Journalism Major - Bachelor of Communication Studies

Study journalism and learn the practice of multimedia journalism in AUT’s state-of-the-art newsroom and production facilities.

Kickstart your journalism career in an exciting and fast-changing media landscape that remains essential to an informed society. Study at a journalism department known nationally and internationally for its research, programmes and the industry experience of its lecturing team.

Technological change has transformed the world of journalism. But behind the digital wizardry of today, the principles at the heart of all good reporting – accuracy, fairness and ethical truth-telling – are as fundamental and important as they ever were. Professional journalism skills, including high-quality writing, the ability to verify information and a talent for interviewing, are needed to cut through the noise. And that’s why AUT graduates are in strong demand.


This is part of the Bachelor of Communication Studies.

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At AUT, you’ll gain experience in news reporting across multiple platforms and the sub-genres of journalism, including daily news work and investigative feature writing. You’ll also study bicultural reporting, cross-cultural reporting, and media law and ethics.

Learn on the job in our celebrated Te Waha Nui newsroom, taking part in live reporting and the publication of your stories. You’ll take your newfound reporting talents and develop them further during an internship at one of a range of leading news organisations in Aotearoa New Zealand. Editors know our students produce publishable work and strongly support our programme.

Most courses 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 courses:

Year 2 and 3

You study the following courses:

And study the following courses:

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

Enrolment in courses is subject to meeting all requirements and availability of courses

Majoring in journalism will prepare you for a wide range of roles, including:

  • News reporter for newscourses, magazines, television, radio or online media
  • Freelance journalist/specialist writer
  • Production journalist, web editor or producer
  • Researcher/communication specialist
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Find out more about industry trends, job descriptions and what employers may be looking for.

Journalism Careers

Key features
  • AUT-educated journalists now play leading roles in news outlets around the world
  • Practical newsroom experience as you publish text, audio and video to our award-winning news site
  • Workplace experience in local or national news outlets
  • Experience running a news team
  • Learn from highly skilled staff who are internationally known for their industry expertise
See yourself as
  • An inquisitive truth seeker
  • A hunter and gatherer of news
  • Investigative and curious
Irra Lee
Todd Hewitt
Briony Sowden
Jessica Satherley
Joanne Mahon
Irra Lee
Great graduatesIrra LeeOnline Content Producer, TVNZBachelor of Communication StudiesShe would recommend the Bachelor of Communication Studies to anyone interested in media, says AUT communication studies alumna Irra Lee who now works at TVNZ.She would recommend the Bachelor of Communication Studies to anyone interested in media, says AUT communication studies alumna Irra Lee who now works at TVNZ. Being able to experience life as a journalist was one of the highlights of her studies, says Irra who was the editor of Te Waha Nui, the newspaper run by AUT journalism students.
Todd Hewitt
Great graduatesTodd HewittGeneral Manager of Commercial, Blues RugbyBachelor of Business
Bachelor of Communication StudiesHe loves building something that so many people take enjoyment from, says Todd Hewitt who is currently the general manager of commercial at Blues Rugby.He loves being a part of a team and building something that so many people take enjoyment from, says Todd Hewitt who is now the general manager of commercial at Blues Rugby. Todd joined Blues Rugby in September 2020, after almost seven years in Sydney working for some of Australasia's premium brands.
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.
Jessica Satherley
Great graduatesJessica SatherleyDigital Content Specialist, External Relations, Westpac NZBachelor of Communication StudiesHer journalism career has taken her all over the world and allowed her to meet interesting people, from celebrities to prime ministers, says Jessica Satherley.Her career has taken her all over the world and allowed her to meet interesting people, from celebrities to prime ministers, says AUT journalism alumna Jessica Satherley who has worked for media outlets like The Sun, The Mail Online, OK! Magazine and the Daily Mail in London, Sydney and New York. After almost 14 years abroad, Jessica headed back to New Zealand in 2019 and now works in Westpac NZ’s social media team.
Joanne Mahon
Great graduatesJoanne MahonChief Communications & Brand Officer, Southern Cross GroupBachelor of Communication StudiesWorking for an organisation with purpose is important to her, says Joanne Mahon who leads Southern Cross Group’s communications and brand division.Working for an organisation that was built on purpose and a not-for-profit ethos is important to her, says Joanne Mahon who leads the communications and brand division at Southern Cross Group. Before joining Southern Cross in 2016, Joanne worked in a wide range of communications roles and companies, from Fonterra to Bupa in both the UK and New Zealand, and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise to Deafness Research UK.

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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