Course details

Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism – PGDipJ
NZQF Level 8

About the course

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 qualification enjoys a close relationship with leading news organisations. This is reflected in our strong internship. 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).

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 qualification 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.

Practical, relevant experience, while you study

You'll have the opportunity to spend time working at media organisations and do a full-time work placement. This gives you relevant experience sought after by employers.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

Specific requirements

To enter the Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism you will:

  • have been awarded or qualified for a relevant bachelor’s degree or equivalent, with at least a B- grade average in the 300-level majoring courses or equivalent

You will need to provide copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University. 

English language requirements

If your first language is not English and you have not gained a New Zealand university entrance qualification, or an overseas entrance qualification in a country where the main language is English, you will be required to provide the below as evidence of your proficiency in English:

  • an academic IELTS with a minimum score of 7.0 in all bands, or
  • an equivalent TOEFL score, or
  • other such evidence that is acceptable to Massey University.

Time limits for Honours, Distinction and Merit

Where your qualification is completed within the stated time limit and to a high standard, you may be able to graduate with Distinction or Merit. 

Prior learning, credit and exemptions

For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:

English language skills

If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.

Maximum time limits for completion

There are maximum time limits to complete postgraduate qualifications.  If you do not complete within the maximum time, you may be required to re-apply for the qualification if you wish to continue your studies.

Official regulations

To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.

You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate Certificates.

Returning students

For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.

In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may be no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.

Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.

About the provider

Massey University - Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa is a leading New Zealand university, world-renowned for unique practical qualifications, ground-breaking research, and online courses. 

Each year over 5,000 international students from more than 100 countries find a warm welcome at Massey. We are ranked in the top 250 universities in the world by QS World Rankings and have a well-established reputation for academic leadership, research excellence and innovative teaching.


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