The National Council for the Training of Journalists could withdraw accreditation from South East Essex College of Art and Technology’s pre-entry course at the end of the current academic year.

A decision has been taken by staff at the Harlow-based training organisation to bring forward the college’s revalidation procedure following complaints from students.

Management at the Southend college have been told they must request and achieve a successful NCTJ inspection before the end of this year’s summer term to continue to be an accredited centre for the 2002-3 academic year.

Accreditation by the NCTJ allows colleges to run courses to a set syllabus and the students sit preliminary exams.

Editors recognise the qualification because of the vocational course content and because it sets a national standard.

A spokeswoman for the college said: “Accreditation and revalidation are a normal and ongoing part of the operations of an awarding body such as the NCTJ.

“As a result of changes in staffing for this course, the NCTJ has chosen to bring forward the next revalidation to the end of this year. The re-accreditation process will not affect current students.”

She said the college had a history and reputation for providing strong media and journalism courses and was recently validated to run a BA (Hons) Journalism degree, which will start in September.

Colleges and universities that apply for recognition have to meet a lengthy list of criteria and conditions and undergo a successful three-person visit from the NCTJ. The panel usually consists of an NCTJ officer, a local editor and one other person with an interest in training.

They inspect the premises, facilities, speak to students, look at timetables and schemes of work and meet management and tutors.

If successful, the college is granted provisional accreditation for a year to allow the course to start and a return visit is made after that first year to look at exam results and receive student feedback before a three-year accreditation is awarded.

NCTJ training director Sally Mellis said: “Every support is being given by the NCTJ to the students currently on the course and they will have the opportunity to sit the preliminary exams.”

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