New Zealand Diploma in Journalism
Course details
| NZQF Level | 5 |
|---|
About the course
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 are wanting to retrain to change your career, a graduate looking for an industry qualification, or a motivated school leaver, this programme equips you with the professional, technical, and ethical skills for entry into the journalism industry.
You'll learn how to find, produce, and publish credible news stories across multiple platforms, and build a professional portfolio while studying.
You'll also take part in real newsroom simulations, contribute to live media projects, and complete a 300-hour professional internship in a newsroom. There is opportunity to apply for paid industry internship placements in 2026.
Scholarship
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.
Alongside financial support, the scholarship also offers valuable professional development opportunities, including mentoring from senior journalists and a newsroom internship with RNZ. Designed to build real-world skills and strengthen public media in Aotearoa, the RNZ 100 Scholarship can help applicants take their first step into the media industry.For more information, visit the RNZ 100 scholarship page.
Entry requirements
Based on your school achievement (secondary school study)
- 40 credits at NCEA Level 2; including 10 literacy credits at NCEA Level 2 and 10 numeracy credits at NCEA Level 1;
- Or a recognised equivalent.
Based on study completed after school (tertiary study)
- Completed a relevant course at NZQF Level 3;
- Or a recognised equivalent.
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.
About the provider
Based in Hamilton, the Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec), is one of the country’s largest institutes of technology. We deliver high-quality education across vocational (technical) and professional fields of study to approximately 13,000 students, across over 130 different courses.
At Wintec students are educated in a way that builds their confidence and gets them work-ready. We differ from other types of tertiary providers in the way students get the chance to put their theoretical learning into practice from the very start. You will get to work on real-life projects based on relevant topics and themes as if you were in the workplace. You will also get involved in work placements. This means that by the time you graduate, you will be confident in your skills and knowledge, and know-how to apply your learnings. Our academic staff have years of industry experience between them, which means they can guide you on your journey.
Wintec maintains collaborative relationships with local industry and iwi to identify the needs of the region and community. Fostering strong networks that our students and graduates benefit from is a high priority for us. Understanding the needs of local industry, what type of graduates they need now, and what they will need in the future is critical to assisting industry and our graduates.