Birmingham City University to bring NCTJ journalism training to West Midlands
Birmingham City University (BCU) has become an NCTJ-accredited course provider, delivering the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism as part of its MA Journalism course.
The accreditation will expand access to NCTJ training in the West Midlands, supporting efforts to improve diversity and representation in journalism while strengthening regional voices in the media.
The accredited MA Journalism course combines academic study with practical newsroom training across print, broadcast and digital media. Students develop skills in reporting, media law, ethics and data journalism, alongside digital skills.
The NCTJ Diploma in Journalism is widely recognised by employers as the gold standard entry qualification for journalists. NCTJ research shows that 88 per cent of gold standard diploma holders (those achieving A–C grades in all modules and 100wpm shorthand if taken) who were in employment 15 months after graduating were working in journalism.
The course is now open for enrolment, with students able to begin study from September.
Students will take part in regular news days, working to deadline in a live news environment and producing content across multiple platforms. They will also have access to newsroom facilities, including radio and television studios, editing suites and production equipment to support practical training across a range of media formats.
Joanne Forbes, chief executive of the NCTJ, said: “We are delighted to welcome Birmingham City University as an accredited course provider. This marks an important step in widening access to journalism training in the West Midlands and opening up opportunities for a more diverse future workforce.”
As part of the accreditation, BCU will work closely with NCTJ industry advisers. Industry advisers support course leaders and students to ensure journalism education remains aligned with the needs of the industry, providing guidance and feedback during practical training activities including news days.
Michelle Johnson, director of editorial at Vantage Media and chair of the NCTJ accreditation board, said: “This marks an important milestone in expanding access to NCTJ-accredited training. Students in the West Midlands will now benefit from high-quality, industry-focused training, helping them develop the practical skills and experience needed to succeed in journalism.”
Ross Hawkes, associate professor of journalism at BCU, said: “This course has been designed in close collaboration with industry to ensure our students graduate with the core journalistic skills and the adaptability needed to succeed in a rapidly changing media landscape.
“We’re particularly proud of the course’s practical focus. Students will be out reporting, creating and experimenting from the very start, supported by staff with real-world experience across local, national and international journalism.”
Matthew Day, head of department of English and media at BCU, added: “The accreditation from the National Council for the Training of Journalists is a significant advantage for our students and underlines the professional relevance of this MA.
“With major organisations such as the BBC investing in the region, there has never been a more exciting time to study journalism in Birmingham. We are proud to be part of that growth and to support the talent that will shape the future of the industry.”
Find out more about the MA Journalism course at Birmingham City University and becoming an accredited course provider with the NCTJ.
