Five reasons to get your NCTJ Diploma online (according to a Daily Express journalist)
Emily Wright, global news reporter from The Express explains why gaining her NCTJ Diploma in Journalism via distance learning was the best route for her.
NCTJ distance learner Emily Wright, global news reporter at Daily Express, has shared five reasons why the flexible route was the perfect choice for her career as part of a social media marketing campaign for the NCTJ.
Watch what a day in her life as the world news reporter at the Daily Express is like here:
Emily achieved the gold standard in the Diploma in Journalism in February 2026, studying via the Journalism Skills Academy (JSA) platform.
She began her studies in May 2023 while working in a café, before landing her role at the Daily Express in May 2024.
Reflecting on her journey, Emily highlighted the core benefits of the NCTJ’s flexible learning:
Affordable pricing: After graduating with a history degree, Emily chose the distance learning route to avoid the costs associated with a master’s degree. Paying per module and booking exams individually kept her total spend to around £1,300, with remote exams eliminating travel expenses.
Complete flexibility: Candidates can start modules at any time, study at their own pace, and sit assessments when ready. While the NCTJ recommends an 18-month completion window, learners can take longer, and exam results do not expire.
Balancing work and study: The course allowed Emily to study alongside full-time employment, first in hospitality and then in a national newsroom. Working while studying enabled her to apply media law, defamation, copyright and the IPSO code directly to her daily reporting, while using her published Daily Express articles for her e-portfolio.
Independent study with tutor support: The route suits self-motivated independent learners, but support is always available. Each JSA distance learning module includes one hour of tutor support with the option to purchase more hours if needed, which Emily used for mock exam feedback via Zoom.
Tailored module choices: Unlike some postgraduate courses with fixed timetables, distance learning allows candidates to tailor the diploma to their career goals. Emily chose to study public affairs, editing skills and court reporting alongside her core subjects.
The full video is available to watch here:
To find out more about the Diploma in Journalism via distance learning, click here.
“If you are looking for a flexible but affordable way of getting into journalism, I would highly recommend checking out the NCTJ's distance learning course.”Emily Wright NCTJ distance learner and world news reporter, Daily Express.
