communication Studies at Otago gives you more than an understanding of media and culture. You will examine how information is created, shared, interpreted, and contested in a rapidly changing world.
Along the way, you will develop highly valued skills in research, audience analysis, writing, critical thinking, and strategic communication. With the flexibility to shape your degree, you can explore interests in film, digital media, journalism, public communication, policy, and creative practice.
This is a qualification for students who want to understand how communication influences people, organisations, and societies, and use that insight to make an impact.
Further study
We offer postgraduate opportunities tailored to your interests at Honours, Master's and PhD level.
More information
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