Bachelor of Communication Studies with Honours
Take your communication expertise to the next level and sharpen your research skills with a one-year BCS Honours degree specialising in Public Relations, Marketing, or Management Communication.
Why study the Bachelor of Communication Studies with Honours?
Stand out in the job market with an Honours degree in communication.
An Honours degree is a mark of academic excellence that tells employers you have advanced knowledge, sharp analytical thinking, and strong research capabilities in your chosen field.
This one-year, 120-point programme cultivates a diverse skillset that is highly valued, giving you a competitive advantage in professional environments that need strategic thinkers who can tackle complex challenges.
You’ll learn how to communicate complex ideas with clarity, logic, and persuasion – supported by cutting-edge research, policy insights, and communication theory.
In the BCS(Hons), you'll specialise in one of the following subjects:
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Marketing
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Public Relations
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Management Communication
The programme includes a mix of taught subject papers (up to 90 points), and a research dissertation (at least 30 points) on a topic of your choice. You may include up to 30 points in elective paper/s from other subject/s to broaden your expertise.
The BCS(Hons) is ideal if you want to fast-track your career, deepen your specialist knowledge, or prepare for postgraduate research such as a master’s or PhD.
By the time you graduate, you’ll be well equipped to make a meaningful impact in business, government or community organisations.
You'll have the confidence and capability to analyse real-world issues and recommend evidence-based solutions, both locally and globally.
Career Opportunities
- Business/community/political leader
- Business development manager
- Change management specialist
- Communications and engagement manager
- Communications Advisor
- Digital marketing specialist
- Events and sponsorship manager
- Internal communications advisor
- International marketing analyst
- Leadership & organisational development trainer
- Marketing manager
- Media relations adviser
- Public relations consultant
Degree information
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Plan your study -
Entry Requirements To be admitted to the BCS(Hons), you must have been awarded the Bachelor of Communication (BC) degree, or an equivalent qualification, with at least a B grade average across the 300-level papers.
You also need to have satisfied the prerequisites for graduate study in the major subject you wish to specialise in for the BCS(Hons) at a level considered appropriate by the Academic Board.
Candidates who do not meet these requirements may still be considered for special admission, based on academic merit and relevant experience, subject to the completion of any qualifying papers.
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Marketing
There are some specified subject papers for the BCS(Hons) in Marketing, but not all of these papers will be offered every year. See the subject regulations and 500 Level papers for Marketing.
- Public Relations
See the subject regulations and 500 Level papers for Public Relations.
-
Leadership Communication
See the subject regulations and 500 Level papers for Leadership Communication.
To be admitted to the BCS(Hons), international students must have been awarded the Bachelor of Communication (BC) degree, or an equivalent degree qualification from a recognised university, and meet the English language requirements.
You also need at least a B grade average across the 300-level papers in your degree qualification, and to have satisfied the prerequisites for graduate study in the major subject you wish to specialise in for the BCS(Hons), at a level considered appropriate by the Academic Board.
Candidates who do not meet these requirements may still be considered for special admission, based on academic merit and relevant experience, subject to the completion of any qualifying papers. This is considered on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of Waikato Management School.
-
Marketing
There are some specified subject papers for the BCS(Hons) in Marketing, but not all of these papers will be offered every year. See the subject regulations and 500 Level papers for Marketing.
- Public Relations
See the subject regulations and 500 Level papers for Public Relations.
- Leadership Communication
See the subject regulations and 500 Level papers for Leadership Communication.
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Fees and scholarships -
Domestic tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for domestic students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
Domestic tuition costs -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 11 April 2025.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees. View information about fees free study.
-
International tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for international students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
International tuition costs -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 11 April 2025.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees.
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Graduate outcomes Graduates of the Bachelor of Communication Studies with Honours - BCS(Hons) - will be expected to:
- Understand, and be able to critically review and synthesise, the core theory, perspectives and analytical approaches within their subject area.
- Be able to apply skills and knowledge to find, interpret, critique and evaluate research, commentary and policy relating to their subject area.
- Make decisions, find solutions, and develop applications within their subject area, informed by disciplinary knowledge and sustainability concepts.
- Effectively communicate arguments, findings and ideas informed by research within their subject area.
The BCS(Hons) may be awarded with either:
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- First Class Honours, or
- Second Class Honours (First Division), or
- Second Class Honours (Second Division), or
- Third Class Honours
See the full qualification regulations for the BCS(Hons).
To be admitted to the BCS(Hons), you must have been awarded the Bachelor of Communication (BC) degree, or an equivalent qualification, with at least a B grade average across the 300-level papers.
You also need to have satisfied the prerequisites for graduate study in the major subject you wish to specialise in for the BCS(Hons) at a level considered appropriate by the Academic Board.
Candidates who do not meet these requirements may still be considered for special admission, based on academic merit and relevant experience, subject to the completion of any qualifying papers.
-
Marketing
There are some specified subject papers for the BCS(Hons) in Marketing, but not all of these papers will be offered every year. See the subject regulations and 500 Level papers for Marketing.
- Public Relations
See the subject regulations and 500 Level papers for Public Relations.
-
Leadership Communication
See the subject regulations and 500 Level papers for Leadership Communication.
To be admitted to the BCS(Hons), international students must have been awarded the Bachelor of Communication (BC) degree, or an equivalent degree qualification from a recognised university, and meet the English language requirements.
You also need at least a B grade average across the 300-level papers in your degree qualification, and to have satisfied the prerequisites for graduate study in the major subject you wish to specialise in for the BCS(Hons), at a level considered appropriate by the Academic Board.
Candidates who do not meet these requirements may still be considered for special admission, based on academic merit and relevant experience, subject to the completion of any qualifying papers. This is considered on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of Waikato Management School.
-
Marketing
There are some specified subject papers for the BCS(Hons) in Marketing, but not all of these papers will be offered every year. See the subject regulations and 500 Level papers for Marketing.
- Public Relations
See the subject regulations and 500 Level papers for Public Relations.
- Leadership Communication
See the subject regulations and 500 Level papers for Leadership Communication.
-
Domestic tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for domestic students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
Domestic tuition costs -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 11 April 2025.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees. View information about fees free study.
-
International tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for international students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
International tuition costs -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 11 April 2025.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Communication Studies with Honours - BCS(Hons) - will be expected to:
- Understand, and be able to critically review and synthesise, the core theory, perspectives and analytical approaches within their subject area.
- Be able to apply skills and knowledge to find, interpret, critique and evaluate research, commentary and policy relating to their subject area.
- Make decisions, find solutions, and develop applications within their subject area, informed by disciplinary knowledge and sustainability concepts.
- Effectively communicate arguments, findings and ideas informed by research within their subject area.
The BCS(Hons) may be awarded with either:
-
- First Class Honours, or
- Second Class Honours (First Division), or
- Second Class Honours (Second Division), or
- Third Class Honours
See the full qualification regulations for the BCS(Hons).