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University of Canterbury

Christchurch , Christchurch ,New Zealand

Bachelor of Communication - Political Communication

The Political Communication major within the Bachelor of Communication is an ideal major for those wanting to be directly part of the political process and help advance social change.

Students will develop key knowledge and communication skills to cover a multitude of political topics; such as policy development, international relations, public health risks, environmental issues, economical change, and foreign crises. The ability to gather and analyse data, and translate these for the public and other stakeholders, is an important component of Political Communication.

This major offers particular training in ethical media practice related to managing political communication, including crisis, risk, and reputational communications to alleviate negative reaction; engaging the community in politics; advocacy campaigns; data analytics; and an understanding of how media can impact politics, and public perceptions.

There is a focus on both local Aotearoa New Zealand political communication practices and on global politics, which prepares students for a career in either space.

The degree’s strong emphasis in applied learning gives students the opportunity to take part in industry projects on real-world political cases, and also internship roles in local communities.

Campus Information

Ilam Campus

The University has a main campus of 76 hectares (190 acres) at Ilam, a suburb of Christchurch about 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) from the centre of the city.

Intakes

  • Feb Deadline: Dec
  • July Deadline: May

Application Processing Time in Days: 25

Application Process

More Information Required 
14 Days
Possible Interview Call from Institution
0 Days
Provisional/Unconditional Offer 
20 Days
Visa Process
30 Days

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description IELTS (1.0 -9.0) TOEFL IBT (0-120) TOEFL CBT (0-300) PTE (10-90)
Expert 9 120 297-300 86-90
Very Good 8.5 115-119 280-293 83-86
Very Good 8 110-114 270-280 79-83
Good 7.5 102-109 253-267 73-79
Good 7 94-101 240-253 65-73
Competent 6.5 79-93 213-233 58-65
Competent 6 60-78 170-210 50-58
Modest 5.5 46-59 133-210 43-50
Modest 5 35-45 107-133 36-43
Limited 4 32-34 97-103 30-36
Extremely Limited < 4 < 31 < 93 < 30

Job Opportunity Potential

Graduates of the Bachelor of Communication meet a growing need for communicators in media, creative industries, government, and iwi organisations. Many employers are seeking graduates that have applied knowledge in new and emerging media, collection and usage of data, media ethical practice, critical thinking, and analysis skills. Employers are increasingly telling us they want graduates who are competent in bicultural contexts.

Job titles can include public and stakeholder relations, advertising and marketing, media management and production, journalism, public opinion research, social media management, crisis communications, publications, events and project management, iwi organisations, non-profits, and government.

Graduates will also be suited to roles in business management and strategy, especially in the Aotearoa New Zealand context, with their experience in biculturalism, project management, and communicating corporate goals to the public.

PSW Opportunity

  • During study, all students on a student visa can work up to 20 hours per week during semester and full time during vacations.
  • After completing Level 7 Bachelor’s Degree or Higher Qualification, a student will get a three years open post-study work visa.
  • After completing Level 8 Post Graduate courses of 1 year, students get 1 year PSW.

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

Academic entry requirements

The academic entry requirements for admission to this qualification are:

1. Awarded GCE 'A' levels: at least three 'A' levels, with at least one at grade C or above (not including General Studies); or

2. Awarded International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum of 24 points and English as the language in any of:

  • Language A: Literature (SL or HL).
  • Language A: Language and Literature (SL or HL).
  • Language B: (HL).
  • Language B: (SL) will be accepted, provided a grade of 5 or higher is achieved.

SL = standard level. HL = higher level.

3. Awarded Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) A/AS levels:

  • (i) minimum of 120 points on the NZ Tariff and
  • (ii) a minimum grade of D or better in each of at least three subjects equivalent to those on the approved list (excluding Thinking Skills) and
  • (iii) a minimum grade of E in any one of AS English Language, AS Literature in English or AS Language and Literature in English and
  • (iv) a minimum grade of D in IGCSE Mathematics or D grade in GCSE Mathematics or any grade in AS Mathematics.

An overall average of 75% with a minimum of 60% in English in All-India Senior School Certificate or the Indian School Certificate; or an overall average of 80% with a minimum of 65% in English from one of the following three Indian State Board Year 12 qualifications:

  • Tamil Nadu Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC);
  • Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Higher (Secondary) School Certificate;
  • Karnataka Pre-University Certificate; or one year of successful study towards an undergraduate degree at a recognized university in India

One year of successful study (B average / First Class / First Division) towards an undergraduate degree at a recognized university in India with a current NAAC accreditation of B or better;

  • Completed a degree at a recognized university with a current NAAC accreditation of C or better.