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What the NCTJ is and why it matters
The National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) is a charity and awarding organisation that sets the curriculum and examination standards for journalism training in the UK. Founded in 1951, it is the closest thing the UK has to a national journalism training body. Its Diploma in Journalism is the standard qualification requested by most UK regional publishers, many national titles, and a growing number of digital and broadcast outlets.
The NCTJ does not deliver training directly — it accredits providers. Accredited providers range from further education colleges and universities to private training companies. They each design their own courses within the NCTJ curriculum, which means standards, teaching quality, class size, and value for money vary significantly between providers.
Diploma in Journalism: the six core subjects
Media Law
Defamation, contempt, privacy, reporting restrictions, copyright. Essential for safe journalism — and the unit most likely to trip up unprepared candidates.
Public Affairs
Local and national government, how law is made, the court system, public bodies. Provides the political and civic literacy journalists need to cover power.
Shorthand
Teeline shorthand to 100 words per minute. Required for the Diploma at Proficiency level. Many candidates underestimate the time required — daily practice for several months is typical.
Reporting Skills
News writing, interviewing, story selection, accuracy, and sourcing. The practical core of the Diploma, taught through newsroom exercises and real commissions.
Online Journalism
Writing for web, SEO principles, social media publishing, headline writing for digital, and multimedia basics.
Portfolio (e-portfolio)
A collected body of evidence across all skills — articles, multimedia, digital publishing, and reflective commentary. Assessed by the provider and moderated by the NCTJ.
Optional specialist modules vary by provider and may include court reporting, data journalism, broadcast journalism, and magazine journalism.
Key NCTJ-accredited providers
| Provider | Type | Notable for |
|---|---|---|
| Highbury College, Portsmouth | FE College | Strong regional newsroom links; NCTJ Gold Standard results |
| News Associates, London & Manchester | Private training | Fast-track options; high Gold Standard pass rates; well-regarded by nationals |
| PA Training (Press Association) | Industry body | Wire service context; respected employer network |
| City, University of London | University | MA Journalism with NCTJ; strong broadcast and investigative modules |
| University of Sheffield | University | Undergraduate and postgrad; NCTJ-accredited; research strength |
| Cardiff University | University | Welsh and UK coverage; strong investigative journalism tradition |
| Goldsmiths, University of London | University | Cultural and critical journalism; MA routes with NCTJ option |
Red flags when choosing an NCTJ provider
- No published Gold Standard pass rate — ask providers for their most recent figures.
- Shorthand taught in only a few weeks — 100 wpm requires months of consistent practice.
- Vague claims about "industry connections" without named employer partners.
- Online-only delivery with no live newsroom simulation exercises.
- Course fee significantly below the market rate — check what is and is not included.
NCTJ preparation checklist
- Researched at least three accredited providers and compared their Gold Standard pass rates.
- Confirmed whether Advanced Learner Loan or bursary funding is available for my chosen course.
- Started Teeline shorthand practice at least three months before the course starts.
- Read McNae's Essential Law for Journalists or equivalent media law primer.
- Familiarised myself with NCTJ public affairs content — local government structure, court system basics.
- Set up a portfolio site to collect e-portfolio evidence as I go.
- Checked whether my course includes the shorthand exam on-site or requires travel to an exam centre.
- Understood what the Gold Standard requires and set it as a target.
Test your NCTJ readiness
Take our free media law and public affairs quiz to see where you stand before enrolling.
Common mistakes
- Leaving shorthand practice too late — starting three or more months before the exam is the minimum.
- Choosing a provider based on price alone without comparing pass rates and employer links.
- Treating the NCTJ as a checkbox rather than a foundation — the real knowledge is in the subjects, not the certificate.
- Not applying for Advanced Learner Loan funding in time — applications can take several weeks.
- Missing e-portfolio deadlines because evidence was not collected progressively during the course.
- Failing the media law unit through overconfidence — it is harder than it looks.
Related guides
Related guides
Primary sources
- NCTJ — Diploma in Journalism qualification page— NCTJ
- NCTJ — accredited course search— NCTJ
- NCTJ — Gold Standard explained— NCTJ
- BBC Academy — journalism training— BBC
- Press Gazette — NCTJ news and provider coverage— Press Gazette
- NUJ — training and qualifications— National Union of Journalists