The Bachelor of Communication, which will begin in 2020, brings together Victoria University of Wellington’s existing strengths in communication research and teaching across a range of academic areas, including politics, arts, languages, and science.
The degree’s multi-disciplinary focus will give graduates specialist communication expertise that is keenly sought after by sectors such as government, the public service, media and public relations, social enterprises, and creative industries.
The Dean of the University’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Professor Sarah Leggott, says the new degree is a response to the needs of employers and a rapidly-evolving digital environment.
“As the very foundation of human interactions, effective communication is vital for people to express their needs, feelings and ideas, and communication skills are essential in many fields of employment,” she says. “In a globally networked society with constantly changing digital technologies, there is increased demand for graduates with a more in-depth understanding of the ways that communication is reshaping social, cultural, political and economic activities.”
Professor Leggott says the new degree will make the most of what is already a key academic strength at the University.
“Our students can expect a high quality programme of study. Victoria University of Wellington is ranked in the top 100 universities worldwide for Communication and Media Studies, so we’re really excited to be able to bring all our skills together into the new degree.”
She says numerous parts of the University are involved in delivering the coursework.
“This diverse input means graduates will be able to specialise in a wide range of subject areas, including Science Communication and Literary and Creative Communication—which are not available at other institutions—as well as Political Communication, Media Studies and Intercultural Communication,” says Professor Leggott. “These will give our graduates specialist and transferable expertise to set them up for a career in a wide variety of industries.”
Professor Leggott says the Bachelor of Communication will also take advantage of the University’s capital city location and its strong relationships with government and NGOs, and the public and commercial sectors.
“Wellington is New Zealand’s cultural capital, as well as the centre of government, information and science. Our students are offered unprecedented access to key players in the communication sector from across the spectrum of industries,” she says.
“It has become apparent that in today’s information-saturated world, clear, persuasive and imaginative communication is fundamental to ensure what’s most important can cut through. That’s something Victoria University of Wellington graduates can deliver.”
For more information about the Bachelor of Communication at Victoria University of Wellington, visit www.victoria.ac.nz/bc and to find out more about studying Communication at the University, visit www.victoria.ac.nz/communication