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New Zealand Diploma in Journalism
New Zealand Diploma in Journalism (Level 5)
BM1903
Course details
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Feb 2027
- One year
- Full-time
- $8,744*
- Level 5
- Available for International Students. International Fee Guideline
- Hamilton City Campus
Summary
Do you have a way with words and a curiosity about the world? The New Zealand Diploma in Journalism (Level 5) is an intensive, one-year programme that prepares you for the fast-paced news and media industry.
Whether you want to retrain to change your career, are a graduate looking for an industry qualification, or are a motivated school leaver, this programme equips you with the professional, technical, and ethical skills for entry into the journalism industry.
Learn how to find, produce, and publish credible news stories across multiple platforms and build a professional portfolio while studying.
You will have the opportunity to put your skills into practice through publishing on The Waikato Independent, our student-led platform, as well as take part in real newsroom simulations, contribute to live media projects, and complete a 300-hour professional internship in a newsroom. There is also an opportunity to apply for paid industry internship placements.
What you will learn
- Produce and publish credible news stories to publication standards in relevant media environments
- Apply a variety of technical skills to journalism practice to create and edit quality content across relevant platforms, to publication standards in relevant media environments
- Apply knowledge of the law and ethics to own journalism practice to maintain professional safety
- Apply professional skills to operate effectively as a journalist in a media environment
- Reflect on the role of the journalist in democratic Aotearoa New Zealand to develop own professional awareness and practice
- Apply cultural knowledge and skills to engage effectively, as a journalist, with te ao Māori and people from other ethnic or cultural backgrounds to produce news stories that reflect the diverse communities of Aotearoa
- Workplace readiness through a 300-hour professional internship in industry
Industry connections
This Wintec journalism programme has strong partnerships with news organisations across Aotearoa. Our students contribute to community, regional, and national media, including major events such as Fieldays and AIMS Games.
Insights from industry partners have helped shape the programme design. This includes an extended 300-hour workplace internship, allowing students to train both on the job and in the classroom.
Career/further opportunities
Graduates will be prepared for entry-level roles as:
- Newsroom reporter for print, radio, television, online, and digital media
- Visual journalist
- Digital content producer
- Social media management
- Communications, media liaison, or PR
- Freelance or independent journalism
Graduates may also progress into further study, such as the Bachelor of Communication.
Career opportunities and skill development in different media roles will be influenced by the type of industry placement students are selected for. A range of work-based opportunities will be available to apply for, including a number of paid internships.
Events
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Career Choices Day - Rotokauri Campus
Do you need some support working out where your interests could take you? At Career Choices Day, we will help you to discover careers that match your strengths and the study pathway options at Wintec that can take you there.
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Career Choices Day - City Campus
Do you need some support working out where your interests could take you? At Career Choices Day, we will help you to discover careers that match your strengths and the study pathway options at Wintec that can take you there.
Disclaimers
Entry criteria
You can apply for this programme if you meet one of the below options.
Based on your school achievement (secondary school study)
- 40 credits at NCEA Level 2; including 10 literacy credits at NCEA Level 2 and 10 numeracy credits at NCEA Level 1;
- Or a recognised equivalent.
Based on study completed after school (tertiary study)
- Completed a relevant course at NZQF Level 3;
- Or a recognised equivalent.
Based on discretionary entrance
Applicants who do not meet any of the entry options stated above, and think they have what it takes to complete this programme, can apply for ‘Discretionary Entrance’. The application is based on the applicant’s ability to demonstrate a likelihood to succeed in the programme. The decision is at the discretion of the Head of School/Centre Director or their delegate. The ability to progress into further study depends on how successful the applicant is within the programme they apply and are accepted into under ‘Discretionary Entrance’.
Selection criteria
An interview is required for admission to the course and applicants may be required to show evidence of written work.
English language requirements
Candidates who have English as a second language are required to have an International English Language Test System (IELTS) score of 6.0 with no band lower than 5.5; or equivalent.
Want to see full details of the entry criteria?
Don't meet the entry criteria?
Pathways
To check what you need to gain direct entry to a course, review the entry criteria available on each programme page. These assist you in understanding what qualifications or experience are typically required to gain entry. You can contact our team at info@wintec.ac.nz or 0800 2 Wintec at any time for further guidance.
Your first day
Are you ready for your first day of class? Check out your start date and where you need to be. You can also find useful information about studying at Wintec on our welcome page.
Are you new to this programme? Book a visit with one of our Kaiāwhina, where you can bring your whānau to get prepared, tour the Campus, and step into your first day with confidence.
Semester 1 2027
Date: Monday 15 February 2027
Time: 9am
Venue: Events Room 1, Gallagher Hub, City Campus
Itinerary:
- Welcome and staff introductions
- Tours, ID cards, and parking
- Lunch
- Classes start
Prospectus (course guide)
The Wintec Prospectus (otherwise known as a course guide) outlines everything you need to know about Wintec. It contains information about the Wintec campuses, student life, and the programmes that are on offer.
Access your copy of the Wintec Prospectus
The Wintec Prospectus (course guide) is available by downloading the file - click on the document below to access the file. Alternatively, to request a copy via email or the post, please complete the form below.
Request an emailable or printed copy of the Prospectus
Portfolio
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