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Distance learning journalism diploma launched

A new journalism qualification which was launched at colleges and universities last September will soon be available as a distance learning package.

The National Council for the Training of Journalists will start selling its Diploma in Journalism early next month, which can be completed by those unable to study at a centre running the course.

Five mandatory modules are included in the diploma – reporting, essential media law, essential public affairs, shorthand and a portfolio of work – while students must also choose two out of the four specialist options of media law court reporting, production journalism, sports journalism and business of magazines.

The NCTJ launched its new qualification last September, which is being taught at 26 centres, and it will completely replace the preliminary Certificate in Journalism from September this year.

To take part in the distance learning course, students must pay £383 plus VAT for a core package of books, CDs and a DVD-ROM, while the specialist options are £90 plus VAT each.

Once students have studied the modules, they will be able to sit the exams which make up the diploma.

4 comments

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  • January 19, 2011 at 5:42 pm
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    I’m still trying to figure out how the NCTJ – the kitemark of quality – seriously believes students can pass their exams on this course when they don’t even get their work marked!

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  • January 19, 2011 at 6:05 pm
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    I did it Cleland – taught myself public affairs, law and did loads of work experience and taught myself, with help from various news editors of course, to write. Did all the prelims on the job and eventually the NCE. That was many years ago now and it was extremely tough, but it is do-able with determination.

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  • January 19, 2011 at 6:15 pm
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    A Diploma ? that a official qualification is it ? You can write your own Diploma on the back of a cornflake box. The NTCJ would be better realising the industry is haemorrhaging jobs and giving students a realistic insight rather than selling bogus qualifications and dreams.

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  • February 1, 2011 at 10:57 am
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    I have just finished the new NCTJ Diploma and was offered a job with only shorthand, law, PA and Portfolio marks confirmed. As my tutor said, with the right attitude, good results, solid determination and the right contacts, it’s not impossible to find a job. I have to say, though, with regards the distance learning package, my NCTJ course was superb and I seriously doubt whether I would be where I am if I had taken the teach-yourself option. Law is complex and needs clarifying with people in-the-know. Shorthand is potentially do-able as a teach-yourself option and PA is just learning it really.

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