Course details

Summary

A unique qualification

This world-leading degree in journalism is the only one of its kind in New Zealand.

What is it Like?

When you study the Master of Journalism at Massey, you will gain a qualification of top international standing. It is based on leading overseas qualifications, blending practical skills with a deeper, academic study of journalism. It will build a firm foundation for an exciting career in print journalism, broadcasting and other media-related areas, or will help you move to the next stage of your career. It is the only degree of its kind in New Zealand.

Our journalism programme is part of a prestigious and small group of international programmes (and the only one in Australia and New Zealand) to be recognised by the US-based Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication. Accreditation recognises the Massey course's top international standing, excellent connections with industry, commitment to constant improvement, strong leadership and quality research output.

Study options

There are two options for your study during this qualification, dependent upon your level of experience. Both qualifications take 18 months full-time. You may be:

Entering the journalism industry

If you have an undergraduate degree and wish to enter the journalism industry, your first two semesters (one year full-time study) will be equivalent to Massey University’s Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism. The remaining semester (six months full-time) is focused on an extended, in-depth piece of journalism suitable for publication, with an additional academic component. This is known as pathway one.

You will learn the vital industry skills to be a successful journalist in our modern society. You will learn news reporting, web-based reporting, feature writing, sports reporting, radio and television reporting, shorthand, etc. These are all the skills journalism workplaces expect of their new recruits.

An experienced journalist looking to advance your career

The Master of Journalism offers another option for those who have journalism experience (three or more years) as well as an undergraduate degree. If you are a mid-career journalist that wishes to enhance your journalism skills, develop your managerial abilities, teach journalism, or explore the world of public relations this qualification will help you make the next step in your professional development.

The first year of your study will consist of courses that make up Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Communication or Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Business (with equivalent communication content). You will then progress to a project-based semester (six months full time) to complete an extended, in-depth piece of journalism which completes your Master of Journalism. This option is known as pathway two.

Careers

Graduates of our programme have gone on to work at New Zealand's top newspapers, magazines, radio and television stations, as well as at the BBC, CNN, SBS in Australia and countless overseas newspapers and magazines. One of our graduates, Alison McCulloch, was part of the team that won a Pulitzer Prize in journalism for its coverage of the Columbine killings.

Master of Journalism structure

There are two pathways for the Master of Journalism:

Pathway 1: Students with an undergraduate degree who wish to enter the journalism industry

Pathway 2: Students with an undergraduate degree and at least three years’ journalism work experience

Entry criteria

Admission to the Master of Journalism (180 credits) requires that candidates shall:

1. have been awarded or qualified for a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, with at least a B grade average in the 300-level majoring courses or equivalent; and
2. have been selected into the programme on the basis of a portfolio and interview

Admission directly to Part Two of the Master of Journalism requires that candidates shall:

1. have been awarded or qualified for a Massey University Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism, or equivalent, with a grade point average across all 700-level courses of at least B; OR
2. have been awarded or qualified for a Massey University Postgraduate Diploma in Communication or Massey University Postgraduate Diploma in Business (with equivalent Communication content) with a grade average across all 700-level courses of at least B AND have at least three years of professional experience as a journalist.

English language requirements:

• IELTS score of 7.0 in every band. Only IELTS is acceptable.