Bachelor of Professional Communication

Bachelor of Professional Communication

Bachelor of Professional Communication

Develop into an effective communicator with transferable skills that can be used across various industries. The Bachelor of Professional Communication programme will equip you with the ability to analyse complex situations, implement impactful communication strategies and tactics, and cultivate an advanced understanding of communication practices and networks.

Important Notice:

This programme is now closed to new students. Students already enrolled will be allowed to continue in this course going forward, to finish off their qualification. 

If you have any questions, please send an email to info@sit.ac.nz. Please specify the programme of study you are enquiring about in the subject section of your email, so that your query can be quickly directed to the right person.

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Key Details
SIT Online
Qualification:
Degree
Level:
7
Credits:
360
Duration:

Three years full-time

Up to 10 years part-time

Intakes are 17 weeks long

Study Modes:
Distance Learning
Dates:

2027 Intake 1: 09 February to 04 June - Applications Close 25 January 2027

2027 Intake 2: 15 March to 09 July - Applications Close 01 March 2027

2027 Intake 3: 21 June to 15 October - Applications Close 07 June 2027

2027 Intake 4: 26 July to 19 November - Applications Close 12 July 2027
Fees:

Zero Fees Scheme

  • Tuition Fee: $0   Check eligibility
  • Direct Material Cost: $8.00 per credit (incl. GST)

International Fees

$100 per credit

 

Unsure which one is for me? Check Fees Eligibility Check my options

Important Notice:

This programme is now closed to new students. Students already enrolled will be allowed to continue in this course going forward, to finish off their qualification. 

If you have any questions, please send an email to info@sit.ac.nz. Please specify the programme of study you are enquiring about in the subject section of your email, so that your query can be quickly directed to the right person.

The Bachelor of Professional Communication is a three-year degree programme, which provides theoretical knowledge and practical skills appropriate for employment in a wide and growing number of communications media related careers.

This course will teach you to be an effective communicator, researcher, writer and leader.

You will learn:

  • principles of communication,
  • to incorporate appropriate cultural practices in various media communication contexts, 
  • to apply ethical, legal and business principles 
  • media related Government policies in the practice of media communications. 

This programme of study aims to provide learners with the technical, theoretical and policy related foundations for practising in the media communications related field. This programme also aims to provide those currently employed in the communications media field, but who lack qualifications, with an opportunity to acquire knowledge in, and to apply and critique the research and theories that underpin the practice of media communications. This programme may also provide an opportunity for those already working in the field to diversify their media communications portfolio and to acquire further technical skills especially in internet related modalities to enhance their media communications practice.

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.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Professional Communication will be effective communicators, researchers, writers and leaders, with skills to further any career, from media organisations to government and private enterprise. Recent graduates of the Bachelor of Professional Communication have gained employment in areas including education, tourism, local government and journalism.

 

School Leavers

University Entrance - NCEA Level 3. Three subjects at Level 3 made up of:

  • 14 credits each, in three NZQA University Entrance approved subjects, and 
  • Literacy – 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of five credits in reading and five credits in writing, and 
  • Numeracy – 10 credits at Level 1 or above, made up of specified achievement standards through a range of subjects, or package of three numeracy unit standards (26623, 26626, 26627 – all three required)

Mature Applicants

  • Be at least 20 years of age when the programme begins and provide evidence of aptitude or appropriate work or other experience, or
  • Completion of an external or overseas qualification, which is considered to be the equivalent of any of the above qualifications, as approved by the Head of Faculty

English Language Requirements

Applicants, whose first language is not English, or who come from a country where the language of instruction in schools is not English, are required to provide evidence of having achieved one of the following

NCEA Level 3 with University Entrance, or

an International Baccalaureate Diploma or Cambridge A- level qualification for which the teaching and assessment was conducted in English; or

Cambridge Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA),or Trinity College London Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CertTESOL);or

Successful completion of all primary education (being the equivalent of New Zealand primary school years 1 to 8) and at least three years of secondary education (being the equivalent of three years from New Zealand secondary school years 9 to 13) at schools in either New Zealand,,Australia,Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States one of the countries listed in Rule 18.5 where the student was taught using English as the language of instruction; or

Successful completion of at least five years of secondary education (being the equivalent of New Zealand secondary school years 9 to 13) at schools in either New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States where the student was taught using English as the language of instruction; or

Successful completion of a Bachelor's Degree, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Bachelor Honours degree, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, Masters' Degree or Doctoral Degree, the language of instruction of which must be in English and which must be from a tertiary education provider from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom or the United States or

Successful completion of one of the following internationally recognised proficiency tests listed below to the level required of the programme of study and with all scores achieved in a single test during the two years preceding the proposed date of enrolment


IELTS test - Academic score of 6 with no band score lower than 5.5 
TOEFL Paper based test (pBT) - Score of 550 (with an essay score 5 TWE) 
TOEFL Internet based test (iBT) - Score of 60 (with a writing score of 18) 
Cambridge English Examination - B2 First or B2 First for schools or C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a score of 169. No less than 162 in each skill. 
OET - Minimum of Grade C or 200 in all sub-tests 
NZCEL - Level 4 (Academic)
Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PTE (Academic) score of 50 with no band score lower than 42 
Language Cert - C1 Expert International ESOL Written (LRW) PASS with no less than 25/50 in each skill and Spoken (S) PASS 
Trinity ISE - ISE II with no less than distinction in any band

Studying online at SIT

Once you are enrolled, your course materials, assessments and due dates will be available through Blackboard, SIT's online learning environment. You will have access to your course materials from the start date of your intake.

Students are required to use their SIT email for SIT Online communications. Once you have been accepted into a programme, you will receive an Important Information Booklet with guidance to help you get familiar with Blackboard.

Staying in contact with your Facilitator

During your intake, you can contact your Facilitator by email. Facilitators aim to respond within 2 working days.

Within the first 1-2 weeks of your intake, you need to email your Facilitator to confirm that you have started your studies. If you have not contacted your Facilitator or started your course by the end of the second week, you may be Faculty Withdrawn from the programme.

This may affect your future access to the Zero Fees Scheme, and you will still be responsible for Student Direct Material Costs.

Results and transcripts

After each intake, check your results through MySIT.

Once you successfully complete your programme, you will receive an official academic transcript, which will be posted to you.

If you're new to SIT Online, we also recommend reading the FAQs for more information about studying and enrolling online.

 

Study load

Full-time study 

For StudyLink purposes, the minimum study load considered full-time depends on the length of your intake:

  • 12–15 weeks: minimum 36 credits
  • 16–19 weeks: minimum 48 credits
  • 20 weeks: minimum 60 credits

Part-time study*

If you plan to study part time, consider your work, family and other commitments when choosing your study load.

As a guide, we recommend:

  • Working 37+ hours per week: up to 30 credits per intake
  • Working 20–37 hours per week: up to 45 credits per intake
  • Working fewer than 20 hours per week: up to 60 credits per intake

These are guidelines only. The right study load will depend on your individual circumstances.

*Your eligibility and maximum duration you have to complete your qualification part-time is subject to change, enquire to confirm.

How much study time should I allow?

As a guide, one credit is approximately 10 hours of study.

Use the Study Load Calculator to help work out a manageable study load based on your commitments.

 

Important enrolment information

  • All papers selected for an intake must be completed within that intake unless a transfer is approved. 
  • Online enrolment is completed year by year, and you can apply for multiple intakes in one enrolment.
  • You are responsible for enrolling for further study. Enrolment does not automatically roll over to the next year.

 

Cross credits and previous study

If you have completed relevant previous study or have applicable prior learning, you may be eligible for cross credit, credit transfer or recognition of prior learning.

See the SIT information on cross credits, credit transfers and recognition of prior learning for eligibility and application details.

If you have completed relevant previous study or have applicable prior learning, you may be eligible for cross credit, credit transfer or recognition of prior learning.

Check our current information on cross credits, credit transfers and recognition of prior learning for eligibility and application details.

Equipment Requirements for DSP501

  • It is recommended that Students undertaking the Diploma in Screen Production elective use a prosumer video camera with manual controls, video-capable DSLR, or video-capable mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses. However, cell phone cameras will be acceptable for BPC students so long as the work is shot and edited as close to professionally as possible. 
  • Either Final Cut Pro (any version) or Adobe Premiere Pro (CS5 or later) is required.
  • Either Microsoft Word or Apache OpenOffice is required.
  • Students, with the exception of those receiving course-related costs from StudyLink for equipment purchase, must have the required equipment and software prior to commencing the programme.

Before you apply

Please read the Information on this page before starting your application. 
Your application will be assessed based on the information and supporting documents you provide.

Missing information or documents may delay your application.

Application checklist (once you click “Enrol”)

Before submitting your application, check that:

  • You have read the Programme Information on this page.
  • You meet the programme admission requirements.
  • You meet any entry requirements for the individual paper(s) you want to study.
  • You have selected your preferred intake(s), avoiding overlapping intakes.
  • You know how you intend to pay for your study.
  • If your organisation or employer is paying, you have an approved purchase order ready to attach. If they do not pay your fees, these will become your responsibility.
  • If applying for cross credit, you have completed the required cross credit form.
  • You have access to a computer, internet connection and software for creating electronic documents, such as Microsoft Word or OpenOffice.

For Level 3 programmes: You will be required by the Tertiary Education Commission to complete at least one literacy and one numeracy assessment as part of your studies.

New students

You will also need to:

  • Provide an active NSN in the name you are enrolling under. If you do not know your NSN, contact NZQA on 0800 697 296.
  • If you do not have an active NSN, provide verified identification in the name you are enrolling under.
  • If you are a New Zealand Resident or Permanent Resident, provide proof of residency.
  • Provide supporting academic documentation, such as your NZQA Record of Achievement, academic transcripts or certificates. These documents do not need to be verified.
  • If you do not have academic documentation, provide a comprehensive CV outlining your education and work experience.
  • Attach any other supporting documents required for the programme.

Zero Fees Scheme | What is the Zero Fees Scheme?

Under the Zero Fees Scheme, SIT does not charge tuition fees. You will still need to pay the applicable Student Direct Material Cost and a non-refundable administration fee.

The Student Direct Material Cost provides access to Blackboard®, SIT's online learning environment, and student support services throughout your study.

Who qualifies?

The Zero Fees Scheme is available to:

  • New Zealand citizens completing the full qualification.
  • Australian citizens, New Zealand Residents and Permanent Residents who will be living in New Zealand for the duration of their enrolment.

If you are not eligible for the Zero Fees Scheme, call 0800 748 257 to discuss your options.

Submit your application

Complete the online application and attach all required supporting documentation.

Before submitting, check that the information you have provided is complete and accurate. Missing information or documentation may delay the processing of your application.

Any additional documentation can be emailed to sitonline@sit.ac.nz.

What happens next?

  1. Application received
    You will receive an automatic email confirming that SIT has received your application. Processing may take up to three weeks. We will contact you sooner if we require additional documentation.
  2. Offer and invoice
    If your application is accepted, you will receive a conditional offer of acceptance, an invoice and payment instructions.
  3. Enrolment confirmed
    Once payment has been received, or you have selected an approved payment method such as Credit Card, Student Loan or Purchase Order, you will receive an Enrolment Confirmation Letter and Important Information Booklet.
  4. Get ready to study
    Closer to the start of your intake, you will receive a Time To Get Started Letter with the information, tools and guidance you need to begin your studies.

For students to be considered to have satisfactorily completed this programme and be eligible for the awarding of the qualification Bachelor of Professional Communication, they must have completed all scheduled course work requirements and assessments, successfully completed assessment requirements for all papers, and achieved a total of 360 credits as specified in the programme schedule. The timeframe for completion of this programme is ten years.

Assessments for this programme may include written assessments, presentations, reports and online examinations.

For more information on required and recommended textbooks for this course please refer to the textbook list here. 

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