Bachelor of Applied Communication
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About the Programme
The Bachelor of Applied Communication prepares students for careers as communications specialists in organisations and business. The degree allows students to:
1. Design their own programme of study in communication by 'mixing and matching' courses to suit career options.
2. Pursue a specific career pathway by choosing a specialisation. Five are available:
- Marketing Communications
- Organisational Communication
- Public Relations and Event Management
- Human Resources Communication
- Knowledge Management and eCommunication
Download the Enrolment Guide and Timetable.
| Programme Code |
MN4388 |
| Study Method |
Full time or part time |
| Qualification |
MIT Degree |
| Duration |
Three years (full time) or equivalent (part time) |
| Applications |
Close when programme is full |
| Start Dates |
February and July |
| Level |
7 |
| Credits |
360 |
Offered by
Faculty of Business - Communication
Entry Requirements
Applicants must meet the following entry requirements:
- At least 64 NCEA credits at Level 2, including one subject which demonstrates fluency in English or
- At least 42 NCEA credits at Level 3, including one subject which demonstrates fluency in English or
- Graduates of appropriate New Zealand qualifications at Level 4 and above, including the MIT Diploma in Communication Studies or
- Demonstrate that they can work/study at a level appropriate to the programme. This may be demonstrated through an interview and
- Demonstrate English language competence (equivalent to IELTS 6.5) to undertake this programme which is taught and assessed in English. International applicants must have an overall IELTS (Academic) band score of 6.5 (with no score below 6.0) or equivalent.
Applicants will be accepted in order of application.
Cost
$5,200 (approx) per year
International Student Fees
$16,260 (approx) per year
Programme Summary
Students complete the following courses:
Level 5
Understand public relations approaches, methodology, campaigns and media needs.
Course Code – 183.507
Increase understanding of the organisational and work context of communication. Investigate the communication processes and activities in contemporary workplaces, working in and facilitating a team, and completing and reporting on a communication-related project.
Course Code – 311.527
Understand effective writing and critical analysis of a wide range of texts: written, spoken, internet, film and television.
Course Code – 561.587
Gain an understanding of the computing environment in the workplace and how computing is used to meet an organisation’s goals. Also gain an understanding of contemporary computer applications in the workplace. Learn to use typical applications and how to communicate computing needs effectively.
Course Code – 181.517
Understand the field of communication with particular emphasis on building competence in interpersonal communication in personal and workplace contexts.
Course Code – 182.507
Increase understanding of human behaviour in personal and professional contexts by introducing the concepts, research and applications of psychology.
Learn the fundamental principles of marketing and their application to the business environment. Apply this marketing knowledge to develop a marketing plan.
Course Code – 184.506
Understand how the news media in New Zealand works by analysing construction and production practices, contexts, issues and theory.
Plus six of the following courses:
Level 6
Course Code – 184.606
Apply the concepts and theories of electronic communication to information and knowledge management, analyse and design e-media to meet communication objectives, and develop communication strategies in digital networks.
Course Code – 182.603
Explore the nature of relationships, relationship formation and processes, and their associated communication patterns in personal and workplace contexts.
Course Code – 187.603
Apply theory, design and analysis to informative or persuasive presentations in a business or technological environment.
Course Code – 184.607
Develop an understanding of what is effective media writing, the skills of good media writing and the principles of relating to the media as a communication professional.
Course Code – 185.603
Learn to evaluate professional documents and to apply the strategies professional writers use to inform, instruct and persuade.
Course Code – 184.605
Learn about popular culture, an area broadly defined as ‘entertainment’. The course focuses on analysis of this area of mass communication with an emphasis on television and film.
Course Code – 186.603
Develop an understanding of how PR works. Explore the use of social media for PR campaigns. Learn to research audiences, write for fundraising, prepare persuasive presentations, and apply these to areas such as health, corporate PR, not-for-profit organisations, sports, and entertainment.
Plus three of the following courses:
Level 7
Course Code – 181.710
Learn to apply research techniques and findings to practical work-related situations and undertake an original piece of research by drawing on communication themes developed in previous learning.
Course Code – 183.704
Develop cross cultural and intercultural communication understanding and strategies for use in the work environment, whether it be within a national and/or international community.
Course Code – 183.705
Develop organisational communication competencies through theory, practice and analysis. Examine personal communication styles, formal and informal contexts, and communication roles and relationships within organisations. Includes practical industry-based projects.
Course Code – 181.711
Understand, analyse and apply the principles of negotiation, advocacy and lobbying, using a variety of strategies for a range of contexts.
Course Code – 186.703
Combine the theory and application of public relations, public relations, marketing, advertising and communication together in order to understand and problem solve client goals, and manage organisational image/reputation.
Plus seven of the following courses:
Level 5
Course Code – 343.508
Understand the challenge of “management”. Learn about the new and traditional approaches to key management issues. Gain a respect for both approaches, and the confidence to understand and master them.
Understand the principles of design and the development of digital media for communication purposes.
Level 6
Gain an understanding of the wider advertising industry in New Zealand and issues about its future. Develop a sound knowledge of the concepts and principles of advertising, reflecting its role in the marketing mix and evaluate the likely effectiveness of advertising strategies – both creative and media.
Gain a sound knowledge of the concepts, principles and theories of consumer behaviour, skills in literature search, and the ability to apply such knowledge and research to marketing and advertising activity.
Develop, analyse and present promotional programmes incorporating reasoned objectives, strategies and tactics.
Learn how to conduct market research to understand customer preferences, competitive activity, and whether your advertising is working. The course is a mixture of theory and 'hands-on' market research projects that will take you from formulating research objectives all the way to the presentation of your reseach results.
Undertake a project of an applied nature in the field of marketing communications. The project involves identifying a problem, researching the problem, developing relevant marketing communication materials and providing recommendations to the client.
Level 7
Course Code – 361.718
Develop strategic creative solutions for marketing communication objectives. The course emphasises development of advertising design and copywriting.
Understand the major issues and topics in electronic commerce. Explore several aspects of eMarketing from strategy to implementation. Understand the impact it has had on consumer behaviour, as well as its effect on business models. The course aims to bridge the knowledge gap that currently exists between management (which has to make operational and strategic decisions about electronic commerce technology and its business applications) and the technical experts who are implementing eCommerce solutions.
Develop a platform of knowledge on the current and future strategic role of brands in marketing, business and society. Advance theoretical and practical understanding, including the ability to think critically about brand strategy to help create/build skills in the development of brand strategy.
Note: To complete the Marketing Communications specialisation students need to take particular combinations of courses at Levels 6 and 7. To get the appropriate combination of courses and advice on prerequisite and co-requisite requirements contact the Faculty of Business Office on 09 968 7705 and ask to speak to the programme leader.
Further Training or Study
Successful students may apply to enter masters programmes at other institutes or the Southern Cross University MBA at MIT.
Career Opportunities
Positions such as editorial assistants, journalists, public relations consultants, organisational communication assistants, research assistants, special event organisers, communication advisers, organisational writers, community advisers, public affairs officers and liaison/marketing/customer service officers and managers.
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