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Introduction to the Graduate Diploma in Journalism

The Graduate Diploma in Journalism (GradDipJour) is a postgraduate program designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills in journalism practice and research. This program is offered by the University of Canterbury, a leading provider of journalism education in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Program Overview

The GradDipJour enables students to acquire advanced knowledge and skills in journalism practice and research, building on their problem-solving and analytical skills developed at the undergraduate level. The program focuses on developing a critical understanding of journalism practices and their context, preparing graduates to be highly effective journalists.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for the GradDipJour program, students must have any bachelor's degree or other qualifications of an equivalent standard. If English is not their first language, students are also required to provide evidence of IELTS (academic) 7.5, with no score less than 7.0. The university offers an English for Academic Purposes (EAP 2) course for those who need help meeting these requirements.

Degree Structure

The GradDipJour is made up of 120 points of courses, including intensive training in multimedia practice for around 30 hours per week. The program normally requires 2 semesters (1 year) of full-time study, starting in February.

Subjects and Courses

The GradDipJour includes the following compulsory courses:

• COMS233 Media Law for Journalists
• COMS330 Communication in Context
• COMS331 Researching and Reporting News
• COMS332 News Production
• COMS232 Risk and Crisis Communication OR DISC213 Editing and Postproduction

Fees

The tuition fees for the GradDipJour program are as follows:

• Domestic students:
  • 2025 tuition fee estimate: $7,153 (120 points)
  • 2026 tuition fee estimate: $7,582 (120 points)
• International students:
  • 2025 tuition fee estimate: $32,800 (120 points)
  • 2026 tuition fee estimate: $34,100 (120 points)
  • 2027 tuition fee estimate: $35,600 (120 points)
• Student Services Levy (SSL):
  • 2025 SSL: $9.72 per point ($1,166.40 per 120 points)
  • 2026 SSL: $10.30 per point ($1,236.00 per 120 points)

Further Study

GradDipJour graduates may go on to the Master of Strategic Communication, the Master of Writing, or onto a Master of Arts in a variety of related subjects. The University of Canterbury also offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) 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. The 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 organizations.