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Massey University

Palmerston North , North Island, New Zealand ,New Zealand

Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism

Gain a qualification of international-standing with strong practical industry skills. Massey’s journalism programmes are the only ones in Australia or New Zealand accredited by US organisation the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism is based on leading overseas journalism qualifications. It is for those with no journalism experience who wish to enter the industry, or those with some experience who wish to develop specialist knowledge. Either way, you will learn the skills needed to be a successful journalist.

The programme enjoys a close relationship with leading news organisations. This is reflected in our strong internship programme. Our students are regular winners of national journalism prizes.

Stepping stone to a master’s
The PGDip Journalism is a stepping stone to a Master of Management (Journalism). For only another 60 credits, you can gain a master’s qualification in journalism.

What will I learn?
For those wishing to enter the industry, you will learn news writing, feature writing, interviewing, photojournalism, specialist reporting such as police, court, politics and sports  advanced audio-visual journalism including TV, radio and podcasting, media ethics, law and. For those wishing to develop a specialist interest, you will have the opportunity to specialise in advanced audio-visual storytelling, sport, arts, investigative/data journalism or even journalism management.

Is it suitable for me?
For those new to the industry, the programme will build a foundation for an exciting career in journalism. If you wish to develop specialist skills, you can choose from courses that build advanced capability.

Campus Information

Wellington campus

The Wellington campus is in New Zealand's capital city and is a great place to live. It is a compact city, set between a magnificent harbour and rolling green hills, where shops, exciting galleries and great restaurants are within easy walking distance. The Wellington Campus is centrally located near the city's artistic and entertainment quarters of Cuba Street and Courtenay Place in the heart of Wellington.

Intakes

  • Feb

Application Processing Time in Days: 30

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description IELTS (1.0 -9.0) TOEFL IBT (0-120) TOEFL CBT (0-300) PTE (10-90)
Expert 9 120 297-300 86-90
Very Good 8.5 115-119 280-293 83-86
Very Good 8 110-114 270-280 79-83
Good 7.5 102-109 253-267 73-79
Good 7 94-101 240-253 65-73
Competent 6.5 79-93 213-233 58-65
Competent 6 60-78 170-210 50-58
Modest 5.5 46-59 133-210 43-50
Modest 5 35-45 107-133 36-43
Limited 4 32-34 97-103 30-36
Extremely Limited < 4 < 31 < 93 < 30

Job Opportunity Potential

Many of our graduates are now top journalists at Stuff, TVNZ, NZ Herald, Newshub, Radio NZ or Newsroom or overseas news organisations such as the BBC, CNN, Reuters and ABC. One of our graduates, Alison McCulloch, was part of the team that won a Pulitzer Prize in journalism for its coverage of the Columbine killings.

Earn more
A 2017 Ministry of Education publication The post-study earnings and destinations of young domestic graduates, found that in New Zealand:

  • young master’s graduates earn more than one and a half times more than the national median (five years after study)
  • earnings and employment rates increase with the level of qualification completed
  • five years after completion, the median earnings of young master’s graduates are 15% higher than for those with a bachelor’s degree.

PSW Opportunity

Level 7 (Bachelor’s degree)

  • Duration: Equal to length of study (typically up to 3 years)
  • Requirement: minimum 30 weeks full time study in NZ

Level 7 (Graduate Diploma)
Eligible for PSWV
Conditions:

  • Must also hold a Bachelor’s degree (NZ or overseas)
  • Duration: Up to length of study (typically 1 year)

Level 8 (Postgraduate Diploma)

  • Duration: Equal to length of study, OR
  • Up to 3 years in some cases (if part of higher qualification pathway)

Level 9 and 10 (Master’s degree and Doctoral degree)

  • Duration: 3 years
  • Condition: Must study at least 30 weeks in New Zealand

- Most eligible international students can work up to 25 hours per week during study and full-time during scheduled breaks, only if their student visa includes work rights.

- Foundation, pathway and short courses have different rules.

- Not allowed for part time students.

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

Postgraduate academic entrance requirements

Masters, postgraduate diplomas and postgraduate certificates An appropriate undergraduate degree from a recognised tertiary institution is required

  • IELTS- 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)
  • TOEFL iBT- 90 overall (min 20 in Writing)
  • PTE Academic- 58 Overall (min 50 in communicative skills)

Disclaimer: PSA updates the information on this page from time to time; however, there may have been more recent updates. Please refer to the university website for the latest information.