- Where you can study
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Distance and onlineWellington campus
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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
Specialise in Journalism for your Bachelor of Communication at Massey
Journalism at Massey is hands-on, practical, and you learn from journalists working both here and overseas. Produce stories in fields you are passionate and curious about such as in politics, sport, or social issues. Students get to develop skills in written, audio, photographic and video forms by producing work which may be published. You will have the opportunity to experience editing and publishing and global investigative and data journalism among the range of courses offered.
ACEJMC accreditation
| Year | Students continuing into Year Two |
Number of graduates |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 64.3% | 15 |
| 2022 | 64% | 13 |
| 2023 | 69% | 14 |
A quality qualification
The quality of Massey’s journalism courses is internationally recognised. You learn from lecturers who have vast experience (often as leading journalists themselves). Our journalism school is New Zealand’s most long-standing, and has many graduates who are household names and celebrities.
Sought-after by employers
85% of graduates are employed within six months of graduation. These graduates are employed across nine different industry categories with more than 60 different job titles.
International recognition
Accreditation means your degree is internationally recognised, making it easier to arrange a student exchange and find employment overseas.
Connect with industry while you study
You can take advantage of Massey’s close relationships with industry by taking the communication internship. This gives you professional work in a local organisation. You’ll get some great networking opportunities. This means you have already built relationships with potential employers before you graduate.
Further study
After you graduate, you could go on to further in-depth development with a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism.
A Bachelor of Communication in Journalism is a good fit if you:
- want a career as a journalist or in communication
- are interested in current affairs
- enjoy learning how the news media works.
Planning information
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.
Research or practice ‘tracks’
There are two 'tracks' at 300 level.
1. The 'Journalism Research track' is for those who are not necessarily intending to become a journalist, but may want to go on to do further study at postgraduate level.
2. The 'Journalism Practice track' emphasises journalism practice, and aims to prepare you to enter the workforce as a journalist. If you wish to take this track, please make your intentions known to your journalism lecturers.
This major
Completing a major is compulsory. The Journalism major requires 120 credits including at least 60 credits at 200 level and 60 credits at 300 level.
Minors
Completing a minor is compulsory. Minors increase the breadth of your degree. They give you extra knowledge, attributes and capabilities. Minors may be included from any Massey bachelor's degree for which recognised minors are specified, however because 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. If you decide to take your minor from elsewhere in the university all 4 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.
A journalism 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 journalism 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 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
Courses you can enrol in
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
Journalism courses
Compulsory courses
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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 219224 News Production I 15 credits
This course investigates current principles and practices of news gathering and production for online (print) and broadcast news media. Students apply this learning by developing news and feature stories and participating in news production.
View full course detailsCourse code: 219225 News Production II 15 credits
Understand and apply the principles of audio-visual newsgathering and production, including television, videography, and/or other forms
View full course detailsCourse code: 219235 Media Law and Ethics 15 credits
Students learn how to publish safely by navigating the legal and ethical challenges of writing and publishing in today’s digital age.
View full course detailsCourse code: 219314 News Media and Society 15 credits
This course examines the structure and functions of New Zealand news media, including its linkages to global news media systems. It also examines how different social identities are constructed in news media.
View full course detailsCourse code: 219316 News Production III 15 credits
Understand and apply the principles of newsgathering, editing production in a live broadcast setting to an industry standard. Students will plan, produce and present a weekly radio news programme.
View full course detailsCourse code: 154202 Advertising and Consumer Society 15 credits
A study of the form and function of advertising in the context of consumer society, with particular emphasis on the conflict between advertising as a form of corporate manipulation and as a form of creative expression. Critical theories will be used to explore the role of advertising in relation to consumerism, capitalism, branding, art and agency.
View full course detailsCourse code: 154203 Popular Culture and the Media 15 credits
A survey of cultural theories and debates in relation to modern mass media. A number of issues such as identity, representation and cultural politics will be considered in their historical contexts and in relation to a variety of texts from popular culture and the media.
View full course detailsCourse code: 154204 Digital Media Production: Photography 15 credits
A hands-on exploration of digital photography where students plan, produce and edit digital images working across a range of photographic genres. The course will provide students with a critical awareness of the histories, forms, techniques and ethical issues relevant to digital photography.
View full course detailsCourse code: 154208 Screen Media 15 credits
An exploration of the formal and textual features of film and television, and their relation to technological change, with an emphasis on how film and television have both shaped and been transformed by digital media.
View full course detailsCourse code: 154224 Digital Media Production: Documentary 15 credits
A hands-on study of documentary film where students plan, produce and edit short digital documentaries. The course will provide students with a critical awareness of the histories, forms, techniques and ethical issues relevant to documentary film and video.
View full course detailsCourse code: 172232 Language and Society in New Zealand 15 credits
An introduction to sociolinguistics with particular reference to New Zealand: focussing on language and social interaction, regional and social variation in language use, bilingualism and the status of minority languages, and the sociolinguistics of te Reo Māori.
View full course detailsCourse code: 172237 Language, Discourse and Power 15 credits
An introduction to critical discourse analysis, exploring how language is used in the reproduction of social inequalities.
View full course detailsCourse code: 219209 Public Relations Campaigns 15 credits
An introductory study of public relations and its use to create and maintain relationships between organisations and publics. Emphasis is placed on public relations campaigns and the theory and practice of campaign planning.
View full course detailsCourse code: 219215 Data Storytelling 15 credits
Stories move people—data makes them believable. This course integrates qualitative, quantitative, and critical methods to tackle real community challenges. Students gather evidence through interviews, surveys, and textual analysis, then shape what they find into narratives that matter. The craft: transforming numbers, words, and meanings into communication that is rigorous and ethical.
View full course detailsCourse code: 219219 Public Relations and Culture 15 credits
An examination of culturally diverse public relations practices, in Aotearoa New Zealand and globally.
View full course detailsCourse code: 219226 News Design and Publishing 15 credits
Students learn the principles and application of design, layout, editing and publishing for journalism and communication and apply these skills to create media content for newspapers, magazines, and other publications.
View full course detailsCourse code: 299208 Script Writing 15 credits
An in-depth study of the skills, formats, technique and terminology of professional script writing, with emphasis on the adaptation of traditional approaches across the diversity of contemporary media.
View full course detailsCourse code: 154304 Digital Media Production: Visual Storytelling 15 credits
Students engage in producing advanced video projects with an emphasis on how digital tools produce sophisticated aesthetics across areas such as motion graphics, visual effects and colour grading. Students produce music videos and dynamic, social media focused digital video content.
View full course detailsCourse code: 219311 Communication Internship 15 credits
This course provides students with a period of workplace experience with knowledge of communication concepts and terminology gained throughout their degree, in a series of analytical assessments.
View full course detailsCourse code: 219312 Risk and Crisis Communication 15 credits
This course critically evaluates communication in responses to crisis, disaster, and risk situations.
View full course detailsCourse code: 219336 Global, Investigative and Data Journalism 15 credits
Explore the diversity of journalism as it is practised around the world, including investigative, undercover and data journalism.
View full course detailsEntry 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.
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 and scholarships
2026 tuition fees
- Domestic students: $7,415
- International students: $38,080
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
- Brian Gaynor Initiatives – Scholarship in Journalism
- Massey University Academy of Sport Returners Scholarships
- Massey University Undergraduate First Year Scholarship – School Leavers
- The Fergusson Fund Media Scholarship
- The James (Senior) & Mary Garcia Scholarship
Careers and job opportunities
Careers and job opportunities
There are opportunities for journalists in areas including:
- news organisations and newspapers (metropolitan or community)
- corporate work
- magazines
- television
- radio
- social media.
Journalists can advance further to senior roles such as news director, producer or editor.
Graduates of the Massey journalism qualification have gone on to work at New Zealand's top news organisations such as Stuff, the NZ Herald, Radio New Zealand and TVNZ as well as at international news outlets such as The Guardian, BBC, CNN, SBS Al Jazeera and Reuters.
International students
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.
“I have combined my writing skills with my passion for learning about the world around me. I knew I wanted to share important stories and be part of something that could make a difference, and I feel journalism enables me to do just that.”
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).
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
Massey Business School is rated in the top 5% of global business colleges by AACSB International.
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.
Related study options
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Become a professional journalist by converting your undergraduate or graduate qualifications.
Media Studies – Graduate Certificate in Arts
Interested in television and popular culture? Social media and the blogosphere? Film and cultural theory? Media studies can help you unlock your creative potential and develop practical skills to excel in your career.
Media Studies – Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
With Massey’s Bachelor of Arts (Honours) (Media Studies), you’ll develop versatile skills that will make you highly sought-after in many careers.
Media Studies – Bachelor of Arts
Interested in television and popular culture? Social media and fake news? Filmmaking and cultural theory? Media studies can help you unlock your creative potential and develop practical skills to excel in your career.
Media Studies – Diploma in Arts
With Massey’s Diploma in Arts (Media Studies) you’ll gain an understanding of the production, consumption, and content in the media industry.
Media Studies – Postgraduate Diploma in Arts
Build on your undergraduate interests in media studies with Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Media Studies). Develop your research and analysis skills by exploring an area that interests you.
Media Studies – Master of Arts
With Massey’s Master of Arts (Media Studies), develop critical research skills exploring an aspect of media that interests you. Gain advanced insights into media studies that will build on your undergraduate knowledge.
Media Studies – Graduate Diploma in Arts
Create, critique, and connect with your media world with the Graduate Diploma in Arts (Media Studies). You will gain the equivalent of an undergraduate major in media studies without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism – PGDipJ
Gain practical industry skills through Massey’s journalism qualifications, the only qualifications in Australasia accredited by US organisation the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication.
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