NCTJ DIPLOMA
Part-time NCTJ Diploma in Journalism
Don't let life or work commitments stop you from making a journalism career a reality.
Don't let life or work commitments stop you from making a journalism career a reality
Study part-time with Press Association Academy and over 40 weeks you'll learn everything you need to achieve your NCTJ Diploma in Journalism and emerge a qualified journalist and take your first, confident steps into the industry.
As the UK & Ireland's national news agency, the Press Association newsroom sets the standard for fast, accurate, fair reporting. It's our job to help you achieve that standard across the board. You'll work with expert trainers who have huge experience in leading newsrooms, and benefit from their insights into what editors are looking for – and how you can make sure you have it.
Our part-time NCTJ Diploma in Journalism course has a focus on digital features and long-form journalism, so you'll learn how to get beyond a news story and build a compelling longer read. As you develop your skills over 40 weeks part-time with evening and weekend sessions, you'll have lots of opportunities to put your learning into action with live news days, digital assignments and interviewing exercises.
Learn from practising journalists and work closely with a copy tutor who will act as your first editor, meaning you'll be newsroom-ready with an enviable portfolio by the end of your course. If you're committed and keen to make an impact, we'd love to hear from you.
Who the course is for
If you prefer to study over a longer period, the Press Association Academy's part-time NCTJ Diploma allows you to transform your career while working or caring for others. 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
- 40-week part-time programme of study on Tuesday evenings and Saturdays
- Part-time courses begin in September each year
Where
- Workshops are a mixture of remote and at our central London HQ
- We are based in the heart of East London, a short walk from the London Stadium and Westfield Shopping Centre.
- Our address is: 2 Redman Place, Stratford, London, E20 1JQ
Fees
- Fees are £6,250 for the 40-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 – 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 modern 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
Note: Shorthand is only available on our Fast-Track NCTJ Diploma courses due to the need for daily practise.
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.
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.
Multimedia training
You'll receive video and audio training as part of your course 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
- Build an impressive portfolio of high-quality journalism
- 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 knowledge
- Learn how to create excellent digital content
Why train with Press Association Academy?
- Newsroom connected with national and international reach
- More than 50 years' experience training journalists and PRs
- All courses are expert-led by working media professionals
- Trainers have a diversity of backgrounds and perspectives
- Small class sizes allow for practical, interactive exercises
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.
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.
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 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!
The small class sizes nurture a comfortable environment where everyone supports and learns from each other. The staff helped me hone in on my writing skills and develop the confidence to feel comfortable on camera.
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.
Interested in this course?
Talk to the Press Association Academy team about dates, fees and bespoke options.