We have partnered with the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) to offer our journalism students the opportunity to undertake the accredited one-year diploma alongside their degree.
As the number one industry-recognised training body in the UK for Journalism, the knowledge and skills you will pick up as part of the diploma will help you to stand out from the graduate crowd. The NCTJ Diploma in Journalism doesn’t just prepare you for local media – BBC, Sky and The Guardian are on the board. As a recognised gateway into journalism, it can be considered a springboard into a career in journalism as many media companies will only employ trainees with a 'gold standard' NCTJ qualification.
Undergraduate journalism students
If you're accepted onto the NCTJ scheme as part of your undergraduate journalism degree, the course will normally run in your first and second years and will be timetabled alongside your journalism degree. The prestigious qualification will help you develop the essential journalistic skills employers are looking for, honing your skills in subjects including: essential media law and regulation; court reporting; public affairs; shorthand; ethics; advanced news writing, as well as elective subjects such as photography, public relations and more. Better yet, the cost of taking this diploma is included in the basic undergraduate fee for Journalism students, meaning you’ll receive the nationally-recognised qualification from the media industry’s number one training body in the UK at no additional cost, significantly increasing your employment prospects.
Whether you’d like to pursue a career in journalism, or are not quite sure where your future lies; the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism offers a solid foundation in key skills sought after in graduates and can be a fast-track in the world of media.
NCTJ Diploma in Journalism academic year course
Current or aspiring journalists across the UK can now join Brunel University of London's innovative one-year NCTJ Diploma in Journalism. This standalone academic year course is open to applicants who are not pursuing a degree but would like to gain a nationally accredited qualification to further their career in journalism.
Course overview
Accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ), this intensive programme starts in September 2025. The course offers essential training in media law, news writing, shorthand, court reporting, public affairs, photography, and video, along with invaluable hands-on experience through Brunel’s university-run newspaper, The Hillingdon Herald.
With a circulation of 10,000, The Hillingdon Herald provides students with real-life journalism experience in a community-focused environment. Recognised for its outstanding contributions, the Herald is at the heart of Brunel's journalism training.
Start dates
- September 2025
- September 2026
Cost
- £5,500 for the academic year course. This includes all fees for NCTJ examinations (resits not included).
- Payment can be made in either one or three instalments. One payment of £5,500 before the course begins or three payments. Initial payment of £1,500 to reserve your place, a payment of £2,000 at the start of term 2 (January) and a final payment of £2,000 in May of that year.
Why choose this course?
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Expert teaching: Led by experienced professionals Kenn Toft, Steve Cohen, Beowulf Mayfield and Rachel Sharp, supported by industry adviser's Andy Thompson (Sky Sports News) and Mark Waldron (NationalWorld).
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Nationally accredited: Gain the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism qualification, recognised across the UK.
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Real-world experience: Work on The Hillingdon Herald, a professional newspaper shortlisted for national awards.
How to apply
Applications are now open! For more information or to apply, contact journalism lecturer Kenn Toft:
"Brunel’s new intensive academic year course is an excellent move toward widening access to high-quality journalism education, equipping a diverse group of students with essential skills for today’s media environment. We’re proud to support this innovative new initiative to make the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism more accessible, especially for those who may not find a traditional university degree the right fit for them." Natalie Coleman, NCTJ quality and standards manager.
Preparing you for your future in journalism