- Type of qualification
- Bachelor's degree
- Level of study
-
Undergraduate study
An undergraduate qualification is usually the first one you study.
NZQF level 7Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.
- Time to complete
-
3 years full-time (360 credits)Part-time available
-
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
- Open to international students on campus in New Zealand, or studying on-line outside New Zealand
Study a Bachelor of Communication – BC
Ready to be future-proof? Study the skill every employer wants most: communication. Whether you want to influence change, build communities or create content that connects, a Massey Bachelor of Communication will open the door
As technology accelerates, automation and AI are transforming industries. But one thing is becoming clearer: human communication skills are rising in value, not declining. Organisations want people who can:
- translate complex ideas into meaningful stories
- build trust across cultures and communities
- navigate ethical challenges and power dynamics
- create content that connects, engages, and mobilises.
Why study communication at Massey?
We’re already #1 in Aotearoa in both QS and Shanghai rankings. For 2027, we’ve strengthened that leadership with a Bachelor of Communication refresh based on stakeholder insights, global benchmarks, bicultural expectations, digital transformation, and industry needs, while maintaining our signature blend of theory and practice.
Check out our 4 refreshed majors that blend industry know-how with critical and creative approaches to maintain our outstanding graduate employability rates.
Enrol in the Massey Bachelor of Communication today and turn your voice into influence, your ideas into action, and your future into something that truly matters.
Why Massey for Communication?
- Number 1 in NZ for Communication and Media Studies (QS, ShanghaiRanking)
- Globally ranked for Communication and Media Studies (QS top 150; ShanghaiRanking top 100)
- QS 5+ Star university for research, teaching, and employability
- Top-ranked faculty (#2 in the world for social justice communication research, and repeated top paper awards at leading Media and Communication Research conferences in areas such as sustainability communication, comedy, journalism, and more)
- Longest history of teaching journalism (60 years) and communication (50 years) in Aotearoa. This means we have the largest pool of graduates ready to host you for internship placements and welcome you to the workplace, and the greatest length of experience in our faculty.
- We are the only qualification in Australasia awarded Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (ACEJMC) accreditation. ACEJMC is known as the ‘gold standard’ in journalism and communication education worldwide. It is rigorous, hard to obtain, and for you as a student, it ensures a thorough professional preparation, strong industry connections, high-quality academic leadership, robust research culture, and a degree recognised internationally by employers.
- Outstanding employer and graduate outcomes, unparalelled theory/practice integration, and strongly integrated bicultural commitment.
Insights
- Our 2025 Student Experience Survey results for this qualification noted excellent learning gains in written communication (89%), research skills (87%), and learning independently (87%). The most frequently cited positive aspect of the Bachelor of Communication was the teaching and engagement of lecturers and tutors. Students commented positively on staff being approachable, passionate, supportive, and knowledgeable, with many singling out particular lecturers whose teaching significantly enhanced their learning experience and who “went above and beyond", were “genuinely caring", and “made learning engaging and relevant through real-world examples".
- The 2025 All-BC-Graduates Survey found that 96% of BC graduates have been employed since graduating and more than half of those have a current annual salary above NZD$90,000.
- The 2025 All-BC-Graduates Survey also found that a BC has benefits beyond employment, for example: “My listening and communication skills have not just helped in my work life but also my personal life", and “I feel I am a more capable advocate for others. It is also a qualification that gives me multiple future career pathways". More than half of respondents said their BC had helped them with creative thinking, innovating and problem solving.
Further study
You may consider moving on to postgraduate study once you have completed your degree. Our Master of Communication enables you to combine communication studies with a complementary discipline such as emergency management, environmental sociology, human resources and more.
A BC is 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.
Entry requirements
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.
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 Get advice button on this page.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
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 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.
Structure of the Bachelor of Communication
Structure of the Bachelor of Communication
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 elective courses. We recommend you take both your major and minor from the BC schedule, but you can include a minor from any undergraduate Massey degree for which recognised minors are specified. Your minor has to meet the requirements specified by its parent qualification.
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 Study a second subject area. Inclusion of a minor is compulsory.
Elective courses Follow your interests. Your qualification may have selection guidelines for elective courses.
| Year one |
|---|
| 115111 Communication Theory and Practice |
| 115116 Introduction to Marketing |
| 154101 Media and Society |
| 172131 Language and Communication |
| 219101 Media Skills |
| 219108 Introduction to Journalism |
| 230111 Tū Kupu: Writing and Inquiry |
| 299133 Creative Communication |
| 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.
Courses and specialisations
Courses and specialisations
Credit summary
Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
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
- A minor either from the BC Schedule or from any undergraduate degree within the university for which recognised minors are specified
- A minimum of 300 credits from the Bachelor of Communication Schedule.
Part A: Core courses
Course code: 115111 Communication Theory and Practice 15 credits
This course identifies key theories and strategies to enhance written, oral, visual, and interpersonal communication for different purposes and audiences. Students explore, discuss, critique, and practise communication for a business and global environment and recognise how world views, culture, and contexts shape communication.
View full course detailsCourse code: 115116 Introduction to Marketing 15 credits
The course provides an understanding of the core concepts and practices of marketing.
View full course detailsCourse code: 154101 Media and Society 15 credits
An introduction to theories of the media and communications. Particular attention will be paid to the concepts of representation and audience, the political economy of media products, and the social and cultural context in which they occur.
View full course detailsCourse code: 172131 Language and Communication 15 credits
An introduction to language with particular emphasis on spoken communication.
View full course detailsCourse code: 219101 Media Skills 15 credits
Understanding and working with the news media combining practical skills with critical and ethical perspectives on media use. Skills include media strategy, writing media releases, broadcast interviewing and running a media conference.
View full course detailsCourse 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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 230111 Tū Kupu: Writing and Inquiry 15 credits
This course introduces students to cultures of writing and inquiry in the Humanities and Social Sciences. It is designed to help students write effectively at undergraduate level by practising a variety of writing tasks, including analytical, persuasive, and research-based writing and argumentation. Students will learn practices of writing, research, peer-review and revision that have application in the university and broader contexts.
View full course detailsCourse code: 299133 Creative Communication 15 credits
An introduction to the dynamics involved in creative communication. Students explore creative communication through work in, and analysis of, three creative forms: creative writing, theatre and digital media production.
View full course detailsPart B: Specialisations
Majors
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.
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.
Applied Communication
Applied Communication combines cutting-edge research with practical communication solutions to solve complex global problems.
Digital Marketing
The Bachelor of Communication (Digital Marketing) is the only degree in New Zealand that combines business, marketing strategy, and creative visual and verbal communication skills.
Expressive Arts and Media Studies
This unique degree is for those who love being creative, writing and the performing arts, but also want to discover how the media shape our identities and our world.
Expressive Arts
If you love being creative and want to study a selection of theatre, performance, creative writing, and digital media production, and you also want great career prospects, the Bachelor of Communication (Expressive Arts) is for you.
Journalism
Join a prestigious group of leading journalists that have studied at Massey University – New Zealand’s longest-running, internationally accredited journalism qualification.
Linguistics
If you love language and want to broaden your career options in communication, the Bachelor of Communication (Linguistics) offers the best of both worlds.
Media Studies
Discover how the media shape our identities and our world. Massey will help you create, critique, and connect with the media world, building skills to understand and make media for a wide range of professional communication roles.
Public Relations
Your study of public relations delivers knowledge and skills that are in increasing demand – public relations is a fast-growing specialist area of communication.
Minors
Completing a minor is compulsory. Minors increase the breadth of your degree and give you extra knowledge, attributes and capabilities. You can include a minor from any undergraduate Massey degree for which recognised minors are specified. However, as the Bachelor of Communication regulations require that 300 credits of your degree come from the Bachelor of Communication Schedule, we strongly recommend that you take both major and minor from the BC schedule to meet this requirement. This means choosing a minor from: Applied Communication; Digital Marketing; Expressive Arts; Expressive Arts and Media Studies; International Languages (Spanish, Mandarin, French, or Japanese); Journalism; Linguistics; Media Studies; or Public Relations.
Otherwise, if you decide to take your minor from elsewhere in the university all four of your electives must come from the Bachelor of Communication schedule. Particularly if you intend to include an international exchange in your studies and would like to use your electives for that purpose, we recommend choosing both your major and minor from the BC schedule to maintain flexibility with your electives. Whatever minor you choose has to meet the requirements specified by its parent qualification.
- Applied Communication
- Digital Marketing
- Expressive Arts
- Expressive Arts and Media Studies
- International Languages
- Journalism
- Linguistics
- Media Studies
- Public Relations
Fees and scholarships
Fees and scholarships
2026 tuition fees
- Domestic students: $7,415 – $8,420
- International students: $34,220 – $42,110
Tuition fees are estimates only. The exact fees charged will depend on which courses you select at the time of enrolment. The estimates are for full-time study (120 credits). Fees are in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax (GST).
The estimates do not include the Student Services Fee. This fee is $1,164 for on-campus students and $948 for distance students for full-time study (120 credits). For more information about this fee and other fees you may need to pay, see non-tuition fees.
There may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
Course fees
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, including how much could be covered and your eligibility on the Inland Revenue website.
Scholarships and awards
- Bachelor of Communication Scholarship
- Brian Gaynor Initiatives – Scholarship in Journalism
- Central Energy Trust Bursary
- He Oha Puiaki - Massey University Māori First Year Scholarship
- Massey University Academy of Sport First Year Scholarship
- Massey University Academy of Sport Returners Scholarships
- Massey University Undergraduate First Year Scholarship – School Leavers
Careers and job opportunities
Careers and job opportunities
A Bachelor of Communication sets you up for creative, meaningful careers where ideas, storytelling and people matter. From social change to digital media, communication skills are in demand across every industry.
At Massey, you will build practical skills, creative confidence, and real-world experience so you can move across roles and adapt as industries evolve.
Communication graduates work everywhere, including health, media, education, business, the arts, and emerging digital spaces. You are not locked into one path. Your skills travel with you.
Where could it take you?
You might find yourself in:
- Social media and content creation
- Storytelling, writing, publishing, or journalism
- Public relations, advocacy or community engagement
- Marketing, branding or advertising
- Film, media production or creative industries
- Events, campaigns or project management
- Policy, advisory or social impact work
- Arts, culture or creative leadership.
What our students say
“A communication career will take you places you never expected. It’s built on understanding human connection and the power of language. Now, more than ever, we need more connectors.”
Accreditations and rankings
Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (ACEJMC)
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).
QS Ranking - Business Management Studies
Massey University is ranked by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) as one of the top 400 universities for business and management.
QS Ranking - Communication and Media
Massey is ranked by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) as one of the top 150 universities for communication and media studies. QS is an organisation that ranks universities worldwide in various topics.
ShanghaiRanking - Communication
Communication at Massey is ranked #1 in New Zealand, and 45th in the world, by ShanghaiRanking.
ShanghaiRanking – Business Administration
Massey University is ranked #2 in New Zealand for business administration by ShanghaiRanking.
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