Public Relations and Digital Promotion – Bachelor of Communication

Specialisation

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.

Where you can study
Auckland campus
Distance and online
Wellington campus
International students

International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.

Definition of New Zealand citizens and residents

Open to international students on campus in New Zealand, or studying on-line outside New Zealand

Specialise in Public Relations and Digital Promotion for your Bachelor of Communication at Massey

The Massey Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations and Digital Promotion) will build the skills you need for a successful career in public relations. You will develop your interpersonal and inter-group communication abilities. You’ll also learn strategic thinking, planning, writing, and research skills.

You’ll learn how to help organisations to communicate in persuasive and ethical ways with their staff, customers, regulators, communities, investors, and society. Public relations and digital promotion practitioners:

  • organise events
  • design and run communication campaigns to connect with a broad range of audiences
  • write and edit media releases
  • write and edit online and print newsletters and publications
  • make creative online and offline content to tell the stories of their organisation using digital tools
  • manage risk and crisis communications
  • develop strategic communication plans
  • build relationships through social media.

Sought after by employers

Our 2025 BC graduates’ survey shows 96%  have been employed since graduating – with 48% of those in employment currently working in the public sector, 37% in the private sector, and 15% in the NGO sector. These graduates are employed across 23 different industry sectors  with more than 60 different job titles.

Leading the way

Massey University was New Zealand’s first institution to offer university-level courses in public relations and digital promotion, so you’ll be able to take advantage of our extensive knowledge and experience in teaching this discipline and connect with the largest pool of university public relations graduates in the country.

A Bachelor of Communication in Public Relations and Digital Promotion is a good fit if you:

  • enjoy planning, research and coming up with innovative ideas
  • are creative and keen to learn to be a good writer
  • understand the importance of positive relationships and would like to learn how to build them
  • like keeping up with news and current issues.

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.

This major

Completing a major is compulsory. The Public Relations and Digital Promotion major requires 120 credits including at least 60 credits at 200 level and 60 credits at 300 level. Please consult with Massey academic advice staff to obtain current course offerings for your preferred mode or campus and to plan your Public Relations and Digital Promotion major.

Minors

Completing a minor is compulsory. Minors increase the breadth of your degree. They give you extra knowledge, attributes and capabilities. If you would like to complete a double major instead of a major, minor, and electives, please contact us for personalised academic advice.

A Public Relations and Digital Promotion 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 Public Relations and Digital Promotion, 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

Public Relations and Digital Promotion courses

Compulsory courses

Choose 90 credits from
Course 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.

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Course code: 219216 Social Media Analytics 15 credits

This course teaches practical methods for analysing social media data in communication and media contexts, including content, engagement, and platform analytics. Students will learn how to evaluate social media performance and use this knowledge to support communication strategies.

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Course code: 219219 Public Relations and Culture 15 credits

An examination of culturally diverse public relations practices, in Aotearoa New Zealand and globally.

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.

219309
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Course code: 219303 Inside Organisations: Communication and Processes 15 credits

This course evaluates processes and practices including internal, leadership and conflict communication around organising in the workplace.

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.

114353
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Course code: 219305 Public Relations Management 15 credits

This course provides an in-depth examination of public relations theory and shows how it applies to practice. It focuses on strategic engagement with diverse publics, the development of long-lasting and meaningful organisational relationships, and reputation management.

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.

219209
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.

114363
View full course details
Course code: 219312 Risk and Crisis Communication 15 credits

This course critically evaluates communication in responses to crisis, disaster, and risk situations.

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Choose 15 credits from
Course code: 219101 Media Writing and Promotion 15 credits

An introduction to the nature and practice of media writing for a range of traditional and digital formats.

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Course code: 219105 Pitches and Presentations 15 credits

This course examines how to persuade, inform, and entertain. In this practical course students will learn about aspects of performance, including character, style, creativity, making meaning, psychology, semantics, and how to read contexts/audiences. Students will explore and develop strategies for managing fear and anxiety.

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Choose 15 credits from
Course 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.

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Course code: 154250 Digital Media: Theory and Practice 15 credits

An exploration of the social, cultural, economic and technological transformations brought about by contemporary digital and networked media. Students will develop critical digital media literacies and learn to produce digital media.

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Course 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.

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Course 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.

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.

219335
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Course 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.

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.

Appraisal Required
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Course 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.

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.

219204
View full course details

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.

English language skills

If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.

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.

Careers and job opportunities

Careers and job opportunities

Your Massey Public Relations and Digital Promotion education equips you with a sound grasp of the how to navigate today’s digital world, build connections, and tell the stories that are unique to your cause or organisation. The Bachelor of Communication structure enables you to complement this with areas such as digital media, journalism, creative communication and more.  Combine two very different specialisations for a strong combination in the contemporary job market, where employers increasingly value creativity and adaptability.

The internship course included in this major offers you the opportunity to gain real life PR and Digital Promotion experience as part of your studies, and our students are highly rated by internship hosts ranging from local councils to creative consultancies.

Enterprises across the spectrum of private sector, government and not-for-profits now grasp the importance of public relations for managing organisational reputation and key relationships.
Surveys show BC graduates consistently enjoy high rates of employability, across a wide range of industry categories. Job titles include communication coordinator, consultant, content and social media specialist, project manager and advisor.

Public relations and digital promotion practitioners love how every working day is different, busy and challenging, drawing on creativity and strategic planning to make a real difference in their organisations and communities.

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.

What our students say

“My Public Relations major gave me a strong foundation in theory, reinforced by opportunities to put this into practice. My study prepared me well for entering the industry, and I now confidently apply strategic communications practices to my work.”
Isabelle Monk

Bachelor of Communication – Public Relations

“My study experience at Massey University can only be described in one word - incredible. I am so grateful for the opportunities that were presented to me and I am so proud to be a Massey graduate.”
Kate Harridge

Bachelor of Communication – Public Relations

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).

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Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

Massey Business School is rated in the top 5% of global business colleges by AACSB International.

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QS Ranking - Business Management Studies

Massey University is ranked by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) as one of the top 400 universities for business and management.

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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.

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ShanghaiRanking - Communication

Communication at Massey is ranked #1 in New Zealand, and 45th in the world, by ShanghaiRanking.

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ShanghaiRanking – Business Administration

Massey University is ranked #2 in New Zealand for business administration by ShanghaiRanking.

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