There are no entry requirements for the distance learning course, however when applying for jobs reporters are usually required to have a minimum of five GCSE passes or equivalent – one of these must be in English.
We recommend that you complete a self-test before purchasing the course materials.
You can find the self test marking guide here.
You must complete the four mandatory skills modules plus a selection of elective skills modules to reach a minimum of 82 credits overall. The mandatory skills modules are worth a combined total of 47 credits. A further 35 credits minimum are required from the available elective skills modules. The credits are shown in this handy chart.
To pass a module, learners must achieve a grade of A-E (if taking shorthand, a minimum speed of 60 words per minute is required). Learners should aim to achieve an A-C grade in each module to reach the industry gold standard which is recognised by journalist employers.
No, you can purchase the modules in one bulk order or one at a time. We would recommend that you purchase the mandatory modules package first and work through those before purchasing the elective options. The mandatory modules will equip you with the essential knowledge and skills you need to operate effectively as a trainee journalist and the elective options build on those skills in specific subject areas.
Not necessarily but it is strongly recommended that you complete the core modules first as they form the backbone of learning.
Textbooks are included in the price of the modules.
Shipping overseas costs extra. Price depends on where we are shipping to.
If you are not already working in the journalism industry, you should arrange your own work experience so that you can write stories for the portfolio element of the course. It is also important to get industry experience so that you can put what you are learning into practice. Work experience is just as important as the theory side of journalism otherwise you are going to go out looking for a job at a disadvantage compared to other applicants.
It depends on individual learning speeds and your available time to study and dedication.
Typically, learners can achieve the qualification within 12-18 months.
We strongly recommend that you aim to complete the Diploma in Journalism within 24 months.
The structure, requirements and availability of modules can change because the NCTJ reviews and updates all its diploma materials to reflect the needs of the industry.
The NCTJ will communicate any significant changes to the qualification to learners in advance and annual updates to individual modules are communicated each year in September.
The estimated number of learning hours per module required by a typical learner to gain the qualification (please note, this is for guidance purposes and not a requirement) are below:
| Mandatory skills modules | Learning hours |
| Essential journalism | 220 hours |
| Essential journalism e-portfolio | 120 hours |
| Essential journalism ethics and regulation | 30 hours |
| Essential media law and regulation | 100 hours |
| Elective skills modules | Learning hours |
| Business and finance journalism | 70 hours |
| Editing skills for journalists | 70 hours |
| Journalism for a digital audience | 70 hours |
| Media law court reporting | 70 hours |
| Practical magazine journalism | 140 hours |
| PR and communications for journalists | 140 hours |
| Public affairs for journalists | 70 hours |
| Radio journalism | 70 hours |
| Shorthand for journalists | 140 hours (to 100wpm) |
| Sports journalism | 70 hours |
| TV journalism | 70 hours |
| Videojournalism for digital platforms | 70 hours |
Learners who achieve grades of A-C in each module completed (if taking shorthand, a minimum speed of 100 words per minute is required) will be awarded the industry ‘Gold Standard’ Diploma in Journalism.
To set yourself apart and increase your employability, all learners should strive to reach industry ‘Gold Standard’ level.
Each Diploma in Journalism distance learning unit you have purchased includes 1 hour of tutor support time.
Tutor support is flexible and you can choose how to use your support time.
A tutor can help with content queries, review your work or mark a mock exam for you.
Additional tutor support time may also be purchased if required.
To book your tutor support.
Yes – national exams are open to all diploma candidates and are scheduled throughout the year and can be accessed here.
You will need a good reason to cancel the exam and receive a refund e.g., for medical reasons. Evidence will need to be provided for the NCTJ to offer a refund. As per our website, In the event of a cancellation or non-attendance, exams are non-refundable. Deferrals will only be considered in exceptional circumstances, in line with the NCTJ reasonable adjustments and special considerations policy.
