Subject to CUAP approval
This qualification is subject to approval by the Committee on University Academic Programmes (CUAP).
Specialise in Journalism for your Master of Arts at Massey
Massey's Master of Arts (Journalism) gives you the skills and experience needed to gain employment as a practising professional journalist at leading news organisations.
A Master of Arts in Journalism is a good fit if you:
- have a relevant undergraduate degree or one that complements it, for example in science, law, arts, or social sciences
- wish to become a professional journalist, or gain the skills and experience required of one
- want to work in the industry as a practising journalist.
Planning information
Planning information
If you study full-time, you’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.
Not all courses are available in each semester.
The Master of Arts (Journalism) is a parts-based qualification. That means you must complete the first part, before moving to the second.
Grades achieved in the first 60 credits will determine eligibility for progression to Part Two.
- For the coursework pathway a minimum B grade average is required.
- For the research pathway a minimum B+ grade average is required.
If you enrol in a thesis, you commence with Thesis (90 or 120 credits) Part One, followed by Thesis (90 or 120 credits) Part Two in the next enrolment period. Both parts combine to meet the thesis requirements with a single grade assigned to each part.
If the thesis cannot be submitted at the end of the initial Thesis (90 or 120 credits) Part Two enrolment, you must re-enrol in Thesis (90 or 120 credits) Part Two and pay fees each semester until submission is made.
Official regulations
To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.
You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate Certificates.
Returning students
For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.
In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Courses you can enrol in
Courses you can enrol in
Part One (Coursework Pathway (120 credits) or Research Pathway (60 credits)
Course code: 219712 Advanced News Journalism 30 credits
Students study the theory and practice of gathering and writing news journalism for publication, including generating news-story ideas, gathering the relevant information, writing these news stories, and publishing them in mainstream media outlets. Students critically reflect on their experience, making links to the relevant scholarly literature.
View full course detailsCourse code: 219713 Advanced Audio-Visual Journalism 30 credits
Students study the theory and practice of journalism in various non-print media platforms, including radio, television and multi-media platforms.
View full course detailsCourse code: 219714 Journalism and Society 30 credits
Students study and critically reflect on the role and function of journalism in society. This includes the principles of media law and ethics.
View full course detailsCourse code: 219715 Advanced Data and Investigative Journalism 30 credits
In the era of big data, journalists need the tools of data and investigative journalism to mine, refine and present stories that matter to their audiences. Students in this course will learn the principles and methods of advanced data and investigative journalism and apply them in a data-investigative journalism project.
View full course detailsPart Two (Coursework Pathway (60 credits) or Research Pathway (120 credits)
Course code: 219851 Thesis 120 Credit Part 1 60 credits
A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.
View full course detailsCourse code: 219852 Thesis 120 Credit Part 2 60 credits
A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.
View full course detailsCourse code: 219887 Research Report 60 credits
Candidates are required to conduct a piece of independent research under supervision and to produce a report of the research for examination.
View full course detailsEntry requirements
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
To enter the Master of Arts (Journalism) you will have been awarded or qualified for:
-
a Bachelor of Arts degree (or equivalent) with a major in the intended postgraduate subject, with at least a B grade average across the 200/300 level major courses
-
a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) with a subject in the intended postgraduate subject or a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts with an endorsement in the intended postgraduate subject, or an equivalent qualification, with at least a B+ grade average across the 700-level courses for entry to the Research Pathway or a B grade average across the 700-level courses for entry to the Coursework Pathway.
If you have a BA (Hons) or PGDipArts from Massey University in the intended Master of Arts subject as outlined above, you may apply for credit towards Part One of the qualification.
You will need to provide copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
Fees and scholarships
Fees and scholarships
Course fees
You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.
Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme
You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.
The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme, including how much could be covered and your eligibility on the Inland Revenue website.
Scholarships and awards
Search our scholarships and awardsInternational students
International students
New Zealand is a great place to study. Massey University’s reputation is supported by our international rankings, accreditations and associations. We are rated five star plus by the QS World University Rankings.
Massey University has small class sizes, and our lecturers and staff are friendly and approachable.
As an international student, there are entry requirements that will apply to you. We recommend that you apply at least three months before your anticipated start date so your application can be processed in time. There are additional steps you will need to take. These include obtaining a visa and travel bookings if your study is to be in New Zealand.
Accreditations and rankings
QS Ranking - Communication and Media
Massey is ranked by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) as one of the top 150 universities for communication and media studies. QS is an organisation that ranks universities worldwide in various topics.
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