Journalism Major - Bachelor of Communication Studies

Develop the skills for a journalism career in the changing media environment. Learn in AUT's industry standard media facilities and get experience in different news outlets.

The internet has transformed the content and delivery of news as blogging and vidblogs have changed the space that was traditionally the domain of professional journalists. But journalistic skills including quality writing, the ability to verify user-generated material, and a talent for interviewing are still needed to cut through the noise.

At AUT you gain experience in news reporting, different writing and production specialisations, bicultural reporting, cross-cultural reporting, news photography, media law and ethics. You learn on the job in our full-time newsroom, and are encouraged to participate in live reporting exercises. Many of our students also complete internships at leading news organisations and publications.


This is part of the Bachelor of Communication Studies.

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You have many opportunities to contribute to the real world of news. This includes filing stories for different news outlets, experience of daily news journalism in our specialist media centre under the guidance of a media professional, and a two-week internship in a newsroom anywhere around the country. Editors know our students produce publishable work and strongly support our programme.

You also write, sub-edit and design stories for our award-winning Te Waha Nui newspaper and website and the Pacific Media Centre.

Most papers last one semester and are worth 15 points. Students must complete 120 points each year (360 points for the entire degree).

Te Waha Nui website

Pacific Media Centre website

Year 1

You study the following papers:

Year 2 and 3

Choose two papers from:

And study the following papers:

You also complete papers from your second major and your chosen minor(s).

The programme structure outlined above is currently subject to CUAP approval
Enrolment in papers is subject to meeting all requirements and availability of papers

  • News reporter for newspapers, magazines, television, radio or online media
  • Freelance journalist
  • Specialist writer
  • Production journalist
  • Web editor
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Find out more about industry trends, job descriptions and what employers may be looking for.

Journalism Careers

Key features
  • AUT trained journalists play leading roles in news outlets around the world
  • Workplace experience in different news outlets
  • Experience running a newsroom
  • Learn from staff who are internationally known for their industry expertise
See yourself as
  • A truth seeker
  • Inquisitive
  • A hunter of stories
  • Investigative and curious
Gabrielle Tutheridge
Irra Lee
Briony Sowden
Gabrielle Tutheridge
Great graduatesGabrielle TutheridgeYouth Development Intern, Play Rugby USA, New YorkBachelor of Communication StudiesApplying to intern at Play Rugby USA was an easy decision, says Gabrielle Tutheridge who completed a Bachelor of Communication Studies in Journalism at AUT.Applying to intern at Play Rugby USA was an easy decision, says Gabrielle Tutheridge who completed a Bachelor of Communication Studies in Journalism at AUT. After graduating at the end of 2018, she is interning in New York for non-profit organisation Play Rugby USA, which uses rugby as an educational tool to help develop children.
Irra Lee
Great graduatesIrra LeeBachelor of Communication StudiesShe would recommend the Bachelor of Communication Studies to anyone interested in media, says Irra Lee who is currently in the third year of her degree.She would recommend the Bachelor of Communication Studies to anyone interested in media, says Irra Lee who is currently in the third year of her degree. Being able to experience life as a journalist has been one of the highlights of her studies, says Irra who is currently the editor of Te Waha Nui, the newspaper run by AUT journalism students.
Briony Sowden
Great graduatesBriony SowdenBroadcast Journalist, BBC World News, LondonBachelor of Communication StudiesThe best part of her job is learning about the world, especially when it has the power to change somebody’s life, says AUT journalism alumna Briony Sowden.The best part of her job is learning about the world, especially when it has the power to change somebody’s life, says AUT journalism alumna Briony Sowden. As a broadcast journalist, Briony typically works on two major stories a day and all the content related to those stories. She also enjoys being involved in the planning for BBC World News, researching bigger stories and exploring the best approach to cover upcoming news events.

The information on this page was correct at time of publication. For a comprehensive overview of AUT qualifications, please refer to the Academic Calendar.

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