NCTJ principal examiner applauds a return to normality and face-to-face delivery in annual diploma report
Journalism training has seen an “encouraging return to normality” as most teaching returned to face-to-face delivery, says the NCTJ’s principal examiner.
Journalism training has seen an “encouraging return to normality” as most teaching returned to face-to-face delivery, says the NCTJ’s principal examiner.
Writing in the latest Diploma in Journalism examiners’ report, published today, Amanda Ball reflected on how students were able to train for the qualification in the 2021-22 academic year since the impact of the Covid pandemic.
A total of 7,794 Diploma in Journalism exams were sat during the academic year by students on both accredited and non-accredited courses, and distance learners. There were 9,019 diploma exam sittings the year before.
Amanda said: “The number of candidates taking diploma exams in 2021-22 was significantly below the number of sittings in 2020-21 but that year was an outlier with additional demand due to sizeable number of exam cancellations in 2019-20 due to the pandemic.
“Sittings in 2021-22 returned to pre-pandemic levels and, reassuringly, the pass rates remain remarkably consistent.”
The report also listed the 12 candidates who were rewarded for achieving the best results in the 2021-22 Diploma in Journalism exams. The award winners were announced last month.
Charley Bergman, who studied at Leeds Trinity University and now works as a production journalist at ITV Calendar, was presented with the Student of the Year award at the Awards for Excellence ceremony on 2 March at Twickenham Stadium.
She achieved the best overall diploma results with an impressive seven As and shorthand at 100 words per minute.
Amanda also thanked tutors teaching on NCTJ-accredited courses for their commitment and dedication to helping learners achieve gold standard.
She said: “The continuing success of the NCTJ diploma as an effective means of preparing learners for the workplace is also due to the hard work and commitment of tutors.
“Staff at accredited centres have faced a very challenging period due to the pandemic but remain dedicated to helping learners to achieve gold standard in their assessments.
“The 2021-22 assessment data provides clear and reassuring evidence that standards are being maintained, the employability of diploma candidates is being enhanced and that the NCTJ continues to stand for excellence in journalism.”
