Student representatives

Qualifications

The NCTJ delivers industry standard qualifications for pre-entry and trainee journalists, as well as professional qualifications for working journalists.

The NCTJ is the media industry’s professional body and awarding organisation regulated by Ofqual, CCEA and Qualifications Wales to deliver industry standard qualifications for journalists throughout the UK.

Find out about the qualifications we offer:

Certificate in Foundation Journalism

This level 3 qualification is ideal for those looking for an introduction to journalism, or those wishing to use journalistic skills for a specific purpose, such as blogging.

The qualification is available to study via distance learning, or on a specialist training course.

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Diploma in Journalism

This level 5 qualification will prepare you for the demands of working as a trainee journalist, gaining the skills you need to work across all sectors of the media.

The qualification is available to study on NCTJ-accredited courses, via distance learning, or on a journalist apprenticeship.

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National Qualification Journalism

This level 6 qualification will qualify you as a senior journalist. It is usually taken after completing the Diploma in Journalism to gold standard and having at least 18 months’ experience working in the industry.

The qualification is available to study through employers, via distance learning, on a senior journalist apprenticeship or via distance learning.

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Practical International Journalism

This level 5 qualification covers all the core elements of being a working journalist operating in an international arena.

The qualification is available to study on specific university courses and is also available to study via distance learning.

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Leadership and Management for Journalists

This level 7 qualification is designed for current and future editorial executives. It aims to enhance and improve the quality of leadership and management across the industry creating more effective editorial leaders and managers trained to an industry standard.

The qualification is available to study via distance learning or through employers.

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Bespoke qualifications

We can work in collaboration with individual employers (or group of employers) to design bespoke qualifications that meet your specific needs.

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