Journalists who passed the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism are three times more likely to get a job in the industry than the journalism graduate population as a whole, new research has found.

A new study by the charity found 74pc of NCTJ graduates had started work in a journalism-related job within 15 months, compared to just 28pc of all journalism graduates.

The NCTJ regularly examines the employment of learners 15 months after they completed an accredited course.

These are then then compared to the job outcomes of all UK students, including journalism graduates, after the same period, using data collected by the UK’s Higher Education Statistics Authority (HESA) in its Graduate Outcomes survey.

The study also found a link between the level of diploma achieved and the likelihood of securing a job in the industry.

Students who achieved the NCTJ’s gold standard – A-C grades in all compulsory modules plus 100wpm shorthand – are even more likely to get their foot in the door, with 88pc working a journalism job within 15 months.

NCTJ research consultant Mark Spilsbury, pictured, who authored the report, said: “As individuals have invested their time and money in gaining an NCTJ diploma qualification, it is appropriate that they know what impact their investment will have.

“They should know whether the diploma is likely to lead to employment, whether it will increase their chances of getting the type of job they want and what level of salary they may earn.

“The research shows that having the diploma increases your overall employment rate and your chances of getting a journalism job. The higher your level of diploma qualification, the more likely that this is the case.

“This matters because people who are in journalism jobs are more likely to believe their work is meaningful, it fits with their future plans and think they are using what they learned in their studies.”

Michelle Johnson, newly appointed chair of the NCTJ’s accreditation board, added: “I welcome the findings of this report.

“The figures show what we know about the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism – that it gives aspiring journalists the best chance to succeed in a competitive industry and that employers understand candidates with the diploma are ready to hit the ground running in their new jobs.

“The fact that NCTJ diploma alumni are nearly 300pc more likely to land a journalism job proves this.

“Many journalism graduates without the diploma come to understand this too late, after they have spent years and vast sums of money on training that is not as valued in the newsroom.”

The full report, entitled Destinations of NCTJ Diploma in Journalism students, can be read here.