Preparation continues for introduction of new NCTJ qualification

Preparations to introduce the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism, the charity’s new multimedia qualification for all journalists, have continued apace since the qualification was formally announced in April.

The Diploma in Journalism is made up of seven multimedia assessments – five core subjects to be sat by all students and trainees and six specialist options from which students must sit at least two. The Diploma will replace the NCTJ preliminary Certificate in Journalism.

This month, testing of all new exams for the Diploma in Journalism has taken place. Students from Bournemouth University, Cardonald College, Glyndŵr University, Nottingham Trent University, noSWeat Journalism Training, Sheffield College, Staffordshire University, University of Central Lancashire, University of Cumbria and Wolverhampton College, have all taken part in trial exams, providing essential feedback to the NCTJ.

Trainee journalists will be involved in trials over the next month.

22 centres have now confirmed they will deliver the Diploma from September while other centres have yet to confirm which qualification they will deliver.

Lyn Jones, NCTJ head of qualifications, said: “The next academic year will be a transition year for the new qualification with centres given the option to continue with the Certificate or start with the Diploma. Some universities will offer both qualifications side-by-side on their undergraduate degree courses.”

Syllabuses for all of the compulsory assessments have been written and checked by subject exam board committees and these syllabuses will be agreed by the subject exam boards and signed off by the Journalism Qualifications Board in the summer.

Sample exam papers for tutors to use as teaching aids will be produced over the summer and used at the Diploma in Journalism workshops taking place in June and September.

 For more information about the workshops, click here.