Course details

Bachelor of Broadcasting Communications (Screen Production)
NZQF Level 7

About the course

You will learn to create a full range of screen genres, including drama, light entertainment, music videos, commercials, documentary and news, from conception to publication. We prepare you for entry into the screen industry with professional competencies matched to industry standards. This programme is kept relevant and cutting edge through continuous feedback from the industry. Your career connections will be advanced with a 24 week industry internship in a broadcast media or production company. When you graduate from the New Zealand Broadcasting School you will be able to meet the needs of the industry from your very first day on the job. This programme is a full time 3-year degree. In our most recent graduate survey, 93.1% of 2016 Bachelor of Broadcasting Communications graduates were in employment (Ara Graduate Outcome Survey, 2016). Find out more about studying broadcasting

Entry requirements

What if English is not my first Language? Overall IELTS 6.0 Academic 5.5 Listening 5.5 Reading 5.5 Writing 5.5 Speaking 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 NCEA Level 3 University Entrance? You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills. Still want to study but don't meet the Academic 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. 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. New Zealand University Entrance - NCEA Level 3 (60 credits at Level 3 and 20 credits at Level 2 or higher) which must include 14 credits at Level 3 in each of 3 subjects from the list of approved subjects* 14 literacy credits at Level 3 for any subject(s). and Numeracy* - 10 credits at Level 1 or above (specified achievement standards, or unit standards 26623, 26626, 26627) OR Certificate in University Preparation (CUP) Due to Covid-19 disruption, if you studied and achieved NCEA Level 3 during 2020, you only need 12 credits per Level 3 subject (i.e. total of 36 credits). Literacy and Numeracy requirements remain the same If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency. * NZQA approved subjects: see http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/awards/university-entrance/

About the provider

Ara Institute of Canterbury is recognised as one of New Zealand’s leading tertiary institutes. Specialising in applied, vocational and professional training, it offers more than 150 courses from foundation to postgraduate level. 

Ara caters to a diverse range of learners; from school leavers and career changers to professionals wanting to upskill and individuals seeking to re-enter the workforce.

All Ara students benefit from the Ara Advantage: relevant courses, taught by inspirational mentors in real-life learning environments. Almost every Ara programme includes work-integrated learning. Work placements, apprenticeships, industry-based projects and internships ensure students are work-ready when they graduate.

Across its six campuses, Ara’s dedicated tutors and non-academic staff support students throughout their study journey. A comprehensive range of student services - such as financial assistance, learning support, health and wellbeing services, accommodation, childcare and student events – contributes to the success of every student.

It also has six additional small community hubs which deliver free digital upskilling and personal development courses.

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