Bachelor of Professional Communication
Bachelor of Professional Communication

Bachelor of Professional Communication

Bachelor of Professional Communication

Become an effective communicator with transferable skills that can be used across different industries. The Bachelor of Professional Communication will teach you how to communicate, analyse and use different essential communication strategies and tactics.

Find out more about the changes to the Bachelor of Professional Communication and its associated Graduate Certificates and Degrees, please click here

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Key Details
SIT2LRN Distance Learning
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:

2024 Intake 1: 12 February to 7 June - Applications Close 29 January 2024

2024 Intake 2: 18 March to 12 July - Applications Close 4 March 2024

2024 Intake 3: 24 June to 18 October - Applications Close 10 June 2024

2024 Intake 4: 29 July to 22 November - Applications Close 15 July 2024
Fees:

 Fees Free*

First year of tertiary study

Tuition Fee: $0    Check eligibility

 

SIT Zero Fees Scheme**

Studying in southern regions (Southland, Queenstown or Clutha) or continuing study from 2023

  • Tuition Fee: $0   Check eligibility
  • Direct material Cost: $7.00 per credit (incl GST)

(e.g. $700 for 100 credit course)

 

Full Fees

New in 2024 and studying outside of the southern regions (Southland, Queenstown or Clutha)

Tuition Fee: TBC

 

International Fees

$25000 per year

 

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

 

Some Course Details May Change

As part of our move into Te Pūkenga we're aligning our courses nationally. This is ongoing, and means that some course details including fees, and entry requirements may change. In the meantime please go ahead and apply as normal, we will keep you advised of any changes, and we are always available to answer any questions you might have.

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.

Find out more about the changes to the Bachelor of Professional Communication and its associated Graduate Certificates and Degrees, please click here

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)

Paper not available until later in 2024.

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)

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 - a) Expiring Level b) Current: a) Level 4 (Academic) b) 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

* New versions of some NZCEL qualifications, and in some cases new qualifications, were published on 13 June 2017. These are intended to replace pre-existing versions and qualifications, which have been given expiring status until discontinued on 31 December 2019. (a) denotes expiring (b) denotes current

Suggested study path / combinations

Each year must be completed before moving onto the next year of the programme. Papers may be studied in any order, as long as prerequisites are completed as required.

Full time study

Full time study is completing 60 credits (four papers) per intake. Full time acceptance into the programme is at the Programme Manager’s discretion.

Part time study

The number of credits selected per intake should depend on work, family, and other commitments. The recommended maximum number of credits per intake compared to working hours are:

  • 37+ hours per week = maximum of 30 credits per intake
  • 20 – 37 hours per week = maximum of 45 credits per intake
  • Fewer than 20 hours per week = maximum of 60 credits per intake (full time study)

Additional information

  • As a guideline, one credit equates to approximately 10 hours study within an intake period. Click HERE to download a Study Load Calculator (spreadsheet).
  • All papers selected within a particular intake must be completed within that intake unless a transfer is requested (conditions apply; see FAQs).
  • Online enrolments are on a year by year basis and students are welcome to apply for multiple intakes in one enrolment.  Further enrolment is the responsibility of individual students.  There is no automatic enrolment rollover. 

All SIT2LRN courses require you to have a computer and Internet access. Students are required to use their SIT webmail only for all SIT2LRN communications. All course materials and information, including assessments and due dates, are located on the online Blackboard system. Once you have been accepted into a programme you will receive an Important Information Booklet that includes information that you can use to familiarise yourself with our online Blackboard learning environment. From the intake start date you will have access to the online course materials to work through.

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.

Facilitator Assistance: During the enrolled intake period, students have email access to Facilitators, who endeavour to respond to emails within 48 hours (week days only). All students are required, within the first two weeks of an intake, to send an email to their Facilitator confirming their start on the programme of study. Students who have not emailed their facilitator or embarked upon their course of study by the end of the 2nd week of an intake, will be Faculty Withdrawn from the programme. Such withdrawals may impact on future access to SIT Zero Fees Scheme and Student Direct Material Costs are still liable for payment.

Progress reports are sent out 6-8 weeks after the end of each intake.

We recommend students new to SIT2LRN read through the Frequently Asked Questions section of our website for further study and enrolment information.

Please use the following checklist to ensure that all relevant information and documentation has been included. Remember, your application will be assessed based on the information that you provide us with.  Processing of your application will be delayed if we need to come back to you for missing information.

  • I have read all sections of the Programme Information on this page
  • I have read the SIT2LRN Frequently Asked Questions section
  • I have met all admission criteria for the programme (found under "Application Criteria")
  • I have met all the criteria for individual papers (found under "Course Content")
  • I have selected the paper(s) I wish to study
  • I have selected intake(s) (I have selected alternate intakes rather than overlapping intakes)
  • Year one papers must be completed before commencing year two papers and year two papers must be completed before commencing year three papers
  • I know my intended payment method
  • If my organisation/company is paying for my studies, I have a completed and approved purchase order to attach to my online application.  I am aware that should my organisation or company not pay my fees, these will become my responsibility.
  • I have completed and will attach a cross credit form (if applying for a cross credit)
  • New students – I have provided an active NSN in the name I am enrolling in or I have verified ID and will attach it to my online application.
  • New students – I will attach academic documentation (NZQA record of achievement/academic transcripts/certificates).  These do not need to be verified. (If you do not have any academic documentation to support your application, please attach a comprehensive CV outlining your education and work experience).
  • I have computer access,  an Internet connection and access to software to create electronic documents e.g. Microsoft Word or Open Office

What is the Zero Fees Scheme?

The Zero Fees Scheme means we do not charge tuition fees. However, there is a Student Direct Material Cost that you need to pay. The administration fee is for processing your application and the Student Direct Material Cost gives you secure access to Blackboard® our online learning environment and to student support services throughout your study with us.

Who qualifies for the Zero Fees Scheme?

  • A New Zealand citizen completing the full qualification or 
  • An Australian citizen/New Zealand Resident or Permanent Resident who will be residing in New Zealand for the duration of your enrolment.

Instructions to help you with your application:

  1. Read the Programme Information on this page and the SIT2LRN Frequently Asked Questions and find out if you meet the application criteria for both the programme and the unit/s you wish to study.
  2. Check your eligibility for Zero Fees. If you are not eligible to study under this scheme, please call 
    0800 748 257 for further options.
  3. Complete your online enrolment checking that:

If you are a new student …

  • Provide an active NSN number in the name you are enrolling in (contact NZQA on 0800 697 296 to get your NSN number if you do not know it);
  • If you do not have an active NSN, then attach a copy of your verified ID in the name you are enrolling in.
  • If you are a Resident or Permanent resident of NZ, please provide a copy of proof of residency;
  • Attach all academic documentation to support your application including copies of any certificates of courses you have undertaken / NZQA record of achievement / transcripts / CV;

Attach supporting documents as required and outlined on the previous page.

  1. Please check that you have included all the required information and supporting documents.  Your application will be assessed based on the information that you provide.  Missing information will delay the processing of your application.
  2. Please scan and email all additional documentation tosit2lrn@sit.ac.nz.

What happens next?

  • You will receive an automatic email confirmation when we receive your online application. Processing may take up to three weeks. However, we will get in touch with you sooner if we require further documentation.
  • Once your application has been accepted you will be sent a conditional offer of acceptance with an invoice and instructions on how to make payment.
  • Once we have received your payment (or if you have opted to pay by Credit Card, Student Loan or Purchase Order) you will be sent an Enrolment Confirmation Letter and Important Information Booklet. Closer to the start of the intake you will receive a Time To Get Started Letter which will give you all the necessary information, tools and guidance to start your study with us.

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. 

Please note that textbooks need to be ordered at least 3-4 weeks prior to the commencement of your study

Suggested Courses