UNIVERSITY OF CANTERBURY · NEW ZEALAND
Journalism Study Options
Diploma · Taught in en
At a glance
12 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Diploma
Level
- Many graduates secure employment before program completion.High Employability
- Graduates consistently win national media awards.Award-Winning Alumni
- Strong practical focus with internships and real-world reporting.Practical Experience
- Close ties to the professional journalism industry.Industry Connections
The University of Canterbury offers journalism study options through a Bachelor of Communication or a Graduate Diploma in Journalism. The Bachelor of Communication is a three-year undergraduate degree designed to prepare graduates for careers in journalism, public relations, and communication advising. It does not require prior specific subject knowledge. The Graduate Diploma in Journalism is a 120-point, one-year full-time programme for graduates looking to enter print, broadcast, or online journalism. It provides intensive training in essential journalism skills, including media ethics, digital newsgathering, multimedia reporting, and research.
Careers
Graduates are well-prepared for a variety of roles in the media and communications sector. The program's strong industry connections and practical focus ensure graduates are highly sought after.
- Journalist (Print, Broadcast, Online)
- Public Relations Practitioner
- Communication Advisor
- Social Media Manager
- Online Media Specialist
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the Journalism programmes?
- For the Bachelor of Communication, you need university entrance and no specific subject background is required. The Graduate Diploma in Journalism is open to those who have already completed an undergraduate degree.
- How much does the Journalism programme cost for international students?
- International tuition fees vary for Journalism programs. Please check the University of Canterbury website for the most current fee information.
- What is the duration of the Journalism programmes?
- The Bachelor of Communication is a three-year undergraduate degree. The Graduate Diploma in Journalism is a one-year full-time programme.
- What are the career prospects after completing a Journalism programme?
- Graduates are well-prepared for roles such as Journalist (Print, Broadcast, Online), Public Relations Practitioner, Communication Advisor, and Social Media Manager.
- How can international students apply for the Journalism programme?
- International students should check the entry requirements, visit the Journalism Department's 'How to Apply' page for program-specific instructions, gather necessary documents, and submit an online application through the university's admissions portal.
- Are there any scholarships available for Journalism students?
- Various scholarships are available, including the Manaaki NZ Scholarships (government-funded), UC Scholarships (academic, sporting, hardship), and others for specific groups like women, Pacific students, or postgraduate researchers. Check the UC scholarship portal for details.
Entry requirements
Bachelor of CommunicationOpen to all students with university entrance. No specific subject background required.
Graduate Diploma in JournalismRequires a previous undergraduate degree. Specific regulations should be checked.
International tuition fees apply to citizens of countries other than New Zealand or Australia, unless on an approved exchange programme or enrolled in a PhD while living in New Zealand.
Fees
Tuition (international)International tuition fees vary. Please check the UC website for current international fees.
Tuition (home)Domestic tuition fees apply to NZ/Australian citizens and permanent residents living in NZ while studying. Domestic students may have a pay-as-you-learn option.
LivingEstimated living costs are available on the UC website.
The MBA fee is approximately NZ$43,931 for 2026, but this is for a different program. Please refer to the UC website for specific fee information for Journalism programs.
How to apply
1. Check Entry RequirementsEnsure you meet the academic and English language requirements for your chosen program (Bachelor of Communication or Graduate Diploma in Journalism).
2. Visit the How to Apply PageNavigate to the Journalism Department's 'How to Apply' page for program-specific application instructions and deadlines.
3. Prepare Required DocumentsGather all necessary documents, which typically include academic transcripts, proof of identity, and English language test results if applicable.
4. Submit ApplicationComplete and submit the online application form through the University of Canterbury's admissions portal.
5. Await Offer of AdmissionOnce your application is assessed, you will receive an offer of admission if successful. Follow the instructions in the offer letter to accept your place.
6. EnrolmentComplete the enrolment process by the specified deadlines.
Scholarships
The Gough MBA Leaders ScholarshipFinancial support and access to an exclusive leadership programme
Graduate Women Canterbury (Inc.) Trust Board ScholarshipNot specified
Pacific Community ScholarshipNot specified
Ngāi Tahu Research Centre Postgraduate ScholarshipNot specified
Manaaki NZ ScholarshipsFull scholarship
UC ScholarshipsVaries
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the Journalism programmes?
+
For the Bachelor of Communication, you need university entrance and no specific subject background is required. The Graduate Diploma in Journalism is open to those who have already completed an undergraduate degree.
How much does the Journalism programme cost for international students?
+
International tuition fees vary for Journalism programs. Please check the University of Canterbury website for the most current fee information.
What is the duration of the Journalism programmes?
+
The Bachelor of Communication is a three-year undergraduate degree. The Graduate Diploma in Journalism is a one-year full-time programme.
What are the career prospects after completing a Journalism programme?
+
Graduates are well-prepared for roles such as Journalist (Print, Broadcast, Online), Public Relations Practitioner, Communication Advisor, and Social Media Manager.
How can international students apply for the Journalism programme?
+
International students should check the entry requirements, visit the Journalism Department's 'How to Apply' page for program-specific instructions, gather necessary documents, and submit an online application through the university's admissions portal.
Are there any scholarships available for Journalism students?
+
Various scholarships are available, including the Manaaki NZ Scholarships (government-funded), UC Scholarships (academic, sporting, hardship), and others for specific groups like women, Pacific students, or postgraduate researchers. Check the UC scholarship portal for details.