Year One

Compulsory

BPC100 Communication I (15 credits)

This paper provides students with an understanding of the roles, values and social and cultural aspects of written and verbal communication in the 21st century and utilise verbal and non-verbal communication to produce researched reports.

BPC115 Journalism I (15 credits)

This paper aims to equip students with the skills to progress on to a career in journalism. Knowledge gained includes an understanding of news values, practical skills in research, interviewing and writing for different platforms: print, web, audio, visual.

BPC120 Communication Research Methods (15 credits)

This paper focuses on the skills required to research, evaluate, and develop material which might be used in the communications environment. This includes local and central government policies and legislation; legal issues which need to be examined and communicated; and communiques which need to be researched then accurately disseminated across a variety of platforms.

BPC155 Visual Communication (15 credits)

This paper provides students with an understanding of 21st century visual communication within historical and critical contexts and how visual communication can be applied within a corporate, political or public sector environment.

BPC150 Writing and Editing (15 credits)

This paper aims to provide students with the necessary skills to apply when writing and editing in the communications environment. It will focus on clear writing, grammar, spelling, comprehension; plus editing, either their own work or the work of others.

BPC130 New Zealand Society (15 credits)

Students will learn about the key historical events in New Zealand, the sociology of New Zealand, biculturalism, multiculturalism and what these mean to 21st century society. Students will also understand the links between business and the economy. They will have knowledge of key economic issues relevant to their areas of study.

Electives - Two of five

DSP501 Introduction to Screen Production (15 credits)

This paper provides an introduction to the principles and processes of modern screen production. Students will learn fundamental digital camera skills, an understanding of the importance of lighting, sound, and other creative and technical principles that underpin good screen production.

Please see Additional Information tab regarding equipment requirements for this paper.

NZDP100 Introduction to Digital Photography (15 credits)

This paper provides in introduction to digital camera operation and contemporary photographic practice. Students will explore core principles including; framing, composition, manual controls (exposure, aperture, ISO, and focus) and lighting, as well as introducing modern postproduction workflow tools and techniques.

BPC190 Introduction to 2D Animation (15 credits)  

‘Not currently available’ 

This paper provides students with an understanding of the basic principles of animation, including critical evaluation of target audience, communication objectives and technical tools to effectively develop 2D animated narratives with supporting interactive content. Students will prepare and target content for simultaneous launch over multiple platforms.

MGT112 Introduction to Leadership (15 credits)

This paper provides students with an overview of leadership practices, including the role of leadership in managing operational issues and challenges.

MGT105 Business Communication (15 credits)

This paper provides students with an overview of applied communication techniques within the business context of working within teams or groups.

Year Two                    

Compulsory

BPC600 Rhetoric, Influence and Persuasion (15 credits)

This paper provides students with an understanding of classical and contemporary rhetorical theory and how to use rhetoric in the production of effective communication within a corporate, political or public sector communication.

BPC228 Media Studies (15 credits)

This paper provides students with the skills to assess appropriate media channels and produce effective press releases to communicate public, political or corporate sector messages that appeal to the media.

BPC215 Journalism II (15 credits)

This paper aims to develop students’ journalism skills to enable them to undertake more advanced tasks in a professional environment. Students will learn advanced news writing skills for print; on-line and broadcast platforms as well as an introduction to feature writing, blogs and op-ed pieces. Newsroom roles including court, police and local body reporting will also be covered.

BPC240 Communication Law and Ethics (15 credits)

This paper aims to provide students with an understanding of New Zealand law as it relates to mass communications. It will highlight the law as it is developing regarding digital platforms. The paper also aims to give students an understanding of the role of ethical practice in the media and the recourse to regulatory bodies available to the public.

BPC271 Corporate Social Responsibility (15 credits)

This paper provides students with a critical understanding of the origins of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and how it impacts contemporary business operations and how to use effective communication to embed and educate CSR conventions across a business entity.

Electives - One from two

BPC225 Marketing Communication (15 credits)

This paper provides students with a practical understanding of the key principles, techniques and tools of marketing communications, and the knowledge to apply them to deliver a corporate, political or public sector advertising or marketing campaign.

BPC245 Mass Communication (15 credits)

This paper aims to provide students with a broad understanding of the various methods of communicating within a community, a country, or the world. It traces communication among the masses from the early days of civilization through to the current environment where technology provides vast and varied channels through which to spread messages and involve people.

Electives - Two from four

BPC275 Communication Strategy - Corporate Sector (15 credits)

This paper provides students with an understanding of the principles, use and application of communication strategies for achieving effective commercial and business communication in the corporate sector.

BPC231 Cross Cultural Communication (15 credits)

This paper provides students with an understanding of the role of communication within intercultural corporate environments and how to use cross cultural communication approaches to develop an effective intercultural management policy for an organisation.

BPC235 Communication Strategy - Public Sector (15 credits)

This paper provides students with an understanding of the principles, tools and application of communication strategies for disseminating a political or government agency/department communication, announcement or campaign in the political and public sector.

BPC230 The Political Environment (15 credits)

Students will understand the political framework of local and central government in New Zealand, including election processes, roles and responsibilities. Students will be able to explain and assess the roles of management and governance, the implications of same, and their inter-relationship. Students will also understand the legislative process at a central Government level and the consultative process at a local government level.

Year Three

Compulsory

BPC300 Change Communication (15 credits)

Students will be able to analyse and explain the components and risks of organisational change as they relate to communication strategies. They will understand the importance of understanding the culture of an organisation and how to identify and collaborate with partners and establish relationships with stakeholders to effect successful internal change communications.

BPC328 Advanced Media Studies (15 credits)

This paper provides students with a critical understanding of the effects of culture, language and political correctness on the contemporary media landscape and vice versa.

BPC350 Online and Advanced Technologies (15 credits)

This paper provides students with an understanding of the use and application of current and emerging web technologies for publishing effective messages in the corporate, political or public sector working environment.

BPC302 Research Methodology (15 credits)

Note: This paper should be taken directly prior to taking BPC710 Research Project.

This paper will introduce students to the skills required to complete a degree level dissertation. It will cover advanced research skills; various methodologies available to gather and present primary and secondary information and data; and it will take students through the literature review process in preparation for BPC710 Research Project. 

Electives - Two from four

BPC313 Crisis and Emergency Communication (15 credits)

Students will be able to identify potential crises for organisations, and transfer the threat into an opportunity with pro-active crisis planning and the use of PR practices. They will be able to manage crises for various organisations and develop the necessary knowledge to evaluate the results, assessing ethical issues and social responsibilities.

BPC312 Advanced Public Relations and Marketing Communication (15 credits)

This paper provides students with a critical appreciation of the role of public relations within an integrated marketing communications plan and how to develop and implement a marketing communications plan from a public relations viewpoint.

MGT709 Relationships, Influence and Leadership (15 credits)

This paper presents insights to enable students to recognise their role in influencing decision makers and understand how to use influential tactics.

MGT706 Reputation and Brand Protection (15 credits)

This paper provides students with an understanding of what the components of reputation and brand are and how these are protected in a political setting. Students will also be able to develop strategic tactics for brand protection.

Crisis and Emergency Communication

Compulsory

BPC710 Research Project (30 credits)

This paper provides students with an opportunity to conduct advanced research into an aspect of communication theory or practice by integrating the body of knowledge learnt in communication papers.