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Journalism courses in the UK: NCTJ, degrees and apprenticeships

The best-known vocational qualification for UK journalists is the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism, a Level 5 qualification with mandatory modules in journalism, media law and ethics plus electives such as shorthand, broadcast or data journalism. It can be studied on accredited courses, by distance learning or as part of an apprenticeship.

This guide compares the main course types and helps you choose – including funding options such as the Journalism Diversity Fund.

How to become a journalist Student press card

At a glance

NCTJ Diploma: Level 5, minimum 82 credits
Gold standard: A–C grades in all modules and 100wpm shorthand if taken
Study options: Accredited courses, distance learning, apprenticeships
Funding: Journalism Diversity Fund for eligible students

The NCTJ Diploma in Journalism

According to the NCTJ, the Diploma in Journalism is the qualification editors look for when recruiting trainee journalists. It is a Level 5 qualification. Mandatory modules (47 credits) are Essential Journalism, an Essential Journalism e-portfolio, Essential Media Law and Regulation, and Essential Journalism Ethics and Regulation. Students add at least 35 credits of electives – for example shorthand, broadcast journalism, practical magazine journalism, data journalism, videojournalism, sports journalism or photography – for a minimum of 82 credits. The “gold standard” is A–C grades in all modules and 100 words per minute shorthand if taken.

Types of journalism courses

Course type	Typical length	Good for
NCTJ-accredited diploma course (college or private provider)	Often months of intensive study	Fast route into newsrooms
Undergraduate degree (some NCTJ-accredited)	Three years	Broad education plus practical journalism
Postgraduate course (MA or PgDip)	About one year	Graduates of other subjects
Apprenticeship	Varies; work-based	Earning while learning
Distance learning	Flexible	People in work or with family commitments

Check each provider for current details. The NCTJ course finder lists accredited courses.

How to choose a course

Is it NCTJ-accredited, and which modules are included?
What are recent graduates doing now?
How much practical, published work will you produce?

Does it include media law and shorthand?
Are there newsroom placements?
What does it cost, and which funding is available?

Funding: the Journalism Diversity Fund

The NCTJ’s Journalism Diversity Fund supports course fees and/or living costs on NCTJ-accredited diploma courses for people from diverse backgrounds who cannot fund training themselves. According to the NCTJ, applicants must have a place on an accredited diploma course (undergraduate degrees and distance learning do not qualify), be UK residents with British citizenship, show financial need and commitment to journalism, and must not already have started the course or received another bursary. Recipients also get a mentor.

Beyond the course

A course is only the start. Publish as much as you can, get work experience, and learn the law – defamation, contempt and privacy errors can end careers. If you publish regularly while studying and are 18 or over, a press card can help you work professionally – see student press card.

Questions to ask before you enrol

Course websites all sound similar. These questions reveal the differences.

Is the course accredited, for example by the NCTJ, and which exams are included in the fee?
How much time is spent on practical reporting compared with theory?
Are shorthand and media law taught, and what speeds or grades do students typically reach?
Do tutors have recent newsroom experience?
Which placements are arranged, and with which outlets?
Where do graduates of the last few years work now?
What equipment and software do students get access to?
What is the total cost, including exams, travel and equipment?

Short courses and self-study

Not everyone needs a full course. Targeted training can close specific gaps.

Shorthand

Shorthand can be learned through evening classes, online courses or self-study books. It takes regular practice over months; short daily sessions work better than occasional long ones.

Media law refreshers

Defamation, contempt of court and privacy rules change over time. Short refresher courses and up-to-date textbooks help working journalists stay safe.

Digital skills

Data analysis, verification of online material, mobile video and audio editing can be learned through workshops and online tutorials – often at low cost.

Course and portfolio go together

A qualification opens doors, but editors hire people who can show published work.

Whatever course you choose, publish while you study: for student media, local outlets or your own platform. Keep your best pieces in a portfolio and update it every few weeks. When you apply for jobs, placements or a press card, that portfolio is what people look at first. Our guides to work experience and becoming a journalist explain how to build it.

Course types compared at a glance

A rough guide to help you narrow down the options. Details vary by provider.

Route	Typical length	Best for	Watch out for
Undergraduate degree	Usually three years full time in England	School leavers who want a broad education alongside journalism training	Check how much hands-on reporting and accreditation is included
Postgraduate course (MA or diploma)	Often around one year full time	Graduates of other subjects who want an intensive route	Costs and funding; compare placement opportunities
Fast-track diploma	A few months, intensive	People who want practical skills and NCTJ exams quickly	A demanding pace – shorthand needs daily practice
Apprenticeship	Varies by employer and level	Learning on the job while earning	Limited places; apply early and widely
Short courses	Days to weeks	Working journalists filling specific skill gaps	No full qualification; choose recognised providers

Frequently asked questions

What is the best journalism qualification in the UK?

The NCTJ Diploma in Journalism is the qualification most often requested by UK editors for trainee roles.

What level is the NCTJ Diploma?

Level 5, according to the NCTJ.

Do I need shorthand?

Shorthand is an elective in the NCTJ Diploma; 100wpm is part of the gold standard if taken. It remains useful for court and council reporting.

Can I study journalism part-time?

Yes. Distance learning and some part-time courses are available.

Is there funding for journalism courses?

The Journalism Diversity Fund supports eligible students on NCTJ-accredited diploma courses; universities and colleges may offer other bursaries.

Do journalism students get press cards?

NUJ student members can apply for a student press card; students 18+ who publish regularly can apply for the FJA card.

Can I study journalism part time or online?

Yes. Several providers offer part-time, evening and distance-learning options, including some NCTJ-accredited courses. Check how practical elements and exams are organised before you enrol.

Do I need a journalism degree if I already have a degree in another subject?

No. Many journalists have degrees in other subjects and add a postgraduate course, a fast-track diploma or on-the-job training. Specialist knowledge from another degree can be a real advantage.

Does the FJA require a journalism qualification for a press card?

No. We look at your regular journalistic work, not at qualifications – see the requirements.

Sources and last review

Last reviewed: October 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice.