Journalism – Bachelor of Communication

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.

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.

• More on minors

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.

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

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

• Massey University entry requirements

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.

•  Massey University English language requirements

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.

• Summer School

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.

• Course search

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 Fees Free website.

• Student loans (StudyLink)
• Fees Free

Scholarship and award opportunities

• Brian Gaynor Initiatives – Scholarship in Journalism
• The Fergusson Fund Media Scholarship

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.

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.

• Find out more about life as an international student at Massey, applying to Massey and getting help.
• Entry requirements for international students.