Is the Diploma in Journalism Practice NCTJ-accredited?

The course is aligned with the NCTJ syllabus — the same content areas at the same depth — but is delivered as the LSJHML Diploma. Students who want the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism qualification specifically can sit NCTJ exams externally, and the course prepares you for them.

How fast does the Diploma in Journalism Practice push shorthand?

Teeline is introduced from term one, with a Diploma target of 60 wpm. Working students who want to reach 100 wpm (the editor-preferred standard) typically take a structured supplementary unit during the year or in the months after.

Can I take the Diploma in Journalism Practice online?

Yes. The online route mirrors on-campus delivery with live newsday sessions, recorded law and shorthand classes, and supervised filing. Distance learners follow structured deadlines and visit campus for two intensive court-reporting weeks.

Will the Diploma in Journalism Practice teach me UK court reporting?

Yes — court reporting is a core module covering magistrates', Crown and civil courts, reporting restrictions, contempt risk and basic shorthand for court use. Court visits are part of the on-campus and intensive-week programme.

Do I need a degree to take the Diploma in Journalism Practice?

No. The Diploma is open to A-Level leavers, recent graduates, mature applicants with work experience and career-changers. The course is structured to take students from no prior journalism training to working junior reporter standard.

Diploma in Journalism Practice in London | LSJHML | Harold International College of London

Course Overview

The Diploma in Journalism Practice at the London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages (LSJHML) is a nine-to-twelve-month UK qualification that takes you from interested newcomer to working junior reporter. The course content is aligned with the NCTJ syllabus, the Society of Editors' editorial standards and the National Union of Journalists' professional expectations, and is built around the daily working life of a UK newsroom.

You leave with a published portfolio, a working understanding of UK media law, the basic public-affairs literacy a court or council reporter needs, and the speed and accuracy editors actually recruit for.

Key Features

Newsday cycle from term one — find, file, sub, publish under deadline.
UK media law module aligned with NCTJ Essential Media Law standards.
Public-affairs strand covering local and central government for court and council reporting.
Shorthand introduction — Teeline at 60 wpm target, with progression pathways to 100.
Industry-led masterclasses from working reporters at regional and national titles.
Published portfolio of news, features and one short investigation on the LSJHML student site.

What You Will Learn

The Diploma in Journalism Practice is structured around what a junior reporter is expected to do on day one of a regional newsroom job — file fast, accurately and safely, with the legal and editorial literacy to keep the title out of trouble.

News writing — ledes, structure, attribution, accuracy under deadline.
Feature writing — short and mid-length, structure, voice, ethics.
Interviewing — preparation, technique, on/off the record, recording consent.
UK media law — defamation, contempt, reporting restrictions, harassment, data protection.
Public affairs — local and central government, court structures, council scrutiny.
Court reporting — magistrates', Crown, civil; reporting restrictions in detail.
Shorthand — Teeline introduction with structured progression to 60 wpm minimum.
Multi-platform craft — print, online, social, basic broadcast packaging.

Who This Diploma Is For

School leavers and recent graduates wanting NCTJ-aligned training before applying to regional newsrooms.
Career-changers from any background moving into journalism mid-career.
Bloggers, podcasters and freelance writers wanting formal credentials and legal literacy.
Certificate-level graduates ready for a substantial UK qualification.

Career Pathways

The Diploma in Journalism Practice is the standard route into UK newsroom work. Graduates with strong shorthand, a published portfolio and NCTJ-aligned legal training compete for entry roles across regional and national titles. Typical destinations include:

News Reporter (regional daily or weekly, online local title)
Staff Journalist (specialist trade press, national consumer title)
Multimedia Journalist (regional broadcaster, hyperlocal site)
Press Officer (charity, local authority, public body)
Editorial Assistant (national title, magazine)
Sub-editor (regional press, online publisher)

Graduates progress to the Advanced Diploma in Journalism Practice, a specialist Diploma (Investigative, Broadcast, Business) or directly to the final year of a BA in Journalism.

Entry Requirements

Completion of secondary school (A-Levels, BTEC, or international equivalent).
IELTS 5.5 overall (no band below 5.0) for non-native English speakers.
Personal statement.
Mature applicants (21+) may apply with two years of relevant work experience.

Why Study at LSJHML

The London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages is a specialist higher-education provider based in central London. Our programmes are designed in dialogue with working professionals — journalists, translators, civil servants, academics, broadcasters, editors, publishers and policy researchers — so what you learn in seminar on Monday is what your future employer is using on Tuesday. We deliberately keep cohorts small, give every student named tutor support, and treat employability as a structural part of every programme rather than an optional add-on.

London is the work — politics, courts, capital markets, theatre, broadcasting, publishing, public service, the global press. Your studies are taught in the same square mile where the stories you read about happen. Whether you join us on-campus, online or by distance learning, the city is your classroom and our industry network is your launchpad.