Overview

In Massey University's Bachelor of Communication - Linguistics, you will explore how language works to generate meaning and how it is used not only to share information, but also to manage social relations and influence behaviour. You will also learn about the unwritten rules that shape all of our social interactions.

Language is at the heart of communication. Linguistics is the study of human languages. It helps you understand how language has evolved, how it is structured and how it is used today to communicate in a range of settings.

While studying linguistics, you might for example:

examine murderers’ text messages
comment on a failed media interview
explore the place of te reo Māori in NZ communication
listen to global hip hop to track the influence of African-Americanisms
investigate how we use language to construct our gender and sexuality.

You will learn transferable skills that employers seek. You'll gain excellent written and oral communication skills and an ability to understand the subtexts of communication from others.

Career

This degree gives you a skill-set that is attractive to employers, but also provides flexibility for career pathways.

Careers could include work as a technical or specialist writer, in market research and analysis. Large technology companies seek graduates to work on natural language processing, speech analysis and data collection.

Your highly sought-after skills will also be useful for roles in communication, writing for the web and editing. In fact, with any position that deals with language.

Skills you will learn:

analytical skills
logical thinking
ability to produce clear communication
ability to diagnose communication effects and processes
ability to advise on the role of specific language strategies as part of a broader communication strategy
ability to understand language structures at the root of all languages, not just English. This will enhance cross-cultural communication and foreign language learning.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Linguistic Analysis of the English Language
Language and Society in New Zealand
Forensic Linguistics
Language, Discourse and Power
Language and Culture
Discourse and Institutions

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-07-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-19 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-02-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-31 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-02-05 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-07-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-05-01 00:00:00 , International

More details

Applications will be considered after these dates if spaces are available.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

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IELTS

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Credits

360 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Palmerston North, New Zealand

Disciplines

Communication Studies Linguistics View 38 other Bachelors in Communication Studies in New Zealand

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

To be admitted to an undergraduate qualification, you will need a minimum level of academic achievement from school, or another university or tertiary institution. The specific level depends on which country or region of the world you are from.
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

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Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Massey University and/or in New Zealand, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

34220 NZD / year

≈ 34220 NZD / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

7415 NZD / year

≈ 7415 NZD / year

Living costs

Palmerston North

New Zealand

1100 - 2100 NZD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Communication - Linguistics.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Career

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Living costs

Palmerston North

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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