Journalism is the study of gathering, studying, understanding, processing, and analysing news and information for the public. Journalism courses in New Zealand are a broad field of Mass Media. The journalism and communication studies in New Zealand coursework is designed to teach you how to research, interview, write, and edit news stories. After the course, you can choose different career paths in media outlets, including newspapers, magazines, radio and television, and digital platforms.
Learn more about leading journalism courses in New Zealand below, and if you would like to apply, book a free consultation with SI-Global to learn more about studying in New Zealand.
Top New Zealand Universities to Study Journalism
A journalism degree in New Zealand is designed to develop the skills, knowledge, and expertise that will equip you with cutting-edge technical and creative abilities and provide a deep understanding of the media and journalism industry in the digital world.
1. Massey University
The Bachelor of Communication in Journalism at Massey University gives you hands-on practical experience where you can work and learn with journalists. During the coursework, you will develop skills in written, photographic, video, and audio forms by producing work that may be published.
The compulsory courses include News Media and Society, News Reporting, Specialist Reporting, News Reporting, Current Affairs Journalism, and Media Law and Ethics, which comprise 15 credits each. In addition, you need to choose at least 30 credits from the courses: intercultural communication, international case studies in public relations, communication internship, and global, investigative, and data journalism, which comprise 15 credits each.
At the end of the course, you can expect to have opportunities to work in areas such as news organizations, corporate fields, magazines, television, and social media.
- Suggested course: Bachelor of Communication in Journalism
- Entry requirements: Excellent academic record with IELTS/TOEFL/PTE scores
- International fees: $30,450
2. Auckland University of Technology
The Bachelor of Communication Studies - Journalism major from Auckland University of Technology gives you access to industry-standard facilities and equipment, such as the radio studio, media centre, and fully equipped TV studio. You also get the opportunity to work for paid shifts at various newsrooms. The three-year degree program comprises core, elective, and practical assignments that will help you gain experience in news reporting, long-form journalism, cross-cultural journalism, and cross-platform storytelling.
Some popular subjects and topics included in journalism degrees in New Zealand are communication ethics, text, image, and sound, media technology and society, media production studio, and news and ethics of news work.
After graduating from Auckland University of Technology with a degree in journalism, you can get into a wide range of careers, such as news reporter, specialist writer, communication specialist, and production journalist.
- Suggested course: The Bachelor of Communication Studies - Journalism major
- Entry requirements: Higher Secondary Education with IELTS/TOEFL/PTE qualification
- International fees: $94,500
3. University of Canterbury
The journalism department of the University of Canterbury has a strong reputation for producing work-ready graduates. The graduate diploma in journalism aims to acquire advanced skills and knowledge in journalism research and practice, improve your problem-solving and analytical skills, and develop a critical understanding of the journalism industry.
The postgraduate diploma in journalism at the University of Canterbury is a one-year program that requires a total commitment of at least 30 hours a week, where many guest lecturers are professional journalists who will help you build a reflective journalism practice. The university also offers a Doctor of Philosophy degree in journalism for students who want to conduct an original research thesis.
As a journalism graduate, you can start your career in newspapers, radio, or TV stations or work in media roles, such as social media managers, online producers, and communication advisors.
- Suggested course: Graduate diploma in journalism
- Entry requirements: Bachelor’s degree in journalism or equivalent and IELTS academic score of 7.5
- International fees: $35,400
Career Prospects and Salary after Studying Journalism
Journalism graduates can work in different fields, such as media and publications, education, advertising, administration, journalism, public relations, and tourism. Some also opt for postgraduate or research degrees for in-depth knowledge in journalism. The top career paths in journalism are journalist, news editor, producer, communications specialist, and reporter, with an average salary of $70,000 - $100,000 annually.
Study Journalism in New Zealand
Contact SI-Global to learn more about studying journalism courses in New Zealand and begin your application for the upcoming intake.
