Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism
PGDipJ
Duration
12 months full-time
Entry times
February (Semester 1)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Master of Strategic Communication
- Master of Writing
- Master of Arts
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Download Brochure
Duration
12 months full-time
Entry times
February (Semester 1)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Master of Strategic Communication
- Master of Writing
- Master of Arts
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Download Brochure
Overview
The skills and knowledge required of a journalist are changing. In addition to core newswriting and newsgathering skills, journalists are increasingly required to have multimedia skills, the ability to use social media and forms of audience interaction, and the ability to tailor media content for different platforms.
UC is a leading provider of journalism education in New Zealand. The Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism enables students to:
- acquire advanced knowledge and skills in journalism practice and research
- build on the problem solving and analytical skills developed at undergraduate level
- develop a critical understanding of journalism practices and their context.
This intensive one year programme is for graduates who intend to work in the media or communication industries. There is a strong emphasis on practical work - you will report for local newsrooms and broadcast live on local radio, and we maintain a close relationship with the profession through our many guest lecturers and tutors, who are all working journalists.
Graduates gain the knowledge, skills and competencies needed to be highly effective journalists; they receive intensive training on media ethics and law, newsgathering and writing, research and analysis, and multimedia skills. UC graduates are work-ready and highly adaptable.
Postgraduate certificates and diplomas require a relevant bachelor's degree. If you gained your qualifications overseas, these will need to be assessed to ensure they are of an equivalent standard.
You are also required to meet UC's English language requirements.
Specific entry requirements
The programme is limited entry. Students must complete an application form and then attend a formal interview before selections for the diploma are made. The deadline for applications is 31 October of the preceding year, although late applications may be considered.
Students must have completed a bachelor’s degree, and the programme welcomes graduates from all disciplines.
Students for whom English is a second language must provide evidence of IELTS (Academic) or equivalent of 7.5 with no score less than 7.
For the full entry requirements see the Regulations for the Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism or use the admission requirements checker.
How to apply
Students are required to complete an application form and then attend a formal interview before selections are made. Selection takes into account a number of factors, notably evidence that the applicant has a realistic understanding of the workplace and possible career paths, and a sense of vocation about journalism.
More information on the application process and an application form are available from the Journalism programme website.
Find out more about how to apply for graduate and postgraduate qualifications.
The PGDipJ is industry-approved and endorsed by Competenz (previously the New Zealand Journalist’s Training Organisation). The PGDipJ may be awarded with Distinction.
An internship and work-based learning experiences provide graduates with an extended opportunity to apply their knowledge to real work problems and situations, prove their skill, interact with external stakeholders in a professional and industry relevant environment, and build their professional networks.
The PGDipJ is made up of these courses:
- JOUR 401 Media Literacies: Principles and Practice
- JOUR 402 News Production
- JOUR 403 Media Law and Ethics
- JOUR 404 Journalism in Society
- JOUR 405 Journalism Research
- JOUR 406 Advanced Storytelling
For the up-to-date schedule of courses, see the Regulations for the Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism.
PGDipJ graduates may go onto the Master of Strategic Communication, Master of Writing, or onto a Master of Arts in a variety of related subjects.
UC also offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Journalism.
Postgraduate study can bring many career benefits eg, specialist skills and enhanced knowledge, entry into specific occupations, higher starting salary/progression rates, research capability/achievement and evidence of high academic attainment/self-discipline.
Useful information:
- Read what other UC postgraduate students have gone on to achieve in their studies and careers in our student and graduate profiles.
- Our Careers, Internships & Employment team can help you to achieve the career you want, connect with employers or find a job.
- For research into career destinations by qualification, visit the Universities New Zealand website.
- Find out more about what you can do with a degree from UC.
- Come along to an upcoming information event for prospective postgraduate students.
See Tuition Fee Structure for more information
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2019 | 120 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $7,769 |
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2019 | 120 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $29,000 |
Contact us
For full requirements see the Regulations for the Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism.
For study planning help contact the Journalism programme or the College of Arts:
College of Arts | Te Rāngai Toi Tangata
University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
Phone +64 3 369 3377
Email artsdegreeadvice@canterbury.ac.nz