A unique qualification This world-leading degree in journalism is the only one of its kind in New Zealand. What is it Like? The Master of Journalism at Massey will give you a qualification of top international standing. Based on leading overseas qualifications, it blends practical skills with the academic study of journalism. It will build a foundation for a career in journalism, or, if you are already a journalist, help you move to the next stage of your career. Industry and international recognition and accreditation The Massey University course is the oldest continuously operating journalism school in New Zealand. In 2016, it won an award for outstanding contribution to the industry. The prize citation said: “no institution can claim to have had a greater role in shaping journalists in this country than the Wellington course.” Our journalism programme is the only one in Australia and New Zealand to be recognised by the US-based Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication. 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 skills you need to be a successful journalist: news reporting, feature writing, radio and television reporting. You will produce a portfolio of stories covering breaking news, politics, sports, arts and general news, which will help you get the job you want. The course effectively has a 100 per cent employment rate. 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. You may be a mid-career journalist who wishes to learn how to undertake an advanced investigation and publish a long-form piece of journalism; you may be interested in gaining a higher-qualification as a step to gaining a PhD and entering the world of academic research and teaching. 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. You will then progress to a project-based semester (six months full-time) to complete an extended, in-depth piece of journalism with an additional academic component 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