The Scottish Centre for Journalism Studies is disbanding this summer after nearly two decades training the UK’s future journalists.

The centre, launched in 1991, is a joint venture run by Glasgow Caledonian and Strathclyde Universities and is accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists.

From September they will be running their own postgraduate journalism courses but will have to reapply for NCTJ accreditation.

Neither university will be allowed to use the SCJS name and it is believed the decision comes after disagreements over the future academic direction of the centre.

NCTJ chief executive Joanne Butcher said: “Hundreds of successful journalists in the Scottish and wider UK and international media have studied at the SCJS over the years.

“The course has an enviable reputation for the excellence of its training and the calibre of the students it attracts.

“The course has achieved a good balance between vocational skills and academic rigour and has first class links with employers in Scotland and beyond who recruit from the course.”

Brian McNair, professor of journalism and communications at Strathclyde, said: “At Strathclyde, we will be continuing our already substantial investment in journalism education and research with new courses including investigative journalism, literary journalism, and diplomas offering NCTJ curricula in practical journalism, law, public affairs and shorthand.”

Ken Garner, senior lecturer in journalism who is co-ordinating the development of a new course at Glasgow Caledonian, said: “Our ambition is to provide a programme which can fully meet the expectations of editors and the industry today that all entrants can report and produce stories in audio, video and online media as well as in traditional print.

“We will be seeking accreditation from the NCTJ and are confident what we have in mind can meet their new benchmark standard.”

The centre, in Strathclyde, is due to close in August. Applications for postgraduate journalism at both Glasgow Caledonian and Strathclyde University can be made through the centre in the normal way until further notice.