100-level

COMS101
Media and Society
Description
COMS101 explores the relationship between society and media - including social media, print, broadcasting, and all kinds of online spaces. It asks how our understandings of the world and people around us are mediated, how media have shaped society, and how society is reflected and produced through media. We will explore topics like media audiences, technologies, ownership and work; the frames of representation, power, and identity; and analytical tools like semiotics, discourse, and narrative. COMS101 is a stage one course that does not require any prior media study, but it builds on everything you have ever watched, listened to, interacted with, and produced. This course has on-campus and distance options. It includes weekly written exercises and requires active in-class engagement on campus, or in the distance stream to develop core university skills and learn effectively from the teaching staff and from each other.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Semester One 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
COMS105
Public Communication
Description
The course introduces students to public communication, from social media posts to journalism to strategic communication and more. It blends applied work with theoretical and critical thinking about forms of public communication. Students will learn writing and media planning skills, alongside classes discussing major public communication practices and classes studying the way those bring together different kinds of public. Emphasis will be placed on the representation of te ao Maori in different public communication practices and on how Maori and Pacific publics are convened. The course also provides opportunities for groupwork, where students learn from each other and can support each other’s learning.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Points
15 points
Restrictions
COMS102, COMS104

200-level

COMS201
Media Audiences
Description
How does our media consumption shape our opinions, actions, identities and lives? How do audiences influence the production and circulation of media? How do we create our own media presence online, and act as an audience for each other? This course examines the relationship between audiences and media. We discuss theory and research that represents audiences as passive consumers of media products, active decoders of media texts, producers of our own representations online, and participants in interactive media production. The course looks at a broad range of media forms and content to reflect and build on your own experiences of being media audience members. "Media Audiences" will encourage you to reflect on your own relationship with media, and to consider the broader contexts that shape your listening, viewing, reading, and interaction. This course has on-campus and distance options. It has a one hour lecture and a two-hour workshop each week. The course includes group work in classes and for assessments, and requires active in-class engagement. You will advance core skills in reading and carrying out research, with reflection, collaborative work, networking, creativity, writing and presentation.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Semester One 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Any 15 points at 100 level from COMS or CULT, or any 60 points at 100 level from the Schedule V of the BA.
Restrictions
CULT201
COMS204
Advertising and Cultural Consumption
Description
Advertising has become a central component of our contemporary cultural environment that finances all of the communication industries. However, the effects of advertising may lie far outside only the funding of media systems. This course explores the relationship between advertising, consumerism, identity, the environment and citizenship. You will learn be deconstructing the system, analysing advertisements, examining the effects of advertising on identity, and looking into the rise of ethical brands and sustainability. Then will study advertising from an insider perspective, finding out how advertising agencies work and ads are created. This course has on-campus and distance options. It includes group work and requires active engagement in class, or online for distance students, to create and share work with others, in order to learn from and support each other.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Semester Two 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Any 15 points at 100 level from COMS, or any 60 points at 100 level from the Schedule V of the BA.
COMS205
Media and Politics
Description
The course provides an understanding of the role of the media in domestic and international politics. It does this by analysing key theoretical assumptions and debates on the role of media institutions in the struggle for power domestically and internationally. This course includes group work and requires active in-class engagement. It has on-campus and distance options. It features internationally-recognised top experts in the field of political communication as our guest speakers. Research, critical debate, collaborative work, networking, creativity, writing and presentation are among the core skills this course aims to advance.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Semester One 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Any 15 points at 100 level from COMS or POLS, or any 60 points at 100 level from the Schedule V of the BA.
Restrictions
POLS232
COMS207
Social Media
Description
This course contains practical work in the community and groupwork. The course prepares students to do public communication in a rapidly changing media environment. The first half of the course explores how a range of social media platforms work and how professional communicators are attempting to use it. Topics include networks, online community, social media analytics and social media campaigns. In the second half of the course students apply these ideas in small-group projects for a community organisation or company. This course is available only to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Communication.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
15 points COMS or 60 points BC Schedule V. Subject to approval by the Head of Department.
Restrictions
COMS222 (2008-2012), DIGI207
COMS208
Social Media Project
Description
In this course students will study social media as a tool of professional communication. Students will study key concepts, including networks, communities, social capital and the affordances of media, and apply them to social media content. The emphasis will be on organisational use of social media, including campaigns and the building of relationships.
Occurrences
Summer Nov 2025
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Any 15 points at 100 level from COMS, or any 60 points at 100 level from the Schedule V of the BA.
Restrictions
COMS207; DIGI207
COMS215
Introduction to Social Analysis
Description
Data analysis is a powerful tool to investigate many important and interesting questions about societies and human behaviour. Policy decisions, your Netflix movie recommendations, or targeted advertisements on social media all rely on making sense of data. This course introduces students to basic skills of data analysis, statistical inference, and programming with a focus on applying these skills to questions in social sciences, politics, and media. Anyone can learn statistics. Graduates who can demonstrate skills in data analysis are highly valued by employers. Such skills are in demand in a wide range of sectors - public policy, public health, political campaigns, news media, business, journalism, law, communication, and information technology to name a few. This course aims to provide students with practical experience analysing and interpreting data. We will use powerful R programming language and open-source statistical software RStudio, both are employed routinely across many industries in many countries. The course requires no programming or coding experience.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Any 15 points at 100-level COMS or POLS, or any 60 points at 100-level from the Schedule V of the BA.
Restrictions
POLS215
COMS225
Politics and New Media
Description
A Facebook profile is required to take part in this course. This course is being offered at two universities at once in Finland and Aotearoa New Zealand. Students will take part in discussions with students from the other university and will be taught by academics from each university, with a tutor and lecturer at Canterbury coordinating the local version of the course. The course studies the latest developments on how public life and politics are being shaped by web-based communication. You will be asked to think critically about the globalisation of politics online, about the divisions between haves and have nots and about the ways different groups pursue their agendas online.
Occurrences
Summer Jan 2026
Summer Jan 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
ny 15 points at 100 level from COMS, or any 60 points at 100 level from the Schedule V of the BA.
COMS231
Digital Media Production
Description
This practical course teaches some of the core production skills that all communication practitioners need. You’ll be introduced to basic digital media skills and shown how to produce and package visual content for online and mobile platforms. As well as being asked to create work, you’ll be asked to reflect on it in the context of broader trends in media practice and the ethical responsibilities of digital communication. Please note, this course has a strongly practical focus and requires active in-class engagement for hands-on activities (such as photographing, filming and editing) and sharing and discussing work with others. It is not a distance course. This course is restricted to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Communication or Graduate Diplomas in Journalism or Strategic Communication. We recommend you take COMS231 before COMS207, as you will apply some of your skills in COMS207.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
15 points COMS or 60 points BC Schedule V. Subject to approval by the Head of Department.
COMS232
Risk and Crisis Communication
Description
This applied course introduces students to a major area of the planning of communication, the management of risk. Theories of risk, crisis and the risk society are described, before the course focuses in detail on the practice of risk communication, including communication planning, crafting messages and involving communities in collective risk decision-making. Risks explored range from individuals' health and safety, disasters, reputational crises and pervasive risks such as climate change. This course has on-campus and distance options. You will learn from professional guests, and from each other, to develop skills in evaluating and planning crisis response.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Any 15 points at 100 level from COMS, or either ENVR101 or GEOG106, or any 60 points at 100 level from the Schedule V of the BA.
COMS233
Media Law for Journalists
Description
This course aims to give you the foundational knowledge you need to practice ethically and legally as a journalist. By the end of the course you’re expected to have developed a basic understanding of the range and impact of laws and regulations restricting the media and journalists in New Zealand, as well as practical skills in court reporting. You will be required to attend a courts field trip, and to create and share work with others in order to learn from and support each other. Please note, the course’s practical focus requires active in-class engagement. It is not a distance course. Note: This course is restricted to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) or Graduate Diploma in Journalism.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Limited Entry: Subject to admission to the Journalism Major and permission from the Head of Department.
Restrictions
LAWS396

300-level

COMS305
Communicating Social Change
Description
This course analyses the role of the media in social change and question whether media can, in fact, produce consensus within society, and if those changes are controllable by the artist/writer/producer, the audience, or the state. It does this by exploring theoretical underpinnings of societal shifts through the framework of the media as an important institution in society and in the construction of social reality. The course will invite students to further understand the role of the media in power relations by analysing such notions and processes as ideology, hegemony, representations, and media ethics. This course includes group work and requires active in-class engagement. This is not a distance course. This course has a strongly practical focus that requires active in-class engagement. This course requires students to create and share work with others, in order to learn from and support each other.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Points
30 points
Prerequisites
Any 30 points at 200 level from COMS, or any 60 points at 200 level from the Schedule V of the BA.
COMS306
Media and Communication in International Context
Description
The course sets out to provide a critical insight and analysis into the role of media in contemporary international contexts. Its focus is on political communication during conflicts and wars, as well as its contribution to international collaborations and cross-border and cross-culture dialogues. Through a series of in-depth case studies, the course provides a comprehensive review of the key concepts and theories on the media's impact on, and role in international political communication. This course includes group work with students in the course collaborating with students from different countries, and requires active in-class engagement. It has on-campus and distance options. It features internationally-recognised top experts as our guest speakers. Research, team work, international collaboration, creativity, writing, presentation and cross-cultural skills are among the core skills this course aims to advance.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Semester Two 2026 (Distance)
Points
30 points
Prerequisites
Any 30 points at 200 level from COMS or POLS, or any 60 points at 200 level from the Schedule V of the BA.
Restrictions
POLS332
COMS320
Strategic Campaign Development
Description
This advanced course in strategic communication will start with a broad introduction to the process of strategic campaign planning. A significant portion of the course will be devoted to different situations that a campaign creator may come across. The course will talk about theoretical and professional strategies in advertising and public relations. Students will learn ways to create different types of campaign messages. This is not a distance course. This course teaches some of the core skills that all communication professionals will need. It includes group work and requires active in-class engagement.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Points
30 points
Prerequisites
Any 30 points at 200 level from COMS, or any 60 points at 200 level from the Schedule V of the BA.
COMS330
Communication in Context
Description
This course enables students to put their professional knowledge into a broader context of the communication landscape and the wider social landscape. It will be divided into a series of modules in which different aspects of the context will be studied. Students will develop competence to work in bicultural and global contexts, learn about the responsibilities of a good communication practitioner and be asked to reflect on the kind of role they wish to fill. This course is restricted to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Communication or Graduate Diplomas in Journalism or Strategic Communication. Note, this course cannot be done at a distance as the learning involves in-person discussion and activities, including assessed group work, and a noho marae.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Points
30 points
Prerequisites
30 points COMS 200-level or 60 points BC Schedule V. HoD mandatory.
COMS331
Researching and Reporting News
Description
This course provides an introduction to the foundational skills and knowledge required for communicating news and information to various publics. You’ll learn how to develop writing and multimedia skills to produce engaging digital content. You’ll also gain knowledge of your ethical responsibilities and learn to critically reflect on your own and others' media practice. The course combines analytical skills with practical experience, including fieldwork and work placement opportunities, to help consolidate the links between theory and practice and develop independence in professional work. Please note, the course’s strongly practical focus requires active in-class engagement. It is not a distance course. Note: This course is restricted to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) or Graduate Diploma in Journalism.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Points
30 points
Prerequisites
Limited Entry. (i) COMS231, COMS232, COMS233. (ii) Permission from the Head of Department.
COMS332
News Production
Description
This course builds on the foundational skills and knowledge required for communicating news and information to various publics. You will learn how to develop your reporting and multimedia skills to produce engaging digital content. You will also gain knowledge of your ethical responsibilities and learn to critically reflect on your own and others' media practice. The course combines analytical skills with practical experience, including fieldwork and work placement opportunities, to help consolidate the links between theory and practice and develop independence in professional work. Please note, the course’s strongly practical focus requires active in-class engagement. It is not a distance course. Note: This course is restricted to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) or Graduate Diploma in Journalism.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Points
30 points
Prerequisites
Limited Entry. (i) COMS331 (ii) Permission from the Head of Department.
COMS339
Science Diplomacy
Description
This course develops understanding of science diplomacy defined as "the direct or indirect use of science, scientific knowledge and scientific cooperation to advance diplomatic goals" (Royal Society, 2010). Science diplomacy has gained significant relevance in recent years. The 2025 UNESCO Global Ministerial Dialogue on Science Diplomacy issued a strong call for renewed collaboration between governments, multilateral agencies and the global scientific community. The course develops understanding of science diplomacy from 3 perspectives: Diplomacy for Science (the use of diplomatic action to facilitate international scientific collaboration), Science for Diplomacy (the use of science as a soft power tool to improve international relations between countries, build trust and maintain dialogue) and Science in Diplomacy (informing foreign policy objectives of a nation and international community with scientific advice). This 15-point course brings together interdisciplinary expertise. It is team-taught by academics from the UC Arts, Science and Law. Its design has 4 modules: (1) science diplomacy as a type of (public) diplomacy and nation’s strategic communication globally; (2) science communication in international relations; (3) science diplomacy and scientists: history and present day; (4) Science diplomacy and international legal frameworks. This 15-point course works in partnership with a 15-point PACE390 course (internships with UC Science), for students who need 30 points.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Semester One 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Any 30 points at 200 level from COMS; or any 60 points at 200 level from the Schedule V of the BA, or Schedule V of the BSc.
Restrictions
POLS339

Not Offered Courses in 2026

200-level

COMS228
Data Visualisation
Description
This course equips students with skills to create informative and appealing visualisations of data. Appealing and informative visuals help to communicate your ideas and results to others. Learning to create effective data visualisations also teaches you to read and critically evaluate graphs-good and bad-created by others. Students will learn about the fundamental principles of effective data visualisation and different ways to visualise data, including mapping and interactive graphs. Data visualisation skills are in demand in a wide range of sectors - strategic communication, public policy, political campaigns, news media, business, journalism, and information technology to name a few. We will use popular and powerful open-source statistical software RStudio and ggplot package, which are employed routinely across many industries in many countries. This course requires no programming or coding experience.
Occurrences
Not offered 2026, offered in 2024
For further information see COMS228 course details
Points
15 points
COMS232
Risk and Crisis Communication
Description
This applied course introduces students to a major area of the planning of communication, the management of risk. Theories of risk, crisis and the risk society are described, before the course focuses in detail on the practice of risk communication, including communication planning, crafting messages and involving communities in collective risk decision-making. Risks explored range from individuals' health and safety, disasters, reputational crises and pervasive risks such as climate change. This course has on-campus and distance options. You will learn from professional guests, and from each other, to develop skills in evaluating and planning crisis response.
Occurrences
COMS232-26S2 (D)
Semester Two 2026 (Distance) - Not offered
For further information see COMS232 course details
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Any 15 points at 100 level from COMS, or either ENVR101 or GEOG106, or any 60 points at 100 level from the Schedule V of the BA.

300-level

COMS305
Communicating Social Change
Description
This course analyses the role of the media in social change and question whether media can, in fact, produce consensus within society, and if those changes are controllable by the artist/writer/producer, the audience, or the state. It does this by exploring theoretical underpinnings of societal shifts through the framework of the media as an important institution in society and in the construction of social reality. The course will invite students to further understand the role of the media in power relations by analysing such notions and processes as ideology, hegemony, representations, and media ethics. This course includes group work and requires active in-class engagement. This is not a distance course. This course has a strongly practical focus that requires active in-class engagement. This course requires students to create and share work with others, in order to learn from and support each other.
Occurrences
COMS305-26S2 (C)
Semester Two 2026 - Not offered
For further information see COMS305 course details
Points
30 points
Prerequisites
Any 30 points at 200 level from COMS, or any 60 points at 200 level from the Schedule V of the BA.
COMS307
Broadcasting Aotearoa New Zealand: Online and On Air
Description
Broadcasting Aotearoa New Zealand explores the stories that are told about Aotearoa New Zealand on television and radio, and in web series, podcasts, and other digital spaces. The course explores the role broadcasting has played in shaping society and the ways in which society is reflected and produced in programming online and on air. COMS307 asks what are the bicultural histories and futures of Aotearoa New Zealand, and how might new, inclusive stories be told on a variety of platforms? In COMS307 you will develop a funding application for a television programme, web series, podcast, or interactive platform, and you will be able to relate your programme plan to the social, cultural, political, and economic histories and contexts of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Occurrences
Not offered 2026, offered in 2018 , 2019
For further information see COMS307 course details
Points
30 points
COMS316
The Craft of Social Science Research
Description
Data analysis is a powerful tool to investigate many important and interesting questions about societies and human behaviour. This course introduces students to intermediate skills of data analysis with a focus on applying these skills to questions in social sciences and media and communication. The main focus of the course is on 'doing' and 'producing' research. This course will also prepare students to be critical consumers of social science and media and communication literature. We will use powerful R programming language and open-source statistical software RStudio, both are employed routinely across many industries in many countries. This course will be valuable preparation for students considering postgraduate studies at the honours level and beyond.
Occurrences
Not offered 2026
For further information see COMS316 course details
Points
30 points
COMS333
Podcasting Project
Description
COMS333 examines podcasts as a media form, and develops techniques of podcast making. You will explore the technologies that lead to podcasting, along with histories of audio storytelling. You will develop a collaborative podcast project. This is not a distance course. It teaches practical skills and requires students to create and share work with others, in order to learn from and support each other. In COMS333 you will advance core skills in audio production, textual analysis, media archaeology, collaborative work, networking, creativity, writing and presentation.
Occurrences
Not offered 2026, offered in 2023 , 2024 , 2025
For further information see COMS333 course details
Points
30 points