Program Overview

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Diploma in Communication – DipC

The Diploma in Communication is a one-year full-time (120 credits) undergraduate program that introduces students to a selection of disciplines in the communication field. The program is available on the Auckland campus, Wellington campus, and through distance and online learning.

Type of Qualification

• Diploma

Level of Study

• Undergraduate study
• NZQF level 5

Time to Complete

• 1 year full-time (120 credits)
• Part-time available

Where You Can Study

• Auckland campus
• Distance and online
• Wellington campus

International Students

• Open to international students on campus in New Zealand

Key Dates

• Admission application due dates
• Course enrolment dates for accepted students
• Semester dates

Study a Diploma in Communication – DipC

A Diploma in Communication can open up employment pathways in many fields, including:

• public relations
• communication management
• arts administration
• event management
• relationship management
• journalism
• web content management
• social media advising
• brand management
• advertising
• marketing/communications executive
• media planning/buying

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.

Structure of the Diploma in Communication

The Diploma in Communication is awarded without endorsement.

If you study full-time, you’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.

Courses and Specialisations

Key Terms

• Courses: Each qualification has its own specific set of courses. Some universities call these papers. You enrol in courses after you get accepted into Massey.
• Course code: Each course is numbered using 6 digits. The fourth number shows the level of the course. For example, in course , the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).
• Credits: Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
• Specialisations: 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.

Credit Summary

• 120 credits
  • Course from Schedule A – 15 credits
  • Courses from Schedule B – 30 credits
  • Courses from Schedule C – 30 credits
  • Courses at 200-level or above from Part II of the Bachelor of Communication Schedule – 45 credits

Course Planning Key

• 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.
• Corequisites: Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
• 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.

Schedule A (Choose 15 credits from)

• Course code: Communication Theory and Practice Credits: 15 credits This course identifies key theories and strategies to enhance written, oral, visual, and interpersonal communication for different purposes and audiences. Students explore, discuss, critique, and practise communication for a business and global environment and recognise how world views, culture, and contexts shape communication. Restrictions: and
• Course code: Tū Kupu: Writing and Inquiry Credits: 15 credits This course introduces students to cultures of writing and inquiry in the Humanities and Social Sciences. It is designed to help students write effectively at undergraduate level by practising a variety of writing tasks, including analytical, persuasive, and research-based writing and argumentation. Students will learn practices of writing, research, peer-review and revision that have application in the university and broader contexts. Restrictions: , , , , , ,

Schedule B (Choose 30 credits from)

• Course code: Introduction to Marketing Credits: 15 credits The course provides an understanding of the core concepts and practices of marketing. Restrictions:
• Course code: Media Skills Credits: 15 credits Understanding and working with the news media combining practical skills with critical and ethical perspectives on media use. Skills include media strategy, writing media releases, broadcast interviewing and running a media conference.
• Course code: Introduction to Journalism Credits: 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.

Schedule C (Choose 30 credits from)

• Course code: Media and Society Credits: 15 credits An introduction to theories of the media and communications. Particular attention will be paid to the concepts of representation and audience, the political economy of media products, and the social and cultural context in which they occur.
• Course code: Language and Communication Credits: 15 credits An introduction to language with particular emphasis on spoken communication.
• Course code: Creative Communication Credits: 15 credits An introduction to the dynamics involved in creative communication. Students explore creative communication through work in, and analysis of, three creative forms: creative writing, theatre and digital media production.

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).

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.

Scholarship and Award Opportunities

Search our scholarships and awards

Fees Disclaimer

This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any.

Accreditations and Rankings

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 500 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.

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.

Related Study Options

Applied Communication – Bachelor of Communication

Specialisation Location: Distance and online, Wellington campus

Applied Communication combines cutting-edge research with practical communication solutions to solve complex global problems.

Communication – Master of Business Studies

Specialisation Location: Distance and online, Wellington campus

Massey’s Master of Business Studies (Communication) will give you the business and communication skills to take your career to the next level.

Expressive Arts and Media Studies – Bachelor of Communication

Specialisation Location: Distance and online, Wellington campus

This unique degree is for those who love being creative, writing and the performing arts, but also want to discover how the media shape our identities and our world.

Master of Communication – MC

Qualification Credits: 180 Location: Distance and online, Wellington campus

Mastering communication for real-world impact – bridging disciplines, solving problems.

Postgraduate Diploma in Communication – PGDipC

Qualification Credits: 120 Location: Distance and online, Wellington campus

An in-depth look at communication principles and practice to help progress your career.