Overview
In demand
Eighty-five per cent of graduates are employed within six months of graduation. These graduates are employed across 20 different industry categories with more than 280 different job titles.
Level
- Undergraduate, NZQF Level 7
Credits
- 360
Duration
- 3 year(s) full-time. Available part-time.
The world needs communicators. It needs people who have the creativity and imagination to develop content that will inspire and connect people. It needs those with the logic, analysis and language skills to deliver that content in a strategic and meaningful way.
Unique variety in your study - just like the working world
Massey’s Bachelor of Communication is the only communication degree in New Zealand that requires you to take courses from both business and arts. You’ll probably discover that neither is what you expected. You may even love most a subject you didn’t think you would! Combining words and creativity with business will make you a highly-employable communication specialist.
You’ll graduate not just with a degree, but as a well-rounded, innovative communication specialist who is sought-after by employers. In our survey of past graduates, 84% believed that their BC studies were relevant to their present work.
The Bachelor of Communication builds the skills you need to make an outstanding contribution in whatever field interests you. You will gain skills in using up-to-date technology, and you will have the opportunity to obtain deep insights into the communication industries.
Real-world learning
The Bachelor of Communication offers you many opportunities to apply your learning to real-world problems. You’ll produce strategies, media and publications that apply your communication learning.
These can include marketing strategies for community groups, social media content, documentary films, scripts for theatre, media or film, performances and speeches, depending on the courses you choose.
You’ll learn from internationally renowned staff. Massey has the oldest journalism school in New Zealand. Our teachers in the Bachelor of Communication expressive arts courses (theatre, creative writing and media production) have won five national teaching awards.
Insights
- The 2020 Student Experience Survey results for this programme found that 82% of students on this programme highlighted that the teaching they had received was excellent, 82% believed that teaching staff are helpful and approachable, and 87% highlight that the programme has given them excellent “written communication skills”.
- The 2020 Graduate Destination Survey results for this programme found that 82% of graduates are in employment and 12% have continued in further study. The most common job title for graduated students was “Marketer”.
- Between 2018 and 2021 the average number of students enrolled in the programme was 748 (headcount). In the 2020 academic year 78% of students in the first year of this programme continued their studies and across the whole programme 83% of courses were successfully completed.
- The QS World University Ranking by Subject ranks Massey in the top 101-150 universities worldwide in this subject area. Shanghai Ranking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2020 ranks Massey in the top 200 universities globally and 1st in New Zealand in this subject area.
Specialisations
Majors, subjects or endorsements
Communication Management
Digital Marketing
Expressive Arts
Expressive Arts and Media Studies
Journalism
Linguistics
Media Studies
Public Relations
Minors
For more information on minors see the Courses and planning tab.
Communication Management
Digital Marketing
Expressive Arts
Expressive Arts and Media Studies
International Languages
Journalism
Linguistics
Media Studies
Public Relations
Careers and further study
Careers
There are a wide variety of jobs and exciting opportunities in communication.
The Bachelor of Communication (BC) prepares you for many occupations, in almost any industry. The world is truly your oyster!
Your choices are not restricted – every field uses communication specialists, from healthcare to education to aviation to high-end fashion or the arts, and your expertise is transferable – Massey’s BC makes sure you come out well rounded and flexible. Massey Bachelor of Communication graduates have had outstanding employment success.
Depending on your major and interests you could move into any one of the following areas:
- writing, editing, publishing or researching
- speech writing, travel writing, blogging, social commentary
- social media content production or social entrepreneurship
- scriptwriting
- relationship management
- public relations
- public affairs
- project management
- producing and directing film, theatre, dance and a wide range of other creative enterprises
- organisational training and development
- media industries including production
- marketing, advertising, promotion, brand management
- liaison and advisory work
- journalism
- film-making
- event management
- creative industries or arts administration or management
- communication consulting
- arts promotion, policy and development
- academia or teaching.
Further study
You may wish to consider moving on to postgraduate study once you have completed your degree.
International students
New Zealand is a great place to study. Massey University’s reputation is supported by our international rankings, accreditations and associations. We are rated five star plus by the QS World University Rankings.
Massey University has small class sizes, and our lecturers and staff are friendly and approachable.
As an international student, there are entry requirements that will apply to you. We recommend that you apply at least three months before your anticipated start date so your application can be processed in time. There are additional steps you will need to take. These include obtaining a visa and travel bookings if your study is to be in New Zealand.
Entry requirements
University admission
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Programme admission
Required
There are no specific entry requirements for this programme, outside of university admission regulations.
English language requirements
To study this programme you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
Prior learning, credit and exemptions
For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:
- review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
- contact us through the Enquire button on this page.
If you do not have the entry requirements
English language and foundation courses
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, we have courses and programmes that may help.
- English Language Proficiency
- Foundation Certificate in Academic English
- Foundation Certificate in Advanced Academic English
- Full Foundation - Certificate in Foundation Studies
Summer School
If you need to do a course before you start your programme, there may be options for you in Summer School.
Courses and planning
Credit summary
360 credits
- Core courses – 120 credits
- Major courses – 120 credits
- Minor courses – 60 credits
- Electives – 60 credits
Ensure that overall, you have:
- Not more than 165 credits at 100 level (including no more than 45 credits of 100‑level electives)
- At least 15 credits of electives at 200 level or above
- At least 75 credits at 300 level overall
- An approved combination of major and minor
Courses for this programme
Part A: Core courses
| 115111 | Communication Theory and Practice | 15 |
| 115116 | Introduction to Marketing | 15 |
| 139133 | Creative Communication | 15 |
| 154101 | Introduction to Media Studies | 15 |
| 172131 | Language and Communication | 15 |
| 219101 | Media Skills | 15 |
| 219108 | Introduction to Journalism | 15 |
| 230111 | Tū Kupu: Writing and Inquiry | 15 |
Part B: Specialisations
Majors
Please refer to individual specialisation page for a list of courses for your specialisation.Minors
Please refer to individual specialisation page for a list of courses for your specialisation.Composite Majors
Please refer to individual specialisation page for a list of courses for your specialisation.Composite Minors
Please refer to individual specialisation page for a list of courses for your specialisation.Majors and minors
About specialisations
Completing a major is compulsory. A major requires 120 credits including at least 60 credits at 200 level and 60 credits at 300 level.
Although you are asked to nominate your major and minor, please be aware that you can change these once you are enrolled.
Communication Management
Digital Marketing
Expressive Arts
Expressive Arts and Media Studies
Journalism
Linguistics
Media Studies
Public Relations
About minors
Completing a minor is compulsory. Minors increase the breadth of your degree and give you extra knowledge, attributes and capabilities.
To complete a Bachelor of Communication minor you must pass at least 60 credits in a specified area including at least 45 credits above 100 level, with 15 of those credits being at 300 level.
- If you complete a major in Communication Management, Digital Marketing, Journalism or Public Relations you must complete a minor in Expressive Arts, International Languages, Linguistics, Media Studies, or composite Expressive Arts/Media Studies.
- If you complete a major in Expressive Arts, Linguistics, Media Studies or composite Expressive Arts/Media Studies you must complete a minor in Communication Management, Digital Marketing, Journalism or Public Relations.
Bachelor of Communication minors
All Bachelor of Communication majors are available as minors. The following are also available as minor-only topics. See the BC regulations for requirements.
International Languages
A minor in one of the International Languages (Chinese, French, Japanese or Spanish) will prepare graduates for interaction and communication careers in international contexts where the linguistic skills and cultural literacy of an international language are essential.
Expressive Arts/Media Studies
A composite minor is available in Expressive Arts/Media Studies. For this option you must take at least 30 credits from each of these majors including at least 15 credits at 300 level.
Communication Management
Digital Marketing
Expressive Arts
Expressive Arts and Media Studies
International Languages
Journalism
Linguistics
Media Studies
Public Relations
Planning your programme
Planning overview
Full-time study in the first year comprises eight 15-credit courses, for a total of 120 credits. We recommend studying 60 credits per semester. You may also wish to take some courses at summer school but ensure you include those that are required for the next level of courses.
In your first year, you complete a core of set courses as part of your degree. The first year core means you get to meet other Bachelor of Communication students as a group and form an overview of all parts of communication before you specialise.
At the start of your second year you choose the area you are most interested in (your major). You also choose a second field of interest (your minor) and from a huge range of optional (elective) courses.
Typical pattern for the Bachelor of Communication
Core courses These courses are a compulsory part of your qualification.
Major courses Choose from a selection of courses appropriate for your specialisation.
Minor courses A minor is compulsory. Study a second subject area from within the Bachelor of Communication.
Elective courses Follow your interests. Your qualification may have selection guidelines for elective courses.
| Year one |
|---|
| 115.111 Communication Theory and Practice |
| 115.116 Introduction to Marketing |
| 139.133 Creative Communication |
| 154.101 Introduction to Media Studies |
| 172.131 Language and Communication |
| 219.101 Media Skills |
| 219.108 Introduction to Journalism |
| 230.111 Tū Kupu: Writing and Inquiry |
| Year two |
|---|
| 200-level major |
| 200-level major |
| 200-level major |
| 200-level major |
| 200-level minor |
| 200-level minor |
| Elective |
| Elective |
| Year three |
|---|
| 300-level major |
| 300-level major |
| 300-level major |
| 300-level major |
| 200-level minor |
| 300-level minor |
| Elective |
| Elective |
Courses are each worth 15 credits.
Note: some subjects for the International Languages minor do not require a 300-level course - the fourth course can be 200 (or 300) level.
Fees and scholarships
Fees and finance
Fees, student loans and free fees scheme
Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.
There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
- Get an estimate of the tuition fees for your qualification
- View a list of non-tuition fees that may be payable
Already know which courses you're going to choose?
You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.
Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme
You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.
The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme and your eligibility on the Fees Free website. To use the site's eligibility checking tool, you will need your National Student Number.
Current and returning Massey students can find their National Student Number in the student portal.
- Student loans (StudyLink)
- Fees Free
- Student portal
A good fit if you:
- enjoy connecting with people
- like using creativity to solve practical problems
- enjoy doing lots of different interesting things every day to keep your brain stimulated.
Accreditations and rankings
Massey’s Bachelor of Communication is the only degree outside the Americas and the Middle East to be recognised by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (ACEJMC).
Massey Business School is rated in the top 5% of global business colleges by AACSB International.
Massey University is ranked by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) as one of the top 300 universities for business and management.
Massey is ranked in the world’s top 150 universities for communication and media studies, by the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) ranking.
Massey University's communication programme is ranked #1 in New Zealand, and in the top 150 universities in the world, by ShanghaiRanking.
Massey University is ranked #1 in New Zealand and in the top 150 universities globally for business administration and finance by ShanghaiRanking.
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.
Regulations
Review this important information before you apply for this programme. This gives you full details of the rules and regulations about what you need to study and what you must achieve in order to graduate with this qualification. That includes structure, courses and requirements. These regulations should be read in conjunction with all other Statutes and Regulations of the University including the below.
Undergraduate programmes
Applying and enrolling
Applying for the programme
Check you are ready
If you are ready to apply, have a look at our application checklist. It will help you get prepared with what you need. Please also check the entry requirements carefully before you apply.
Choose your programme and click on Apply now
You will apply for the programme using the Apply now button on this page. You’ll also choose your specialisation (major, subject or endorsement) if applicable.
Some programmes have additional requirements such as the submission of a portfolio or CV. Click on Apply now and you will be able to submit those documents as part of the application process.
Receive and accept an Admission Offer of Place
You will receive an Admission Offer of Place when you have been accepted into the programme. You need to accept this before you can enrol in your courses. International students also need to pay their fees at this point.
Enrolling in courses
You’ll then get access to your own student homepage (also known as the student portal). This is where you can enrol in courses. Any updates on your application or enrolments will also be on your student homepage. Make sure you check this regularly.
When you choose courses, ensure you check for any requirements that apply including:
- prerequisites (courses you have to do before the one you are enrolling in)
- corequisites (courses you have to do at the same time as the one you are enrolling in)
- restrictions (courses that you cannot enrol in if you are completing or have completed another identified similar course)
- location – for instance some distance-based courses still have an on-campus element, so double check that the way the course is taught is suitable for your situation.
Each of our courses has its own webpage where you can find this information. You can use our course search to find course pages.
More information on courses is in the ‘Courses for this programme’ section on this page.
You can find information on application due dates and semester dates on the key dates page.
We look forward to welcoming you to Massey!
If you have any questions, contact us through the Enquire button on this page.
What are courses and credits?
What are courses and credits?
Each Massey programme is made up of courses (in some tertiary institutions they are called ‘papers’).
You will have some compulsory courses and some you can choose from.
Each course is worth a certain amount of credits (often 15 credits, but this does vary). You must gain a set number of credits to be able to graduate from this programme.
There may also be some rules about which courses you need to pass to progress to the next year, or stage, of your study (known as progression). There are also courses you must pass to graduate with a specialisation.
- See the ‘Courses for this programme’ section for the list of courses.
- Courses search
Understanding course numbers
The first three digits of our course numbers show you which subject the course is about.
The second three digits show you the level and course ID number. For instance:
- sub-degree courses are '0' (i.e. xxx.0xx)
- undergraduate study begins at 100-level, (i.e. xxx.1xx)
- as you progress through 200- and 300-level courses this number changes to 2 and 3 respectively. The higher the number that starts the second three digits, the higher the level of study
| 1 | 6 | 2 | . | 3 | 0 | 1 | |
| Subject area | Level | Course ID number | |||||
About electives
Electives are courses that are not compulsory. Certain guidelines are usually provided on courses you may take. Elective courses contribute to the programme, but not to your major or specialisation.
Workload and time management
Use this tool to help determine how much time you will need each week to complete your studies.
Returning students
For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.
In some cases the programme or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these programmes go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Enquire button on this page if you have any questions.
Scholarships and awards
Scholarships related to this programme
- FUJIFILM Business Innovation Global Student Exchange Scholarship
- FUJIFILM Business Innovation Scholarship for Women
- Piki Ake Kake Ake Scholarship
There are a number of scholarships available for new and current students. They could relate to your situation, achievement or interest.