The accredited NCTJ course at Up To Speed is unique. In 22 weeks of intensive study and practical experience you learn to work as a reporter in both print and online journalism while studying Media Law, National and Local Government and Shorthand. At the end of the course you are taught Video Journalism.
This Fast-Track approach gives graduates a cheaper, quicker and more effective route to professional qualifications than an MA degree. More than two-thirds of employers in journalism will only look at job applicants with NCTJ training, regardless of their academic qualifications.

On the NCTJ Course you will:

• Work as a reporter
• See your work published online and in print
• Find your own stories
• Interview interesting people
• Learn to write Shorthand at up to 100 words per minute
• Study Media Law and Politics
• Take professional exams
• Learn video and audio reporting and editing
• Spend 10 days on work placement

Qualification: You study for the NCTJ Preliminary Certificate. This is a qualification recognised in all areas of journalism including magazines and broadcasting.

Exams: News Writing, Law (Parts 1 and 2), Public Affairs (Parts 1 and 2), Shorthand (80wpm/100wpm), Online Writing and Editing.
Assessed coursework: News Portfolio, Video Journalism.

Dates: Courses start in September and February.

click here to see what working journalists think of our courses..

Contact Hours: 25 – 30 per week.

Price: £2,400 plus NCTJ examination fees.

Advanced Payment Schedule:  A £240 deposit is payable when you accept a place. The remainder of the fees(£2,160) is due one month before the course starts.

Deferred Payment Schedule:
1. £240 deposit is payable when you accept a place.

2. £620 is payable one month before the course starts.

3. Four instalments of £430 are payable at the start of each subsequent calendar month.*
The deferred payment schedule works out as an additional £30 a month. This covers administration costs.

Payment is by standing order from your bank or credit card.

Accommodation : The price does not include accommodation, but we supply you with a comprehensive list of rented rooms on request.

Selection: Candidates take a short e-mail entrance test based on English, News Writing and Current Affairs. You can also take this test at our centre and we welcome visitors to Up To Speed.

Deposit: Successful candidates are required to pay a 25% deposit within four weeks of receiving an offer in order to confirm their place on the course.

The accredited NCTJ course at Up To Speed stands alone in its field. In 22 weeks of intensive study and practical experience you learn to work as a reporter in both print and online journalism while studying Media Law, National and Local Government, and Shorthand. At the end of the course you are taught Video Journalism.

Taking this NCTJ course before you start university enables you to save both time and money in the long term, and it gives your Gap Year plans a real sense of purpose. If you are considering an application to university after your A-Levels you may well find that evidence of a clearly structured Gap Year will make a crucial impression on admissions tutors.

You will leave Up To Speed qualified to work as a professional reporter before you start your degree and able to freelance while you study. When you graduate, you will be ready to start working as a journalist straight away without the need for further study or training.

On the NCTJ Course you will:

• Work as a reporter
• See your work published online and in print
• Find your own stories
• Interview interesting people
• Learn to write Shorthand at up to 100 words per minute
• Study Media Law and Politics
• Take professional exams
• Learn video and audio reporting and editing
• Spend 10 days on work placement

Qualification: You study for the National Council for the Training of Journalists’ Preliminary Certificate. This is a qualification recognised in all areas of journalism including magazines and broadcasting.

Exams: News Writing, Law (Parts 1 and 2), Public Affairs (Parts 1 and 2), Shorthand (80wpm/100wpm), Online Writing and Editing.

Assessed coursework: News Portfolio, Video Journalism.

Dates: Courses start in September and February.

Contact Hours: 25 – 30 per week.

Price: £2,400 plus NCTJ examination fees.

Advanced Payment Schedule:  A £240 deposit is payable when you accept a place. The remainder of the fees(£2,160) is due one month before the course starts.

Deferred Payment Schedule:
1. £240 deposit is payable when you accept a place.

2. £620 is payable one month before the course starts.

3. Four instalments of £430 are payable at the start of each subsequent calendar month.*
The deferred payment schedule works out as an additional £30 a month. This covers administration costs.

Payment is by standing order from your bank or credit card.

Accommodation: The price does not include accommodation, but we supply you with a comprehensive list of rented rooms on request.

Selection: Candidates take a short e-mail entrance test based on English, News Writing and Current Affairs. You can also take this test at our centre and we welcome visitors to Up To Speed.

Deposit: Successful candidates are required to pay a 25% deposit within four weeks of receiving an offer in order to confirm their place on the course

click here to see what working journalists think of our courses..