Communication Studies

You’ll develop the cultural awareness and critical thinking skills you need to analyze and produce a broad range of discourse in a full spectrum of careers — and to make a difference in whatever you do.

Overview

Communication Studies at Auckland Royal Academy examines how meaning is created, shared, and contested through language, images, media, and social interaction. The programme explores interpersonal communication, media analysis, rhetoric, intercultural communication, and digital culture, developing graduates who can navigate complex communication environments and contribute to more informed, equitable, and effective public discourse in New Zealand and beyond.

In a typical seminar, you might analyse the rhetorical strategies of a political speech, critique media representations of Māori and Pacific communities, or develop a public communication campaign for a community organisation. Guest communications professionals — from broadcasters and PR strategists to public sector communicators — share their experience of applying communication theory in professional practice across New Zealand's diverse media landscape.

Career Opportunities

Communication Studies graduates work across journalism, public relations, broadcasting, community development, government communications, corporate affairs, and education. The programme's breadth makes graduates adaptable communicators capable of working across sectors, and many take on leadership roles in organisations where effective communication is central to mission and strategy.

Program Learning Outcomes

Analyse communication processes at interpersonal, organisational, and societal levels, applying theoretical frameworks from rhetoric, semiotics, and media studies to interpret how meaning is constructed and power is exercised through communication.

Develop and evaluate communication strategies for diverse audiences and contexts, demonstrating cultural competence and awareness of New Zealand's bicultural obligations and multicultural social environment.

Produce professional communication outputs — including written, oral, digital, and multimedia formats — that meet the standards expected in journalism, public relations, broadcasting, and organisational communication roles.

Programme

Semester 1	Credits	Number
Introduction to Communication Studies	4	COMM 101
Foundations & Theory	4	COMM 110
Research Methods	3	COMM 120

Semester 2	Credits	Number
Applied Communication Studies I	4	COMM 201
Professional Practice	3	COMM 210
Industry Context NZ	4	COMM 220

Semester 3	Credits	Number
Applied Communication Studies II	4	COMM 301
Critical Perspectives	3	COMM 310
Ethics & Standards	3	COMM 320

Semester 4	Credits	Number
Advanced Communication Studies	4	COMM 401
Specialisation Elective	3	COMM 410
Communication Studies Capstone Project	4	COMM 490
Total for the entire period of study	11