NCTJ Level 3 Diploma in Journalism
82 credits 650 Guided Learning Hours
Mandatory Units
Reporting
E-Portfolio
Syllabus includes multi-platform
reporting, news writing for print,
online, magazines and TV/radio
and basic editing skills, finding
and telling stories, accuracy and
use of English.
Syllabus includes
integration of journalism
skills and multi-platform
news and features.
Credit: 21 GLH: 160
Assessment: 2 ¾ hour exam
Credit value: 16 GLH: 130
Essential Public Affairs
Syllabus includes an introduction to reporting central and
local government.
Assessment: 1 ¾ hour exam
Shorthand
Practical Journalism
Ethics
Syllabus includes ethical
journalism, what is public
interest and reporting the
truth.
Integrated assessment of
this module in reporting,
e-portfolio and essential
media law
Credit value: 7 GLH: 50
60-120 words per minute
(100wpm is the gold standard)
Listening skills to be tested at 90-120wpm by identifying and
transcribing a quote as well as speed and accuracy test.
Credit value: 15 GLH: 120
Essential Media Law and Regulation
Syllabus includes general reporting, regulation, ethics and
compliance and an introduction to court reporting.
Examination includes an Ofcom or PCC option.
Assessment: 2 ½ hour exam
Credit value: 9 GLH: 70
Specialist Options
Media Law
Court Reporting
Production
Journalism
Videojournalism
for Online
7 Credits 60 GLH
7 Credits 60 GLH
7 Credits 60 GLH
Broadcast
Journalism
14 Credits 120 GLH
Business of
Magazines
Sports
Journalism
Business and
Finance Journalism
7 Credits 60 GLH
Photography for
Journalists
7 Credits 60 GLH
7 Credits 60 GLH
7 Credits 60 GLH
To gain the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism candidates must complete the mandatory units (in blue) plus at least two specialist options (in green).
Candidates who wish to follow a news reporter’s pathway must complete the five mandatory units plus at least two specialist options, one of which must be media law
court reporting to be eligible to progress to the National Qualification in Journalism. Candidates may complete more than two specialist options to obtain convergent
journalism skills and a wider range of career opportunities. *Broadcast journalism is a double option including TV and radio.