Regulations for The Diploma in Communication - DipC

Official rules and regulations for the Diploma in Communication. These regulations apply for 2027.

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Qualification Regulations

Part I

These regulations are to be read in conjunction with all other Statutes and Regulations of the University including General Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas, and Graduate Certificates.

Part II

Admission

1. Admission to the Diploma in Communication requires that the candidate will meet the University admission requirements as specified.

Qualification requirements

2. Candidates for the Diploma in Communication shall follow a flexible programme of study, which shall consist of courses totalling at least 120 credits, comprising:

(a) 15 credits selected from Schedule A; and

(b) 30 credits selected from Schedule B; and

(c) 30 credits selected from Schedule C; and

(d) 45 credits at 200 level or above from Part II of the Bachelor of Communication Schedule.

Specialisations

3. The Diploma in Communication is awarded without endorsements.

Completion requirements

4. Any timeframes for completion as outlined in the General Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Graduate Certificates will apply.

5. Candidates may be graduated when they meet the Qualification and Academic requirements within the prescribed timeframes. Candidates who do not meet the requirements for graduation may, subject to the approval of Academic Board, be awarded the Certificate in Arts should they meet the requirements.

Unsatisfactory academic progress

6. The general Unsatisfactory Progress Regulations will apply.

Schedule for the Diploma in Communication

Course planning key

Prerequisites
Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
Corequisites
Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
Restrictions
Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.
Key terms for course planning
Courses
Each qualification has its own specific set of courses. Some universities call these papers. You enrol in courses after you get accepted into Massey.
Course code
Each course is numbered using 6 digits. The fourth number shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).
Credits
Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
Specialisations
Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.

Schedule A (Choose 15 credits from)

Choose 15 credits from
Course code: 154110 Digital Content Creation 15 credits

An introduction to producing digital media content using everyday and consumer-grade equipment. Material taught includes recording clear audio and video, principles and practices of basic editing, and the preparation of digital content to reach target audiences.

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Course code: 299107 True Stories Told Well 15 credits

This course develops creative communication skills for fact-based communication, emphasising both craft and audience engagement. Students will learn craft-based skills and techniques that allow them to express themselves in writing for diverse audiences and professional environments.

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Schedule B (Choose 30 credits from)

Choose 30 credits from
Course code: 154101 Media and Society 15 credits

An introduction to the relationship between media and society. Particular attention will be paid to media representations, media users/audiences, media technologies, the political economy of media, and the local and global contexts in which media are situated.

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Course code: 172131 Language, Meaning and Communication 15 credits

This course examines how language creates meaning in communication across social and cultural contexts. We explore how language choices shape identity, relationships, persuasion, and power in everyday and professional communication. The course develops students’ ability to analyse communication across audiences, platforms, and cultural frameworks, with particular attention to intercultural communication and the linguistic dynamics of Aotearoa New Zealand.

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Course code: 219102 Making Communication Matter 15 credits

This course explores foundational communication theories through immersive practice in creative, strategic, relational, and community-based contexts. Students investigate how communication constructs meaning, navigates power, strengthens relationships, and catalyses transformative change in order to foster culturally responsive, ethical and transformative communication practices.

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Course code: 219103 Communicating Many Worlds: Culture-Centred and Community-Based Practices 15 credits

This course explores communication through Indigenous, Global South, and marginalised perspectives, emphasising culture-centred and pluriversal approaches, and challenging dominant narratives. Through community-engaged projects and workshops, students will engage in deep listening, ethical collaboration, and imaginative storytelling.

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Schedule C (Choose 30 credits from)

Choose 30 credits from
Course code: 139111 Podcasting: Producing Audio Stories 15 credits

An introduction to the genre of audio storytelling with podcasts. Students will analyse the storytelling techniques employed in the narrative nonfiction podcast genre and use these techniques in the production of their own podcast episode.

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Course code: 219101 Media Writing and Promotion 15 credits

An introduction to the nature and practice of media writing for a range of traditional and digital formats.

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Course code: 219108 Introduction to Journalism 15 credits

An introduction to the role and function of contemporary news media, with special attention to the role of the journalist in society, the diversity of journalism cultures and basic journalism skills.

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Course code: 219109 Family Communication 15 credits

This course explores communication within families and its impact on identity, as well as how families handle challenging conversations and transitions. It also encourages critical thinking about the limitations of traditional research that has focused on white, straight, cis families.

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Course code: 299133 Creative Communication 15 credits

This course introduces creative communication through the study of creative practice and the making of original works of writing and performance. The course builds an understanding of written and physical storytelling in cultural contexts, supporting students to develop dramatic ideas that express social issues clearly and confidently.

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