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New Zealand Diploma in Journalism

New Zealand Diploma in Journalism (Level 5)

BM1903

Course details

Summary

Studying this programme, students will be equipped with the skills for a multi-media career in journalism or communications.

Students in this programme will develop news sourcing, writing, and publishing skills; as well as technical skills in photography and videography. Students will put these skills into practice publishing regularly in the Wintec online newspaper, The Waikato Independent, and through projects with industry.

Additionally, students who complete the New Zealand Diploma in Journalism can gain entry to year two of the Bachelor of Communication if they wish to further their studies. 

What you will learn

  • Core skills of news gathering to produce and publish quality stories across multiple print and digital platforms
  • Technical skills of  media photography, videography and web publishing
  • The law and ethical codes of practice
  • The relationship of Te Tiriti o Waitangi to journalism practice. 
Students will put all these skills into practice publishing work on our online newspaper The Waikato Independent, and with our mainstream media partners. Students will work collaboratively on cross-disciplinary projects with other students and gain hands on work experience through internship placement in a relevant media company.

View programme modules

Module CodeModule nameLevelCreditsPre-RequisitesCo-Requisites
JOUR501News storytelling530

 
JOUR502Advanced storytelling515

 
JOUR503Technical skills 1: online515

 
JOUR504Technical skills 2: multimedia530

 
JOUR505Media law and context515

 
JOUR506Professional practice515

 
​​​ ​Note: no value in the pre/co-requisite columns means there are no pre/co-requisites for that module.

Award winning students

Wintec journalism students succeed at a national level. They have been finalists in the Student Journalist of the Year category in the Voyager Media Awards every year since 2012, winning four times in 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2017. Alumni also regularly feature as award finalists and winners. The strength and quality of student portfolios is a feature of the journalism programme at Wintec. 

Work in a real newsroom

Students will gain real world experience sourcing, writing and publishing stories on our online newspaper The Waikato Independent, as well as pitching stories for our industry partners in community, regional and daily papers. This includes reporting for an annual publication for New Zealand National Fieldays, simulated media training exercises, and a sustained newsroom project.

Partnerships in the industry

Wintec's diploma programme has been developed in close consultation with the industry. Academic tutors have a wealth of professional experience, and students will be inspired by guest speakers (including judges, politicians and police) to write real life stories. Our strong relationships with editors ensure that all Wintec students are placed in newsrooms during their course and graduates have a high employment success rate.

Expert industry tutors

Every year a highly-regarded industry specialist acts as Editor In Residence. They teach and act as a mentor to students. Industry tutors from several different media companies also teach on the programme in specialist areas, bringing a wealth of first hand experience and contacts. 

Career/further opportunities

Graduates will be qualified for entry level positions in the media and communications industries.

Graduates of this programme may transition into degree programmes at Wintec such as the Bachelor of Communication.

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

If you don’t meet any of the above options, and you think you have what it takes to complete this programme, you can apply for discretionary entrance. Your application may be accepted if you can demonstrate a good chance of success. Approval of discretionary entrance applications is decided by the relevant manager. If your application is approved, your acceptance into further programmes relies on you demonstrating success in this programme.

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.

Semester 1 2024

Date: Monday 19 February 2024
Time: 10am-4pm
Venue: The Atrium, City Campus

Itinerary:
  • Welcome and staff introductions
  • Tours, ID cards, and parking
  • Lunch
  • Classes start

What you will need

Please bring a notebook and pen.

In classes, we utilise Mac computers and industry-standard software Adobe Creative Suite. While you will have access to computers as part of your study, it is strongly recommended that you bring your own laptop to be able to continue working on projects off-campus. A Mac computer is recommended as this platform is more common in the industry; however, a Windows-based PC would also be suitable. If you plan to buy a device for use during your studies, a 13” MacBook Air or MacBook Pro with the Apple M1 Chip and 8GB memory (or PC equivalent) is sufficient as a starting point for the software and tools used in class. For any enquiries about more advanced software and computer requirements, please send us an email

Timetable information

All Wintec timetables are available online here.

How to find your way around

Campus maps can be found here.

Parking and bus information

Both the Rotokauri and City campuses have parking available - payment and permits may be required. The Gardens Campus has free parking available. Learn more about parking and find out about bus services here.

He reo pōwhiri, your official welcome to Wintec

Tēnei te mihi mahana ki a koe e piki nei, e kake nei ki te Kuratini o Waikato.

You are warmly invited to attend the official welcome to Wintec for all new students, staff and whānau (family) at either our marae, Te Kōpū Mānia o Kirikiriroa or Rotokauri campus. The pōwhiri is a welcoming ceremony involving mihimihi (speeches), waiata (singing), and will conclude with kai timotimo (light refreshments). Please gather at the campus hubs, and a staff member will guide you through our pōwhiri.

Click here to find out when the next pōwhiri will be.

Paying for your study

Course-related costs

Additional information

Booklist

Purchasing textbooks

If your programme requires you to have access to textbooks, these can be purchased through a range of suppliers listed below:

    New Zealand-based suppliers

    General book suppliers

    First aid certificate

    Health status

    Uniform

    Equipment

    Clinical placement

    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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