It depends on individual learning speeds and your available time to study and dedication.

Typically, learners can achieve the qualification within 12-18 months.

We strongly recommend that you aim to complete the Diploma in Journalism within 24 months.

The structure, requirements and availability of modules can change because the NCTJ reviews and updates all its diploma materials to reflect the needs of the industry.

The NCTJ will communicate any significant changes to the qualification to learners in advance and annual updates to individual modules are communicated each year in September.

The estimated number of learning hours per module required by a typical learner to gain the qualification (please note, this is for guidance purposes and not a requirement) are below:

Mandatory skills modules	Learning hours
Essential journalism	220 hours
Essential journalism e-portfolio	120 hours
Essential journalism ethics and regulation	30 hours
Essential media law and regulation	100 hours
Elective skills modules	Learning hours
Business and finance journalism	70 hours
Editing skills for journalists	70 hours
Journalism for a digital audience	70 hours
Media law court reporting	70 hours
Practical magazine journalism	140 hours
PR and communications for journalists	140 hours
Public affairs for journalists	70 hours
Radio journalism	70 hours
Shorthand for journalists	140 hours (to 100wpm)
Sports journalism	70 hours
TV journalism	70 hours
Videojournalism for digital platforms	70 hours