The National Council for the Training of Journalists is adding a new module to its journalism diploma covering specialist business and finance reporting.

Training chiefs say the new specialist option in the diploma, which will be available from September 2012, will allow students and trainees to expand their business and finance reporting skills.

Candidates have to complete at least two specialist options to gain the diploma. The others include court reporting, video journalism, production journalism, sports journalism, magazines and broadcast journalism.

Former editor Steve Dyson has put together a team of leading figures from within the industry to advise on the new module.

Speaking at the NCTJ’s recent meeting of the Journalism Qualifications Board which approved the proposals, Chairman Stephen Mitchell said: “The economy continues to be the single most important news agenda item in the media.

“While all journalists should have an understanding and ability to report business and finance stories, this specialist option will provide an opportunity for students and trainees to gain a broader and deeper understanding of business and finance reporting.”