Brunel breaks barriers in journalism training – diploma now open to all

No degree needed for NCTJ course with hands-on newspaper experience

Aspiring journalists from across the UK can now join a new stand-alone one-year NCTJ diploma course at Brunel University of London - open to applicants not doing a degree.

The NCTJ (National Council for the Training of Journalists) has accredited the novel scheme starting in January 2025, and praises Brunel for its innovation.

While Brunel has long offered its own students NCTJ qualifications, this is the first time that external candidates can take part without enrolling in a degree programme.

The new course will rely heavily on the acclaimed university-run newspaper, The Hillingdon Herald, the borough's local free paper with a monthly circulation of 10,000. Shortlisted for the Times Higher Educational Awards for 'Outstanding contribution to the local community, the Herald, founded in 2021, offers students in-demand real-life journalism experience.

Steve Cohen, Brunel NCTJ co-ordinator and former regional newspaper editor, explained: "The NCTJ diploma is open to our own students at no extra cost to them although it is separate from their degree courses. However, we constantly receive inquiries from people who previously couldn't join because of degree requirements. In the past, we have had to tell them we cannot take them.

"We are delighted to say this has now all changed. We have streamlined our NCTJ diploma into a one-year flexible scheme starting in January, open to everybody. External candidates can now apply and the course is running simultaneously for Brunel students. External candidates will pay a fee and it will remain effectively free for our own students."

The fresh format is backed by Brunel's industry advisor, Andy Thompson, Senior News Editor at Sky Sports News. Andy, who works with course tutors Steve Cohen and Rachel Sharp, said: "Having read the proposal from Brunel's journalism team, my first thought is that if it means more journalism students get to benefit from the universities' first-rate teaching and facilities then this can only be a good thing.

"I've had the pleasure of working with Rachel and Steve and you won't find two more dedicated teachers. That they have now found a way to open up their journalism courses to more potential students is to be applauded and wholeheartedly supported."

Natalie Coleman, NCTJ quality and standards manager, said: "Brunel's new intensive one-year fast-track 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."

Applications are open now and the programme includes all the diploma's essentials such as media law, news writing, shorthand, court reporting, public affairs, photography and video.

Contact journalism lecturer Kenn Toft for more details: [email protected]

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