Journalism PgDip/MA: Recognition and accreditation

Many of our courses are accredited by independent professional bodies which could enhance your career prospects. Accreditation for this course is detailed below.

Both the MA and the Postgraduate Diploma are accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ).

NCTJ accreditation is the hallmark of excellence in journalism training, providing a world-class standard that is recognised throughout the media industry as the best indication that new recruits have the fundamental skills and knowledge needed to become multi-media journalists and can operate effectively in a busy newsroom.

To maintain this gold standard, we need to be sure students and employers are not short-changed. That means ensuring an NCTJ-accredited course does exactly what it says on the tin by delivering vocational training to a high standard that everyone who cares about the quality of journalism understands and values.

The new industry standard for accredited journalism courses was introduced in 2007. The standard sets a benchmark based on exam results and also stresses the need for courses to focus on skills convergence and multimedia journalism. The first results tables were published in 2008.

Major changes to NCTJ qualifications have been made in recent years and the newspaper industry has united in its support for the training body.

You will take the NCTJ exams in parallel with your MA assessments. The course covers the syllabus for the seven examination papers of the Preliminary Certificate:

• news writing;
• journalism portfolio;
• public affairs 1 and 2;
• media law 1 and 2; and
• shorthand.