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 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.
Applicants for the New Zealand Diploma in Journalism (Level 5) may be eligible for the RNZ 100 Scholarship, a full scholarship created to support people at the beginning of their journalism journey and exclusive to this 2026 programme at Wintec. This special centenary award celebrates 100 years of Radio New Zealand and is worth up to $8,000 towards study.
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.
In 2026, students will be able to apply for paid internships with highly regarded media companies such as the NZ Herald/NZME, RNZ, and Stuff as part of their programme of study, with more partnerships to come.
Graduates will be prepared for entry-level roles as:
Graduates may also progress into further study, such as the Bachelor of Communication (Level 7).
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.
You can apply for this programme if you meet one of the below options.
Based on your school achievement (secondary school study)
Based on study completed after school (tertiary study)
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.
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.
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 2026
Date: Monday 9th February 2026
Time: 10am
Venue: The Atrium, City Campus
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.
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