- 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.
In your first year, 6 of those courses are compulsory. That means you get to meet other Bachelor of Communication students as a group, build essential skills that all communication graduates need and form an overview of the wider communication field before you specialise.
That leaves 2 courses for you to choose yourself in your first year of study. They can be electives, or you can start on the first-year (100-level) courses in your major.
By the start of your second year, you will need to choose the specialisation area you are most interested in (your major). You also choose a second field of interest (a minor) and from a range of elective courses. We recommend you take both your specialisations (major and minor) from the BC schedule, so that you meet the rule for at least 300 credits to come from the BC schedule.
If you want to take a double major instead of a major, minor and electives, this is available by special permission. Please contact the academic advice team on contact@massey.ac.nz to have this approved manually.
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. You may swap your minor and electives for a second major by special permission only.
Elective courses Follow your interests. Your qualification may have selection guidelines for elective courses.
| Year one |
|---|
| 154101 Media and Society |
| 154110 Digital Content Creation |
| 172131 Language and Communication |
| 219102 Making Communication Matter |
| 219103 Communicating Many Worlds |
| 299107 True Stories Told Well |
| 100-level major or elective |
| 100-level major or elective |
| Year two |
|---|
| 219214 Big Data Society |
| 200-level major |
| 200-level major |
| 200-level major |
| 200-level major |
| 200-level minor |
| 200-level minor |
| Elective |
| Year three |
|---|
| 219300 Communication Launchpad |
| 300-level major |
| 300-level major |
| 300-level major |
| 300-level major |
| 300-level minor |
| 300-level minor |
| Elective |
Courses are each worth 15 credits.
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 from the BC Schedule
- A minimum of 300 credits from the Bachelor of Communication Schedule.
Part A: Core courses
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.
View full course detailsCourse 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.
View full course detailsCourse 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.
View full course detailsCourse 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.
View full course detailsCourse 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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 219214 Big Data Society 15 credits
This course equips students with the critical skills to understand and navigate the social, political, and ethical dimensions of big data, alongside the practical skills to gather and analyse digital data.
View full course detailsCourse code: 219300 Communication Launchpad 15 credits
This course focuses on using communication skills and knowledge to prepare for professional employment and community involvement. Students develop a reflective, professional portfolio showcasing their communication capabilities, prepare cover letters, CVs, online profiles and business/grant/award proposals, and practice the skills of interviewing, teamwork and conflict management. The goal is for students to understand and communicate their values, strengths and professional identity in support of lifelong learning.
View full course detailsCourse 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.
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.
Creative Communication and Social Change
Use creativity to tell powerful stories, work with diverse audiences and help build a fairer world.
Digital Media
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.
Journalism
Join a prestigious group of leading journalists that have studied at Massey University – New Zealand’s longest-running, internationally accredited journalism qualification.
Public Relations and Digital Promotion
Your study of public relations and digital promotion delivers knowledge and skills that are in increasing demand – public relations is a fast-growing specialist area of communication.
Minors
If you choose to take a minor, it can either be from one of the BC majors that is not already your major (Digital Media, Public Relations and Digital Promotion, Creative Communication and Social Change, or Journalism) or one of the specialised ‘minor only’ offerings: Personal and Professional Communication or Public Communication and Citizenship.
We have compiled a list of electives that will complement and deepen your communication study and we recommend you choose from that list to make the most of your studies. You can also select electives from anywhere in the university if you choose. You may want to keep your electives free to use for an international exchange.
- Creative Communication and Social Change
- Digital Media
- Journalism
- Personal and Professional Communication
- Public Communication and Citizenship
- Public Relations and Digital Promotion
Fees and scholarships
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)
You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.
Scholarships
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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