Welcome to Graduate Diploma in Journalism
News
UC’s Graduate Diploma of Journalism students went live to air from their campus studio this week (Tuesday 21 May) with their first in a fortnightly series of news bulletins. Just three weeks into learning about radio production, the students are producing two live bulletins for the UC Arts interns’ RDU show each Monday, Wednesday and Friday 12-1pm. Students in teams of six are sniffing out news, pulling together interviews and audio grabs, scripting and subbing their own news packages, and writing news bulletins under pressure as in a real newsroom. UC students are putting the entire bulletin to air themselves and learning the value of teamwork – and the buzz of live radio – in the process. Next week, the Journalism students will be broadcasting from the central city in RDU’s mobile truck. As well as pulling together the news bulletins, they’ll be building in live crosses to file stories in real time from the field. The UC Arts Internships for RDU run in semester one and two each year. The students are now producing their radio shows from a broadcast studio on campus, established by RDU and the Media and Communication Department on the ground floor of the Locke Building. Tune in to hear more of our students’ news at http://www.rdu.org.nz
Kiwi Asian Journalism Scholarship
The Asia New Zealand Foundation offers a Kiwi Asian Scholarship to attract more Asian New Zealanders into journalism. Information on the 2014 scholarship will be available November/December 2013. Click this link for information.
Introduction
The Graduate Diploma in Journalism is a one-year programme aimed at preparing graduates for a career in print, broadcast and online journalism. Students receive intensive training in media ethics and law, news gathering and writing, research and analysis, and multimedia reporting, including basic storytelling methods in photography, audio and video and for online media.
We provide intensive practical training within an intellectually stimulating framework that fosters analysis and discussion of the mass media and the deeper issues affecting journalists. We aim to produce thinking journalists who are highly competent and multi-skilled professionals who care about standards and ethical issues. Our many guest lecturers from the profession, the community and academia contribute to the stimulating environment essential for postgraduate students.
It's hard work. It requires total commitment — about 30 hours a week. But then, we are talking about a career in the real world.
Courses
The Graduate Diploma in Journalism is made up of five courses. Four focus on media law,
ethics, the social and political issues behind the news, and advanced writing skills. The fifth,
JOUR 506 News Journalism, focuses on news gathering and reporting across print, online and broadcast platforms. It comprises the bulk of our practical instruction. A pass in JOUR 506 is mandatory to obtain the Graduate Diploma in Journalism. Together, these courses are designed to produce graduates who are:
- High-quality critical thinkers
- Expert researchers across a range of sources
- Strong writers and editors who can meet deadlines with speed and accuracy
- Skilled in multi-media reporting
Able to work ethically and to a professional standard.
Contacts
For more information about the course, please contact Journalism lecturer and course co-ordinator Tara Ross(tara.ross@canterbury.ac.nz) or administrator Yolande Ruiters (yolande.ruiters@canterbury.ac.nz)
Practical training
Graduate Diploma in Journalism students must complete formidable quotas of practical work as they develop their journalism and multimedia skills. We foster news gathering and writing skills by requiring you to work to frequent deadlines to produce publishable, engaging stories. You will also learn to manage breaking news and live stories on digital platforms, including social media.
At semester break, we have two field trips to provincial newspapers where groups of students experience the challenge of daily deadlines. In August, and again in October, students are placed for two weeks in newspaper and radio newsrooms from Auckland to Invercargill.
To be eligible for assessment students must produce substantial portfolios of stories, including audio and video stories. Story quotas EXCLUDE work produced on field trips to the Marlborough Express and Timaru Herald and on the two-week work placements.
Teeline (shorthand)
Fast, accurate notetaking is an essential skill for journalists and Teeline is a mandatory component of the course. Our tutor ensures students reach a speed of 80 wpm and most should achieve 100 wpm or more.
Journalism scholarships
Robert Bell Scholarship($4,000)
Normally, one or two scholarships are awarded to Graduate Diploma in Journalism students each year based on their previous academic records. Admission to the course is deemed to constitute an application.
D.W. Bain Prize ($800)
Awarded annually to the top Graduate Diploma in Journalism student.
Kiwi Asian Journalism Scholarship
The Asia New Zealand Foundation offers a Kiwi Asian Scholarship to attract more Asian New Zealanders into journalism. Information on the 2014 scholarship will be available November/December 2013. Click this link for information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need straight As to get in?
We look for intelligence allied with good work habits and a high standard of English. You are not ruled out because your degree fails to meet some arbitrary grade average. A first-class honours degree is not a passport to the course. However, a sound academic record is normally essential.
What subjects should I study?
Take what interests you. We look for graduates in a wide range of disciplines. The industry needs more journalists with degrees in science, law, Maori, engineering and so on. Obviously some subjects like economics, political science, history, and media and communication are useful but we have an open mind.
What do you look for?
A sense of vocation about journalism. We look for people who know why they want a career in journalism and who have a realistic understanding of what being a journalist involves. It's not enough to say you like writing and meeting people.
How can I show my commitment?
Have you visited newspapers, radio and television stations? Have you spoken to journalists? Have you had work published? That will do for starters.
What are my chances of being admitted?
Entry into the course is competitive. You can improve your case by thoroughly investigating journalism as a career and taking steps to show you are serious about becoming a journalist. International students must demonstrate a high level of English fluency.
How heavy will the workload be?
This is a postgraduate course and the workload and commitment expected of students is higher than in undergraduate years. Students will need to commit at least 30 hours a week to course work. Classes are structured during the mornings each week so students have the opportunity to find and write stories in the afternoons.
How do I apply?
Download an application form. The deadline is 31 October. Don’t miss it.