NCTJ DIPLOMA
Build your digital storytelling skills and craft compelling long-form stories
Study the NCTJ Diploma in Digital Features Journalism and build a portfolio of insightful interviews, revealing profiles and stories that get people talking.
Keen to really get under the skin of a story? Train with the experts at Press Association Academy and develop a portfolio of features and long-form writing. On our NCTJ Diploma in Digital Features Journalism you'll build your skills and understanding of how to deliver insightful interviews, revealing profiles, and stories that get people talking.
You'll spend one day each week honing your features skills: learning from experts about how to shape brilliant ideas, pitch and get commissioned, structure your copy, write with flair and authority, and make compelling video content. You'll work with editors with deep digital knowledge and commissioning editors at national publications, and learn from writers in staff and freelance positions.
For the rest of the week, you'll focus on building core journalism skills – learning how to be a fair and ethical reporter who lands great stories, understanding how to get the most from digital platforms, and gaining essential digital video skills. You'll study media law and ethics modules so that editors know they can trust you to work safely and with integrity, and build your knowledge of public affairs and politics so you can hold power to account. You'll also be working towards attaining 100 words-a-minute in shorthand so that you never need to worry about having missed a quote or a story.
Who the course is for
If you're looking for space to develop your writing beyond news reporting, choosing a digital features route gives you opportunity to try new techniques and produce longer, more involved journalism. We'd love to hear from you if:
- You read and consume media in all forms and want to develop your storytelling abilities
- You are committed to building a career in journalism and prepared to work hard
- You are ambitious and impatient to get your career started
- You want to learn from experts with huge industry experience
Dates
- 19-week programme of study at our central London HQ
- Our full-time courses start in February and September each year
- Part-time courses begin in September each year
Where
- We are based in the heart of East London, a short walk from the London Stadium and Westfield Shopping Centre.
- You'll report from Mayor's Question Time, visit the Press Association newsroom, and head out to find your own stories
- Our address is: 2 Redman Place, Stratford, London, E20 1JQ
Fees
- Fees are £6,250 for the 19-week course
- Fees can be paid by instalments
- If eligible, you might consider applying to the Journalism Diversity Fund
NCTJ Diploma modules
Practical Magazine Journalism – build your writing, editing and idea development skills along with an advanced understanding of digital storytelling
Essential Journalism – the basics of how to get the story and develop strong writing skills. No matter the role you're aiming for, you'll need to show these skills to get the job
Ethics – understand the code that guides journalists and discuss real-life issues
Essential Media Law and Court Reporting – this is essential for any journalist. The toolbox no journalist can be without, and every editor wants to know you have
Journalism for a Digital Audience – understand how digital publishing organisations work and how to write brilliant stories across all digital platforms
Public Affairs – understand how power works and how you can challenge it
Shorthand – develop the skills to write 100 words a minute
Your portfolio
Our training is hands-on and includes news days and live exercises where you'll be tasked with interviewing people, attending a press conference, and covering a breaking news event.
Additionally, you'll build a significant portfolio of features and longform journalism through practical assignments and live magazine days where you'll work to a brief and deadline.
Journalism careers
We have excellent links with newsrooms, magazines and broadcasters and understand what hiring editors are looking for. During your course you'll meet journalists who are doing your dream job – and can tell you how to get it. We can also offer support and advice to those choosing freelance careers. After the course you'll be able to join our alumni network and build connections with other Press Association Academy graduates.
Multimedia training
You'll receive video and audio training as part of your course – including extra training if you choose to study digital features – and will also build a strong portfolio of stories so you have a range of work to show editors when it comes to finding a job.
Learning outcomes
- Use different formats and approaches to write compelling features
- Develop the skills of good storytelling and sourcing
- Understand the code that guides journalists
- Acquire essential media law and court reporting knowledge
- Learn how to create excellent digital content
- Build your shorthand speed to 100 words a minute
What our students say
My time at PA Training was a whirlwind of fun and excitement. The full-time NCTJ course in London is fast-paced and hard work but perfectly sets you up for what to expect in a reporter role.
Not only did I develop the necessary toolkit to become a journalist, but I also did so in an environment that fosters a real sense of community and personal career support.
I made amazing friends, amazing memories and now it has led me to an amazing job which I never would have gotten without my time at Press Association.
It’s a great place to make connections – networking with teachers, guest speakers and fellow students can be key to gaining advice or even job opportunities during and after the course.
I learned to write concise articles and features, while developing my skills in social media, interviewing sources, and producing stories for an increasingly online audience. The course has allowed me to start a full-time journalism career.
I was able to count on excellent teachers and professionals who helped me push my limits and achieve my goals. I was impressed by the quality of the course and the motivation teachers put into it. It was a great experience and I would definitely do it again!
The teaching I received was second to none and despite having no experience whatsoever in journalism, the tutors made sure there was a friendly environment where I felt welcome to ask any questions I needed. I was able to finish the course and go into a job working for The Sun.
Being equipped with an NCTJ Diploma does massive favours for your future, and the skills the course taught me are ones I lean on every single day. The simple fact is, I wouldn’t be where I am without that course.
The staff truly go above and beyond, providing detailed feedback, a wealth of knowledge and many career opportunities. I’d recommend the course to any budding journalist. You’ll have fun, too!
I really could not recommend Press Association enough to anyone who is looking to jump into the fascinating world of journalism. The course equips you with all the necessary skills you need to enter the industry and the wide range of topics covered leaves it hard for you to ever feel bored.
The methods and techniques you learn (and apply) on a daily basis through teaching, coursework and eventually exams crop up again and again in both job applications and jobs themselves – the course content is directly relevant to the realities of the industry.
Interested in this course?
Talk to the Press Association Academy team about dates, fees and bespoke options.