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New Zealand Diploma in Journalism
New Zealand Diploma in Journalism (Level 5)
BM1903
Course details
-
Feb 2026
- One year
- Full-time
- $8,248 (Indicative, TBC*)
- Level 5
- Available for International Students. International Fee Guideline
- Hamilton City Campus
Summary
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.
Why choose this programme?
- Retrain for a new career in journalism or media: ideal for graduates from any discipline, or people with work and life experience who want to transition into a role in the media.
- Strong industry links: Wintec has ongoing partnerships with national and local media organisations who host our students and employ our graduates.
- Learn from academics as well as industry professionals: your teachers bring quality and real newsroom experience into the classroom.
- In work learning with internship placements: Work-based learning at a 300 hour on-the-job industry internship. In 2026, students can apply for a number of funded internship placements in newsrooms nationally.
- Publish your work: Students regularly publish on The Waikato Independent and for partner outlets, building a professional portfolio by graduation.
- Study in a collaborative, creative environment: Study alongside communication, media, contemporary art and design students at the School of Media Arts for a collaborative learning experience.
What you will learn
- Core skills in news gathering, interviewing, and storytelling
- Technical skills in digital media, photography, and video editing
- Application of media law, ethics, and professional standards
- Cultural capability and the role of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in journalism
- Reflective professional practice and teamwork in a live newsroom environment
- Workplace readiness through a 300-hour professional internship in industry
View programme modules
Industry Connections
Wintec’s journalism programme has strong partnerships with news organisations across Aotearoa. Our students contribute to community, regional, and national media including at major events like Fieldays and AIMS Games.
Insights from industry partners have helped shape the programme design. This includes an extended workplace internship of 300 hours, so students can train on the job, as well as in the classroom.
In 2026, students will be able to apply for paid internships with highly regarded media companies such as the NZ Herald/NZME, RNZ, and Stuff as part of their programme of study, with more partnerships to be confirmed.
Career/further opportunities
Graduates will be prepared for entry-level roles as:
- Newsroom reporter for print, online and digital media
- Visual journalist
- Digital content producer
- Social media management
- Communications, media liaison, or PR
- Freelance or independent journalism
Graduates may also progress into further study, such as the Bachelor of Communication (Level 7).
Career opportunities and skill development in different media roles will be influenced by the type of industry placement students are selected for. A range of work-based opportunities will be available to apply for. In 2026 there are a number of paid internships that students can apply for.
Programme Highlights
- One-year intensive diploma - get newsroom-ready, fast.
- Paid internships available - nine funded industry placements available in 2026
- Publish your work - write, film, and photograph for The Waikato Independent and partner news outlets.
- Retrain for a new career - ideal for strong writers, graduates, motivated school leavers and professionals wanting to move into media or communications.
- Industry connected - editors, journalists, and media mentors work directly with students.
- Learn law, ethics, and cultural capability - become a journalist who understands the context and responsibility of reporting on Aotearoa communities.
- Technical and digital skills - storytelling across online, video, and multimedia platforms.
- Real newsroom experience - live simulations, community reporting, and a 300-hour professional placement.
** This updated qualification is pending NZQA approval.
Events
Disclaimers
Entry criteria
You can apply for this programme if you meet one of the below options.
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
If you don’t meet any of the above options, and you think you have what it takes to complete this programme, you can apply for discretionary entrance. Your application may be accepted if you can demonstrate a good chance of success. Approval of discretionary entrance applications is decided by the relevant manager. If your application is approved, your acceptance into further programmes relies on you demonstrating success in this programme.
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.
Want to see full details of the entry criteria?
Don't meet the entry criteria?
Pathways
To check what you need to gain direct entry to a course, review the entry criteria available on each programme page. These assist you in understanding what qualifications or experience are typically required to gain entry. You can contact our team at info@wintec.ac.nz or 0800 2 Wintec at any time for further guidance.
Your first day
Are you ready for your first day of class? Check out your start date and where you need to be. You can also find useful information about studying at Wintec on our welcome page.
Semester 1 2026
Date: Monday 9th February 2026
Time: 10am
Venue: The Atrium, City Campus
Itinerary:
- Welcome and staff introductions
- Tours, ID cards, and parking
- Lunch
- Classes start
Prospectus (course guide)
The Wintec Prospectus (otherwise known as a course guide) outlines everything you need to know about Wintec. It contains information about the Wintec campuses, student life, and the programmes that are on offer.
Access your copy of the Wintec Prospectus
The Wintec Prospectus (course guide) is available by downloading the file - click on the document below to access the file. Alternatively, to request a copy via email or the post, please complete the form below.
Request an emailable or printed copy of the Prospectus
Portfolio
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