Graduate Diploma in Journalism
- Degree Structure - Start In
- February
120
Overview
Graduate Diploma in Journalism
Introduction
The skills and knowledge required of a journalist are forever changing. In addition to core newswriting and newsgathering skills, journalists are increasingly required to have multimedia skills, the ability to use social media and other forms of audience interaction, and an ability to tailor media content for different platforms.
UC is a leading provider of journalism education in Aotearoa New Zealand. Studying the Graduate Diploma in Journalism (GradDipJour) will enable you to:
- acquire advanced knowledge and skills in journalism practice and research
- build on your problem solving and analytical skills developed at undergraduate level
- develop a critical understanding of journalism practices and their context.
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.
Graduate Diploma in Journalism
Entry requirements
Students with any bachelor’s degree, or with other qualifications of an equivalent standard, are able to apply to the Graduate Diploma in Journalism programme.
If English is your additional language, you are also required to provide evidence of IELTS (academic) 7.5, with no score less than 7.0.
For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Graduate Diploma in Journalism or use the admission requirements checker.
How to apply
Entry to the programme requires a special application due October 31st, and includes an interview. For more information on the process and required forms, see how to apply.
See Admission and enrolment for all information on enrolling at UC.
Graduate Diploma in Journalism
How do I plan my diploma?
The GradDipJour is made up of 120 points of courses, which includes intensive training in multimedia practice for around 30 hours per week.
Starting in February, the programme normally requires 2 semesters (1 year) of full-time study.
For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Graduate Diploma in Journalism.
Graduate Diploma in Journalism
Subjects and courses
The Graduate Diploma in Journalism is made up of the following compulsory courses:
- COMS232 Risk and Crisis Communication
- COMS233 Media Law for Journalists
- COMS330 Communication in Context
- COMS331 Researching and Reporting News
- COMS332 News Production
Note: With approval and availability of placements, students with some previous media experience may choose to replace COMS232 or COMS233 with PACE295 Internship.
The intensive programme includes practical training in news research, writing, reporting, and technologies. You will be contributing to real news media throughout study – including broadcasting on the local radio station RDU-FM.
During term breaks, you will take part in work placements within newsrooms and other media outlets throughout Aotearoa New Zealand, and finish your studies with a final internship.
Domestic students
2024 tuition fee estimate: $6,748 (120 points)
2025 tuition fee estimate: $7,153 (120 points)
International students
2024 tuition fee estimate: $31,600 (120 points)
2025 tuition fee estimate: $32,800 (120 points)
2026 tuition fee estimate: $34,100 (120 points)
Graduate Diploma in Journalism
Further study
GradDipJour graduates may go onto the Master of Strategic Communication, the 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.
Graduate Diploma in Journalism
Career opportunities
With extensive experience in researching and producing news content for a variety of media channels, UC’s journalism graduates have gone on to a variety of roles within the local and global news industry, from newsrooms to radio, television to newspapers, and online platforms.
Our graduates are prepared for the increasing demand of global news coverage, and will make a difference in the standards and ways we engage with news journalism.
They may also find their creative, team working, and problem solving skills easily adaptable to other roles in communications, publishing, entertainment, research, and marketing organisations.
Useful information:
- Read what other UC postgraduate students have gone on to achieve in their studies and careers in our student stories.
- Te Rōpū Rapuara | UC Careers can help you to achieve the career you want, connect with employers, or find a job.
- For research into career destinations by qualification, visit Te Pōkai Tara | Universities New Zealand website.
- Find out more about what can you do with a degree from UC.
- Come along to an upcoming information event for prospective postgraduate students.
