Why Study/Key Benefits

• The Bachelor of Broadcasting Communications (Radio) is a practical, industry-focused degree designed to prepare students for careers in radio broadcasting and audio media.

• Combines two years of immersive, on-campus study with a third year of professional industry experience.

• Develops skills in radio presenting, audio production, content creation, audience engagement, branding, marketing and social media.

• Students gain practical experience operating a commercial radio station that broadcasts across the Canterbury region and nationally through iHeartRadio and rova.

• The programme is supported by industry organisations including NZME, MediaWorks and the Radio Broadcasters Association.

• A 24-week paid industry placement provides practical workplace experience and opportunities to develop professional connections.

• Ara reports that 90% of its graduates secure employment in roles related to their field of study, based on its 2024 Graduate Outcome Survey. This is an institution-wide reported outcome, not a guarantee for individual graduates.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The programme progresses from foundational media studies and radio skills to advanced radio practice, independent projects and professional placement.

- Year 1 – Level 5:

• Media Ecology: Business and Legal Environment (BCEC501) – 15 credits.

• Media Ecology: Media and Society (BCEC502) – 15 credits.

• Media Ecology: Representation (BCEC503) – 15 credits.

• Fundamental Media Context (BCFM501) – 30 credits.

• Essential Radio 1 (BCRD501) – 15 credits.

• Essential Radio 2 (BCRD502) – 30 credits.

• Total: 120 credits.

- Year 2 – Level 6:

• Media Group Project (BCEC601) – 30 credits.

• Media Independent Project (BCEC602) – 30 credits.

• Advanced Radio 1 (BCRD601) – 30 credits.

• Advanced Radio 2 (BCRD602) – 30 credits.

• Total: 120 credits.

- Year 3 – Level 7:

• Critical Reflection on Work (BCCR700) – 15 credits.

• Professional Placement A (BCPA700) – 90 credits.

• Professional Placement B (BCPB700) – 75 credits.

• The placement course options and credit requirements should be confirmed against the programme structure applicable to the student's entry year. The 2026 handbook describes a 120-credit third year comprising professional placement and critical reflection courses.

• Total: 120 credits.

Key learning areas include:

• Radio presenting and broadcasting.

• Audio production and editing.

• News and factual content.

• Creative writing and programme development.

• Audience engagement and media communication.

• Radio branding, marketing and promotion.

• Social media and online content creation.

• Media business and legal environment.

• Media, society and representation.

• Independent media projects and professional workplace practice.

Disciplines/Specialisations

• The selected specialisation is Radio.

• Ara’s wider Bachelor of Broadcasting Communications qualification also offers:

  • Journalism.

  • Radio.

  • Screen Production.

• Students applying for CH3714-RADI are applying for the Radio specialisation; the other specialisations are separate programme options.

• The Radio specialisation focuses on broadcasting, presenting, audio production, programming, content creation, audience engagement and commercial radio operations.

Programme Highlights

• Three-year, full-time Level 7 bachelor’s degree.

• 360-credit qualification.

• Two years of immersive on-campus learning followed by a professional industry placement year.

• 24-week paid industry placement highlighted on the programme page.

• Practical experience operating a commercial radio station.

• Broadcast opportunities across the Canterbury region and nationally through iHeartRadio and rova.

• Industry influence and support from NZME, MediaWorks and the Radio Broadcasters Association.

• Development of presenting, audio production, audience engagement, marketing and digital-content skills.

• Possible progression to further postgraduate study in media and communications.

Career Outcomes

Ara identifies potential career opportunities in areas such as:

• On-air radio presenting.

• Radio news.

• Creative writing.

• Online content creation.

• Radio programming.

• Radio production.

• Sales and marketing in radio broadcasting.

• Work in standalone or network radio stations.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• Applications for the February 2027 intake are open.

• The confirmed programme start date is 8 February 2027.

• The programme includes a 24-week paid industry placement.

• The third year is industry-based, so students should be prepared to undertake professional workplace learning and meet the placement requirements.

• Ara’s current programme page reports a 90% related-field employment outcome from its 2024 Graduate Outcome Survey. This is an Ara-reported figure and should not be interpreted as a guarantee.

• Recommended preparation includes English-rich subjects, Media Studies and relevant industry experience.

• Students should confirm the placement process, location, timing and any associated conditions with Ara before accepting an offer.

• Ara lists the programme as potentially available for a New Zealand student visa. This does not guarantee visa approval; Immigration New Zealand makes the final decision.

 

International Student Visa Requirements

International students accepted into this full-time, three-year degree will generally need a Fee Paying Student Visa, subject to Immigration New Zealand’s assessment.

• Offer of place: You must hold an offer of place from Ara, an approved New Zealand education provider.

• Tuition fees: You must show that you have paid the required tuition fees, can pay them, or have an acceptable scholarship or funding arrangement. Immigration New Zealand generally requires evidence of payment for one course or one year of study, whichever is shorter.

• Funding for subsequent years: For a programme lasting more than one year, Immigration New Zealand says a credible plan for paying future tuition and living costs can strengthen an application.

• Living funds: For tertiary study lasting one year or longer, you must show NZD 20,000 for each year of study, or have an acceptable sponsor. For this three-year degree, plan for NZD 20,000 per year and a credible way to fund later years.

• Return travel: You must show that you have a ticket out of New Zealand or enough additional funds to purchase one. This must be separate from your required living funds.

• Medical and travel insurance: You must have insurance acceptable to Ara for the period required by your visa.

• Health and character: You must meet Immigration New Zealand’s health and character requirements. Medical examinations, chest X-rays or police certificates may be required depending on your circumstances and intended length of stay.

• Genuine study intention: You must demonstrate a genuine reason for studying in New Zealand and comply with your visa conditions.

• Visa cost: From NZD 850.

• Processing time: Immigration New Zealand currently states that 80% of Fee Paying Student Visa applications are processed within seven weeks. This is an estimate, not a guaranteed timeframe.

• Visa duration: The visa may be granted for up to four years. It is normally issued for the period of study paid for, or may be shorter depending on individual circumstances.

• Work rights: Eligible student visa holders may be permitted to work up to 25 hours per week during study and full-time during scheduled holidays, depending on the conditions printed on their visa. Work rights are not automatic for every student.

• Practical placement: Immigration New Zealand states that compulsory practical work experience required by a course is additional to the hours permitted under ordinary student visa work conditions. Students should ensure Ara documents the placement as a compulsory part of the programme.

• Application timing: Immigration New Zealand recommends applying at least three months before intended travel.

• Attendance and progress: Students must attend the course specified on their visa and make satisfactory academic progress.