Journalism training returns to Kent as KMTV gains NCTJ accreditation
The NCTJ is pleased to welcome KMTV as an accredited course provider, bringing the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism back to Kent. KMTV’s “Year in Journalism” newly accredited course will be available to students from September, offering a full-time, in-person programme based at Medway. The programme will be delivered in partnership with the University of Kent, University of Greenwich and Iliffe Media, the owners of KMTV.
Research into the job destinations of NCTJ diploma students shows that 90 per cent of all NCTJ alumni with a gold standard diploma are working in journalism six months after graduating. For students, the qualification is a proven route into the industry. For employers, it remains the most widely recognised mark of entry-level journalistic competence.
Joanne Forbes, chief executive of the NCTJ, said: “We are delighted to welcome KMTV as an accredited course provider. After the heartbreaking decision to close the University of Kent’s successful journalism department this is a new dawn for journalism education in Kent with support from the new university partnership of Greenwich and Kent.”
Andy Richards, channel director at KMTV, said: “Journalism training is here to stay in Kent and Medway. We have worked incredibly hard to ensure that an NCTJ-accredited course remains available to aspiring journalists in the county, and I am proud that KMTV will be delivering it from September.
“This is a unique opportunity for aspiring reporters to gain real, hands-on industry experience while they train. Strong local media has never been more important, and I am delighted that Kent will continue to benefit from this essential civic provision.”
Students on the course will spend two days per week in mentored newsroom practice at KMTV, with additional experience at KentOnline and KMFM. They are treated as trainee journalists from day one, receiving paid expenses and applying their skills in law, ethics, public affairs and data journalism to live reporting, in purpose-built facilities.
Michelle Johnson, chair of the NCTJ accreditation board, said: “We are delighted to welcome KMTV in delivering NCTJ-accredited journalism training across Kent. Students in the region will benefit from the highest standards of training and qualification, gaining the practical skills they need to succeed in this vibrant and ever-evolving industry, all while strengthening the future of local journalism within our communities.
The NCTJ is committed to working closely with all our centres to ensure the accreditation process is as supportive, straightforward and streamlined as possible, so that they can get on with the great work of delivering industry-leading training. Our aim is to ensure that more centres, like KMTV, can deliver outstanding journalism training across the UK that fully prepares students for successful careers.”
NCTJ accreditation is open to a wide range of organisations, including universities, further education colleges, independent providers, broadcasters and publishers. The process is designed to be clear and manageable, with the NCTJ offering guidance and support at every stage. Accredited providers join a national network delivering the industry benchmark in journalism training, with qualifications recognised and respected by employers across print, broadcast and digital media.
Universities, colleges and other organisations interested in becoming NCTJ-accredited can contact the NCTJ at [email protected] to find out more about the accreditation process.
