Journalism occupations are included on the DCMS’s list of Creative Occupations and, numbering around 83,000, comprise about four per cent of the total employed in Creative Occupations[1]. In today’s fast-paced media landscape, aspiring journalists need to make informed choices about their education and training. Investing time and money into a qualification is a big decision, and it’s crucial to understand what impact that qualification will have on career prospects. Will it lead to employment? Will it increase the chances of securing the desired job? What salary can be expected?
The answers to these questions often depend on whether the qualification is accredited. Accreditation is a process where an independent body evaluates the quality and relevance of a course. Accredited qualifications are designed to meet specific industry needs and professional standards, ensuring that students gain practical skills and knowledge that make them job-ready.
The role of the NCTJ in journalism training
The National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) is the media industry’s professional and awarding organisation. Regulated by Ofqual, CCEA, and Qualifications Wales, the NCTJ provides industry-standard qualifications for pre-entry, trainee and senior journalists and editorial leaders. The NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism is the recognised entry-level qualification, offered through accredited courses, distance learning, and apprenticeships. With 32 centres across the UK, including higher education institutions, further education colleges, and private training providers, the NCTJ ensures that journalism education remains rigorous and relevant. The NCTJ’s accredited qualifications were cited in the PEC’s Good Work Review[2] as being a well-established example of an accreditation schemes, establishing professional standards for Journalists, with associated kite-marking and CPD training programmes. It notes that the accredited qualifications are sector driven and endorsed, validating and recording learning as part of a recognised continuing professional development programme
The proven impact of NCTJ accreditation
Accreditation is not just a stamp of approval – it has tangible benefits. To validate its impact, the NCTJ commissions and publishes independent research. This research consists of a post-completion survey of Diploma students, exactly mirroring the methodology used by HESA’s Graduate Outcomes research to allow benchmarking against the outcomes of all journalism students and students studying ‘all subjects’. The 2024 Destinations of NCTJ Diploma in Journalism Students report[3] highlights the advantages of holding an NCTJ qualification:
- Higher employment rates: 88% of Diploma graduates are in employment, compared to 80% of all journalism graduates;
- Greater chances of working in journalism: 77% of Diploma graduates work in a journalism-related job, compared to just 28% of all journalism graduates;
- Better preparation for the industry: Diploma holders report feeling well-prepared for the workplace;
- Career satisfaction: Graduates find their work meaningful and aligned with their career goals, using the skills they acquired in their studies.
Moreover, the data shows that the higher the qualification level achieved within the Diploma, the stronger these positive outcomes become. Those who pursue and excel in NCTJ-accredited courses are more likely to find relevant employment and feel satisfied in their careers.
Of course, the attainment of these positive outcomes could reflect either (i) the more appropriate nature and higher levels of skills that have been learnt by the students on their accredited qualification, (ii) employer preferences for individuals holding these qualifications or (iii) higher levels of abilities of students on accredited courses compared to non-accredited. But, for employers and individuals this doesn’t matter: if accredited courses are simply the means by which talented individuals signal their quality, they are performing a valuable labour market function for the individuals and employers alike.
The broader benefits of accredited qualifications
The advantages of an accredited qualification extend beyond individual students. Employers and educational institutions also benefit:
- For employers: Hiring someone with an accredited NCTJ qualification provides confidence that the new employee has essential skills, including knowledge of media law. This is crucial in an industry where publishing errors can lead to legal consequences;
- For training providers: Offering an accredited qualification enhances the reputation of an institution and supports recruitment efforts. In a time when journalism course enrolments are declining, accreditation can help maintain student numbers and uphold educational standards.
Keeping pace with a rapidly changing industry
Journalism is undergoing constant transformation, driven by digital innovation, evolving audience expectations, and emerging technologies. As a result, journalism education must adapt accordingly. The content of an NCTJ-accredited qualification today is vastly different from what it was a decade ago, reflecting the changing demands of the industry. To stay relevant, providers need the support of an industry body that can guide them through these developments, ensuring that students graduate with the skills required for modern journalism. We know that across the Creative Industries, there are persistently low levels of engagement in learning. The experience of journalism is that an accredited qualification scheme, specifying skills and qualification requirements for entry and progression, helps clarify pathways.
For those considering a career in journalism, the choice of qualification really matters. An NCTJ-accredited course and qualification provides a clear pathway to employment, ensures graduates are well-equipped for the demands of the industry, and reassures employers of their competence. In a rapidly changing media landscape, accreditation is more than just a mark of quality – it is a crucial investment in a journalist’s future.
© Joanne Forbes and Mark Spilsbury, 2025
All rights reserved
Joanne Forbes is Chief Executive of the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ). The NCTJ is the media industry’s professional body and awarding organisation regulated by Ofqual, CCEA and Qualifications Wales to deliver industry standard qualifications. It provides a world-class education and training system that develops current and future journalists for the demands of a fast-changing multimedia industry.
Mark Spilsbury is an independent economic researcher, specialising in employment and skills. Mark has undertaken research projects for the NCTJ, the DCMS and worked with Creative PEC on a number of research projects.
This is a guest blog for the Creative PEC website. Any views expressed are those of the authors who is responsible for all content.
[1] Journalists at Work 2024 – National Council for the Training of Journalists
[2] Good Work Review Job quality in the Creative Industries
[3] Destinations of NCTJ Diploma in Journalism students 2024 – National Council for the Training of Journalists
Photo by The Climate Reality Project on Unsplash
