Why Study/Key Benefits

• The Bachelor of Broadcasting Communications (Journalism) is a practical, industry-focused journalism degree designed to prepare students for multimedia news and current-affairs work.

• Combines journalism theory with hands-on reporting and media production across digital and broadcast platforms.

• Students have opportunities to produce and broadcast content through Ara’s media platforms, including radio, television, online and social media.

• The programme combines two years of immersive on-campus learning with a third year in a professional industry environment.

• Includes a 24-week industry internship, giving students practical experience and opportunities to develop professional contacts.

• Ara reports that 90% of graduates secure employment in roles related to their field of study, based on its 2024 Graduate Outcome Survey. This is an institution-reported graduate outcome, not a guarantee of employment for each student.

 

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The programme progresses from foundational media knowledge and journalism skills to advanced reporting, projects and professional placement.

- Year 1 – Level 5:

• Fundamental Media Context (BCFM501) – 30 credits.

• Media Ecology: Business and Legal Environment (BCEC501) – 15 credits.

• Media Ecology: Media and Society (BCEC502) – 15 credits.

• Media Ecology: Representation (BCEC503) – 15 credits.

• Essential Journalism 1 (BCJR503) – 15 credits.

• Essential Journalism 2 (BCJR502) – 30 credits.

• Total: 120 credits.

- Year 2 – Level 6:

• Media Group Project (BCEC601) – 30 credits.

• Media Independent Project (BCEC602) – 30 credits.

• Advanced Journalism 1 (BCJR601) – 30 credits.

• Advanced Journalism 2 (BCJR602) – 30 credits.

• Total: 120 credits.

- Year 3 – Level 7:

• Critical Reflection on Work (BCCR700) – 15 credits.

• Professional Placement A (BCPA700) – 90 credits; or

• Professional Placement B (BCPB700) – 75 credits, with the remaining placement-credit requirements structured under the programme rules.

• The 2026 handbook states that the third year is made up of 120 credits from Professional Placement and Critical Reflection on Work courses for the updated structure.

• Total: 120 credits.

Key learning areas include:

• Journalism and factual storytelling.

• News reporting and current affairs.

• Media law and the business environment.

• Media, society and representation.

• News production and digital journalism.

• Media research and independent project work.

• Professional journalism practice and workplace reflection.

• Practical industry placement.

Disciplines/Specialisations

• The selected specialisation is Journalism.

• Ara’s wider Bachelor of Broadcasting Communications qualification also has other craft specialisations:

  • Journalism.

  • Radio.

  • Screen Production.

• Students applying for this programme are applying for the Journalism specialisation, not automatically for all three.

• The 2026 programme handbook says a learner may request a change of craft early in Year One if places are available. Approval is at the discretion of the Faculty Dean and considers academic and professional performance.

Programme Highlights

• Three-year, full-time Level 7 bachelor’s degree.

• 360-credit qualification.

• Two years of practical, on-campus study followed by a professional industry placement year.

• 24-week industry internship highlighted on the current programme page.

• Opportunities to produce and broadcast content through radio, television, online and social media platforms.

• Journalism learning combined with media law, society, representation and business context.

• Industry connections and practical experience designed to support entry into professional media environments.

• Potential further study in media and communications, including Ara’s postgraduate media and creative practice pathways

Career Outcomes

Ara identifies the following career opportunities for graduates:

• Journalist.

• News reporter.

• Digital editor.

• Presenter.

• Producer.

• Researcher.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• Applications for the February 2027 intake are open on Ara’s programme page.

• The confirmed 2027 start date is 8 February 2027.

• Ara’s current programme page reports a 90% related-field employment outcome based on its 2024 Graduate Outcome Survey.

• The programme includes an industry placement in the third year. Ara’s current programme page describes a 24-week internship.

• International learners are expected to attend both international orientation and programme orientation.

• The 2026 programme handbook defines satisfactory progress for international learners in this faculty as 100% attendance and successful completion of at least 75% of courses. Students should also follow the conditions of their individual student visa.

• Ara’s programme handbook requires students to follow professional standards, including punctuality, confidentiality, appropriate conduct and safe use of broadcasting equipment.

• Use of AI tools in assessments must comply with Ara’s academic integrity policies. Students must not present AI-generated work as their own.

• Ara lists the programme as potentially available for a New Zealand student visa. This does not guarantee visa approval.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students accepted into this full-time, three-year degree will generally need to apply for a Fee Paying Student Visa, subject to Immigration New Zealand’s assessment.

• Offer of place: You must hold an offer of place from Ara, an approved New Zealand education provider.

• Tuition fees: You must show that you have paid the required tuition fees, can pay them, or have an acceptable scholarship or funding arrangement. Immigration New Zealand generally requires evidence of payment for one course or one year of study, whichever is shorter.

• Living funds: For tertiary study lasting one year or more, Immigration New Zealand requires evidence of NZD 20,000 per year, or an acceptable sponsor. For a three-year degree, students should plan for NZD 20,000 per year and be able to explain how they will fund subsequent years.

• Return travel: You must show that you have a ticket out of New Zealand or enough additional funds to purchase one. This money must be separate from the required living funds.

• Medical and travel insurance: You must have insurance acceptable to Ara for the period required by your visa.

• Health and character: You must meet Immigration New Zealand’s health and character requirements and provide medical examinations, chest X-rays or police certificates if requested.

• Genuine study intention: You must demonstrate a genuine reason for studying in New Zealand and satisfy Immigration New Zealand that you will comply with visa conditions.

• Visa cost: From NZD 850.

• Processing time: Immigration New Zealand currently states that 80% of Fee Paying Student Visa applications are processed within seven weeks. This is an estimate, not a guaranteed timeframe.

• Visa duration: The visa may be issued for up to four years. It is normally linked to the period of study paid for and may be shorter depending on the applicant’s circumstances.

• Work rights: Eligible student visa holders may be permitted to work up to 25 hours per week during study and full-time during scheduled holidays, depending on the conditions printed on their visa. Work rights are not automatic for every student.

• Application timing: Immigration New Zealand recommends applying at least three months before intended travel.

• Attendance and progress: Students must attend the programme specified on their visa and make satisfactory academic progress.