Where you can study
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
Specialise in Expressive Arts and Media Studies for your Bachelor of Communication at Massey
In this unique composite major, you’ll study courses in both media studies and expressive arts. You’ll blend theory with creative practice.
Expressive arts is unique in New Zealand and was created in response to student demand. You’ll get to study a combination of the three creative discipline areas of theatre, creative writing, or digital media production.
In the media studies part of your study, you will learn about the production, consumption and content of media and their social, cultural, political and economic implications.
You will learn how decisions are made on what is communicated, how media forms and industry structures shape those messages, and how this impacts our lives and understanding of the world.
Find out more about these on their BC major pages:
Further study
If you successfully complete this qualification, you could go on to a Master of Arts or the Master of Creative Writing.
A Bachelor of Communication in Expressive Arts and Media Studies is a good fit if you:
- are in lots of student clubs and societies at school or enjoy putting on creative events
- are interested in the media impact on our lives
- want to learn practical, creative and technical skills in performing and producing media content.
Planning information
Full-time study in your 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.
Although you are asked to nominate your BC major and minor when enrolling, please be aware that you can change these once you are enrolled.
No course can be credited to a major and a minor.
This major
Completing a major is compulsory. Expressive Arts and Media Studies is a composite major. This major consists of 120 credits from Expressive Arts and Media Studies, including at least 45 credits in Expressive Arts and 45 credits in Media Studies, with at least 60 credits at 300 level.
For the list of courses see the Expressive Arts major and the Media Studies major schedules in the regulations for this qualification.
Minors
Completing a minor is compulsory.
Minors increase the breadth of your degree. They give you extra knowledge, attributes and capabilities.
The Expressive Arts and Media Studies major is from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. That means you can choose a minor from the list of majors the Massey Business School offers:
- Communication Management
- Digital Marketing
- Journalism
- Public Relations
An Expressive Arts and Media Studies minor (for students who are studying a different degree)
If you are not studying a Bachelor of Communication and wish to complete a minor in Expressive Arts and Media Studies see the Bachelor of Communication regulations for requirements.
Official regulations
To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.
You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Graduate Certificates.
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 qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may be no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Courses you can enrol in
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.
Core courses for the Bachelor of Communication
As well as the specialisation courses listed below, this qualification has core courses that you will need to complete.
Bachelor of Communication core courses
Expressive Arts and Media Studies courses
A major consists of 120 credits from Expressive Arts and Media Studies, including at least 45 credits in Expressive Arts and 45 credits in Media Studies, with at least 60 credits at 300 level.
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
There are no specific entry requirements for this qualification, outside of university admission regulations.
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
Can't meet the entry requirements?
If you need to do a course before you start your qualification, there may be options for you in Summer School.
Fees and scholarships
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
Scholarship and award opportunities
Search our scholarships and awardsFees disclaimer
This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice.
Careers and job opportunities
Surveys have shown that today’s employers seek graduates who are collaborative, creative and can communicate well. They want staff who can give compelling presentations, problem-solve creatively, think originally, analyse perceptively, communicate effectively (both in person and on paper) and work well in teams. They especially want ‘creative disruptors’ in the sense of people who use their imagination to see things differently and propose new alternatives.
Media studies gives you the expertise not just to work in the media. It provides you with media expertise within any industry or organisation that engages with the media or with public audiences. In today’s media-rich world, that’s almost every organisation.
When combined with the communication and corporate skills that you learn through your Bachelor of Communication this composite major will give you a qualification that can be applied across an amazing range of roles.
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.
Related study options
Communication – Master of Business Studies
Massey’s Master of Business Studies (Communication) will give you the business and communication skills to take your career to the next level.
Communication – Master of Management
The Master of Management (Communication) focuses on key skills that will increase your business knowledge, to help move your career in a new direction.
Communication Management – Bachelor of Communication
You’ll gain an understanding of the complexities, challenges, and rewards of interpersonal and organisational communication – you’ll be a communication specialist.
Diploma in Communication – DipC
Massey's Diploma in Communication will introduce you to a selection of disciplines in the communication field.
Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz