A new campaign has been launched to promote the benefits of NCTJ-accredited courses to prospective journalism students.

The National Council for the Training of Journalists has launched the ‘Choose NCTJ’ campaign, which is aimed at those currently looking at degree courses in the subject.

Seventeen universities across the country currently offer courses accredited by the organisation, along with a number of other educational institutions.

The campaign has been backed by journalism students who switched to NCTJ courses from unaccredited ones, including BBC World Service journalism trainee Olivia Noon.

The 25-year-old, pictured, said: “I was struggling to get a job so I decided to study for the NCTJ.

“It gives you an extra string to your bow and gave me more confidence in myself. I felt more confident in law, public affairs and shorthand.

“Editors at the BBC like you to have the NCTJ and they love that I have shorthand. I think the NCTJ sets me apart.”

Damian Shepherd, 23, is now studying MA journalism at the University of Sheffield after previously completing a BA in journalism on a course not accredited by the charity.

Damian, who opted to switch due to a lack of shorthand training on his previous course, said: “I would say go for an NCTJ-accredited course straight away. I would have preferred to get an NCTJ-accredited degree in hindsight.”

Joanne Butcher, chief executive of the NCTJ, added: “With a bewildering choice of BA courses that cost thousands of pounds and involve years of study, we want students to make an informed choice when applying for university.

“Students serious about a career in journalism who want to study journalism at university should choose an NCTJ-accredited degree course.

“NCTJ accreditation is the hallmark of excellence in journalism training, providing a world-class industry qualification recognised and respected throughout the media.

“Students can trust that our accredited courses give them the fundamental skills and knowledge to kick start their career in all sectors of the media.”