Wintec News

New Online Diploma Success with Students

Posted On: Thursday, 12 August 2010

Students are raving about the new online journalism course at Wintec, as the end of the first semester brings nothing but positive feedback. 

The National Diploma in Journalism, which was designed in conjunction with the New Zealand Journalists Training Organisation (NZJTO), was previously offered only as a full-time, classroom based programme; however, this year it was also offered as a part-time, internet based course.

The programme creator, Julie Starr, says that the online option offered flexibility for students who were interested in the course, but were unable to study full-time. Students are advised to do 15-20 hours of study a week in their own time, as well as participate in a weekly online forum where they can ask questions and discuss the course with the tutor and other students.

Vicki Annison, mother of three and part-time teacher aide, enrolled in the course last semester and says the online option allowed her to continue studying when she otherwise would not have being able to. “I love the fact it’s so flexible - an online diploma over two years spreads things out enough to enable me to fit it in.”

Iain Rea works in commercial radio in Auckland and says he was inspired by the opportunities presented by new media journalism. “Studying online, with lots of website, blog, social media and web searching referencing seems an entirely appropriate way to study journalism in 2010.”

The National Diploma in Journalism is the only entry qualification recognised by the journalism industry and is offered through Wintec’s School of Media Arts. Applications for the 2011 intake close 30 November.