Program Overview

Bachelor of Broadcasting Communications (Radio)

Overview

The Bachelor of Broadcasting Communications (Radio) is a highly practical programme that develops your understanding of the dynamic radio broadcasting environment. It combines two years of immersive, on-campus learning with a third year spent working in the industry. The programme is strongly influenced and supported by industry groups such as NZME, Mediaworks, and The Radio Broadcasters Association.

What will I study

On campus, you'll learn practical and research skills that will prepare you for a first-time position in the radio broadcasting industry. You'll study presenting, media business, audience engagement, branding, marketing, content creation, social media, and audio production. You'll also operate a commercial radio station that broadcasts throughout the Canterbury region and nationally via iHeartRadio and rova.

Pathway

A 24-week paid industry placement will provide you with a highly effective link between the theoretical and practical aspects of broadcasting and gives you a clear pathway to a career in this exciting industry.

Details

Fees for 2025

• Domestic Fee: $8,289 - $11,589 per year
• International Fee: $26,000 per year
• Indicative Student Services Fee: $370.50 per year

Academic Requirements

• University Entrance as specified by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA)
• OR Certificate in University Preparation (CUP)
• If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g., International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.

Alternative Requirements

• If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work, and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.
• Note: The number of courses you have to complete for this qualification may be reduced where you have relevant credits from previous study, or evidence of similar learning or experience in the workplace.

English Requirements

• What if English is not my first Language?
• If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.
• Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives
  • English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
• If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
• If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country.
• IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
• What if I have achieved University Entrance?
• You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.

Overall IELTS 6.0 Academic

• 5.5 Listening
• 5.5 Reading
• 5.5 Writing
• 5.5 Speaking

Selection Criteria

• Applicants who meet the requirements for admission are accepted in the order their applications are received.
• In the event that there are more applications than spaces available on the programme, a waitlist will be maintained.

Funding Assistance

• If you face unexpected financial hardship during your studies, we have several funds that you can apply for.
• These are designed to enable you to continue your current course of study.
• We also have a wide range of scholarships and awards that can provide financial assistance.

Core Courses

• Level 5:
  • Choir / Kapa Haka 1 (BAMU560, 15 credits)
  • Media Ecology: Business and Legal Envir... (BCEC501, 15 credits)
  • Media Ecology: Media and Society (BCEC502, 15 credits)
  • Media Ecology: Representation (BCEC503, 15 credits)
  • Fundamental Media Context (BCFM501, 30 credits)
  • Essential Radio 1 (BCRD501, 15 credits)
  • Essential Radio 2 (BCRD502, 30 credits)
  • Post Production (BDMO521, 15 credits)
  • Introduction to Marketing and Sales (BMSE501, 15 credits)
  • Essential Skills for Marketing and Sale... (BMSE504, 15 credits)
  • Organisations in a New Zealand Context (NZBE501, 15 credits)
• Level 6:
  • Media Group Project (BCEC601, 30 credits)
  • Media Independent Project (BCEC602, 30 credits)
  • Advanced Radio 1 (BCRD601, 30 credits)
  • Advanced Radio 2 (BCRD602, 30 credits)
  • Photography Elective (BDEL602, 15 credits)
  • Videography Elective (BDEL603, 15 credits)
  • Content Management Elective (BDEL606, 15 credits)
  • Spatial Design Elective (BDEL607, 15 credits)
  • 3D Motion Graphics (BDEL610, 15 credits)
• Level 7:
  • Critical Reflection on Work (BCCR700, 15 credits)
  • Professional Placement A (BCPA700, 90 credits)
  • Professional Placement B (BCPB700, 75 credits)

Career Opportunities

• When you graduate, you may move into stand-alone or network radio stations in roles as diverse as on-air presenting, news, creative writing, online content creation, programming, production, or sales and marketing.

Study Pathways

• Use this qualification as a foundation for further postgraduate study in media and communications.

Recommended School Subjects

• English or English-rich subjects
• Media studies
• Relevant industry experience

Programme Details

• Type: Degree
• Code: CH3714
• Next Starts: February 2026
• May be available for Study Visa?: Yes
• Credits: 360
• Level: 7
• Additional Equipment/Fees: $1000 per year
• May be eligible for Studylink?: Yes
• May be eligible for Fees Free?: Yes
• Reference: CH3714-RADI

COVID-19 Vaccination Information

• Placements or workplace assignments are an integral part of this programme.
• You don’t need to supply evidence of your Covid vaccination status to apply for or to study this programme, but please be aware that some workplaces may require evidence from you that you are fully vaccinated for Covid before allowing you to complete work at their organisation.
• The number of organisations at which your placement or workplace assignment can be completed may be impacted, depending on your vaccination status.

Credit Recognition

• If you have prior relevant experience or previous related study credits, you may be eligible for credit recognition towards this qualification.