Why Study Bachelor of Communication Studies with Honours

The Bachelor of Communication Studies with Honours (BCS(Hons)) is a one-year advanced communication qualification designed for students who already hold a relevant bachelor’s degree and want to develop specialist knowledge, research capability and strategic communication skills. It is particularly suitable for students aiming for advanced careers in marketing, public relations or management communication, or who wish to progress to master’s or doctoral-level study. The programme is offered by Te Raupapa | Waikato Management School in Hamilton.

• Level of study: Bachelor Honours / Level 8 qualification
• Duration: 1 year full-time
• Total points: 120 points
• Campus: Hamilton
• Area of study: Te Raupapa | Waikato Management School
• Intakes: Trimester A – March; Trimester B – July
• Study mode: Campus-based study in Hamilton; the university does not list this qualification as an online-only programme.
• The programme is research-focused and combines advanced taught papers with a research dissertation.

Key Benefits

• Develops advanced communication knowledge, critical thinking and research skills.
• Provides specialist study in Marketing, Public Relations or Management Communication.
• Builds the ability to analyse real-world communication and organisational issues and recommend evidence-based solutions.
• Includes a substantial research component, making the qualification useful preparation for further postgraduate research.
• Provides an opportunity to strengthen strategic communication skills for business, government and community-sector careers.
• The degree can be awarded with First Class, Second Class First Division, Second Class Second Division or Third Class Honours.
• International students can also explore University of Waikato scholarships, including the Vice-Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship, which can provide up to NZD 15,000 towards tuition fees for eligible new international students.

Program Structure

The BCS(Hons) requires 120 points at Level 500 or above and normally takes one year to complete.

• At least 60 points must come from the chosen specialist subject.
• At least 30 points must be completed through research, including the research dissertation.
• Up to 30 points may be taken as elective papers from other subjects.
• The programme therefore generally consists of:
  • Specialist subject papers: at least 60 points
  • Research dissertation: at least 30 points
  • Elective papers: up to 30 points
• Available study planners include BCS(Hons), BCS(Hons) in Management Communication, BCS(Hons) in Marketing and BCS(Hons) in Public Relations.
• Some specialist papers, particularly within Marketing, may not be offered every year, so students should confirm the paper availability for their intended intake.

Discipline / Specialisation

Students can specialise in one of the following areas:

• Marketing – focuses on advanced marketing knowledge and analytical approaches relevant to marketing strategy and professional practice.
• Public Relations – develops advanced understanding of public relations, communication strategy, media relations and related professional practice.
• Management Communication – develops communication and leadership capabilities relevant to management, organisations, consulting, training and internal communication.

The university's current qualification page refers to Management Communication, while the formal regulations identify the field as Management Communication, Marketing and Public Relations.

Programme Highlights

• One-year, 120-point honours qualification.
• Advanced Level 500+ study.
• Strong emphasis on research and evidence-based decision-making.
• Minimum 30-point research dissertation provides experience in planning, conducting and communicating independent research.
• Students learn to critically review theories, research, commentary and policy within their chosen subject.
• Develops the ability to communicate research findings and complex ideas effectively.
• Suitable as a pathway to further postgraduate study, including master's and PhD-level research.
• Graduates can apply communication knowledge across business, government and community organisations.
• Scholarships are available to eligible international students; the University of Waikato confirms that it does not offer fully funded scholarships, so students should plan for remaining tuition and living costs.

Career Outcomes

The qualification can prepare graduates for communication, marketing, public relations, management and strategic roles. Career possibilities listed by the university include:

• Marketing Manager
• Marketing Specialist
• International Marketing Analyst
• Public Relations Consultant
• Media Relations Adviser
• Business Development Manager
• Change Management Specialist
• Learning and Development Professional
• Event Manager
• Business, community or political leadership roles

The advanced research component can also support progression into further postgraduate study and research careers.

Visa Requirements (International Students)

International students who will study this programme in New Zealand generally need a valid New Zealand student visa, unless they have another immigration status that permits study.

• The student visa must name the University of Waikato as the education provider.
• Most international students studying this programme will apply for a Fee Paying Student Visa.
• Students generally need an Offer of Place and evidence of tuition-fee payment for the visa process.
• The University states that international students must provide evidence of funds for living costs of at least NZD 20,000 per year.
• Students must maintain the conditions of their visa, including full-time study, attendance and satisfactory academic progress.
• Approved medical/travel insurance is required for international students during their enrolment, subject to applicable exemptions.
• A valid passport and any required medical certificates, chest X-rays or police certificates must be provided according to Immigration New Zealand requirements.
• Eligible graduates may be able to apply for a post-study work visa after completing their qualification; eligibility and conditions are determined by Immigration New Zealand.
• Visa requirements can change, so students should check the requirements applicable to their nationality and intended study period before applying.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• Current University of Waikato information lists the programme at 120 points and one year, with March and July intakes at the Hamilton campus.
• Admission requires a Bachelor of Communication or an equivalent qualification with at least a B grade average across 300-level papers.
• Applicants must also satisfy the prerequisites for graduate study in their intended specialisation.
• Applicants who do not meet the standard academic requirements may, in exceptional circumstances, be considered on the basis of academic merit and relevant experience, potentially subject to qualifying papers.
• International applicants must meet both academic and English-language requirements. The general undergraduate English requirement is IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5, or an accepted equivalent such as TOEFL iBT 80 with a writing score of 21, PTE Academic 50 with no communicative skill below 42, or DET 105 with no band below 95.
• Fees: The university states that qualification pages provide the most accurate tuition-fee information and that international tuition fees are indicative and subject to change. The current BCS(Hons) qualification page does not expose a separate international-fee figure in its publicly indexed course information, so a specific fee should be confirmed through the student's offer/enrolment agreement rather than estimated. Additional costs can include the Student Services Levy, Studentsafe medical insurance and other applicable non-tuition charges.
• Scholarships: The Vice-Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship is currently available across relevant study areas and can provide up to NZD 15,000 towards tuition fees for eligible new international students. The university also lists other international funding opportunities, including the University of Waikato College International Pathway Scholarship where applicable.
• The programme information is marked by the University as provisional and subject to change, particularly regarding individual papers offered in a particular year.