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Massey University

Palmerston North , North Island, New Zealand ,New Zealand

Bachelor of Communication in Media Studies

Media studies is an exciting discipline that will prepare you for the challenges of an information-rich society.

Media studies is taught through an innovative programme that blends theory with creative practice. It analyses the production, consumption and content of media and their social, cultural, political and economic implications.

You will learn how decisions are made on what is communicated, how media forms and industry structures shape those messages, and how this impacts our lives and  understanding of the world.

Media studies will help you become a flexible and critical thinker and maker, equipped to be a digitally literate, politically-engaged citizen.

Will you change the world?
At the heart of The Bachelor of Communication (Media Studies) is the study and creation of a variety of media forms. Media can include everything from film, social media and television to popular music and smartphone apps. We look at different aspects of the media and their relationships to historical, social and cultural contexts. If you want to change the world for the better, but also want to ensure that you have professional career prospects, this is the major for you.

Understand and create media
During your study you will have the opportunity for hands-on experience in  creating digital media using industry-standard equipment and software.

You'll combine these hands-on production skills with creative ways of employing media texts in meaning-creation. You’ll also gain an understanding of how media influences society and culture. You’ll learn how to help interpret the media world for clients and how to work within media-related jobs.

As part of your study you will produce a diverse range of media including:

  • websites
  • short fiction films
  • podcasts
  • music videos
  • photography portfolios
  • short documentaries
  • media scriptwriting
  • multimedia installations.

Campus Information

Auckland campus

Massey University’s innovative Auckland / Oteha campus is located on the North Shore of New Zealand’s largest city – Auckland. The campus grounds are peaceful with many native trees and plants, yet it’s only a five minute walk to the expansive Westfield shopping centre with its movie theatres, shops, restaurants and numerous fast food outlets. If you want to travel further, there are buses running regular routes around the North Shore region and into Auckland city.

Manawatu campus

The Manawatu campus is Massey's original campus. With lovely heritage buildings and park-like grounds located near Palmerston North city, it is one of the best places in the country to experience the real student lifestyle. With a huge portion of the population under 25 it is the perfect place for learning and living. The large campus is beautiful year-round with 11,500 different varieties of plants and trees in the form of manicured gardens, green fields, woodlands and bush.

Wellington campus

The Wellington campus is in New Zealand's capital city and is a great place to live. It is a compact city, set between a magnificent harbour and rolling green hills, where shops, exciting galleries and great restaurants are within easy walking distance. The Wellington Campus is centrally located near the city's artistic and entertainment quarters of Cuba Street and Courtenay Place in the heart of Wellington.

Intakes

  • Feb
  • July

Application Processing Time in Days: 30

Application Process

More Information Required
10 Days
GTE/Possible Interview call from Institution
10 Days
Provisional/Unconditional Offer
20 Days
Visa process
30 Days

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description IELTS (1.0 -9.0) TOEFL IBT (0-120) TOEFL CBT (0-300) PTE (10-90)
Expert 9 120 297-300 86-90
Very Good 8.5 115-119 280-293 83-86
Very Good 8 110-114 270-280 79-83
Good 7.5 102-109 253-267 73-79
Good 7 94-101 240-253 65-73
Competent 6.5 79-93 213-233 58-65
Competent 6 60-78 170-210 50-58
Modest 5.5 46-59 133-210 43-50
Modest 5 35-45 107-133 36-43
Limited 4 32-34 97-103 30-36
Extremely Limited < 4 < 31 < 93 < 30

Job Opportunity Potential

Digital media literacy is becoming increasingly important across all sectors. The skills you will develop with this major are versatile and highly sought-after in many careers.

Media studies graduates have pursued careers in wide-ranging fields such as advertising, public relations, radio, film and television, with government agencies and in teaching.

Our broad-based introduction to media technologies and forms, such as photography, video and audio, provides you with the digital know-how necessary to succeed in a wide range of careers that involve communication and media .

Media studies gives you the expertise not just to work in the media. It provides you with media expertise within any industry or organisation that engages with the media or with public audiences. In today’s media-rich world, that’s almost every organisation.

Media studies qualifies you to work in organisations that connect with and advise on the media. This includes media production and post-production companies, advertising and design agencies, government departments, non-governmental and private organisations. These organisations may engage with, produce or circulate media.

PSW Opportunity

  • During study, all students on a student visa can work up to 20 hours per week during semester and full time during vacations.
  • After completing Level 7 Bachelor’s Degree or Higher Qualification, a student will get a three years open post-study work visa.
  • After completing Level 8 Post Graduate courses of 1 year, students get 1 year PSW.

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

  • All India Senior School Certificate (AISSC) or Indian School Certificate (ISC) Year 12 with an overall average of 75% and a minimum of 60% in English
  • For most undergraduate level programmes, the minimum academic entry requirement is successful completion of a qualification equivalent to the New Zealand Year 13 - NCEA Level 3 University Entrance. International students need to check the equivalency of their secondary school qualification by reviewing the list of Academic Admission Requirements by Country/Region.
  • International students who have previously studied at a New Zealand secondary school should refer to the secondary school requirements section.
  • International students who have completed 3 x B at level 5 or 6 passes in the New Zealand Diploma of Business may apply for entry into a Bachelor's programme.
    • An NZQA transcript as formal evidence of the NZDipBus results is required before credit will be assessed and only papers with a minimum grade of B will be assessed for credit.
    • The English language requirements can be met by:
      1. A minimum IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent) used to gain entry to the NZDipBus or,
      2. A recent IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5