Home - Become a Journalist

Interested in studying journalism part-time?

Find out more about our part time course here

Start your career in sports journalism

Find out more about our industry-leading sports course.

Become a news reporter

Apply for our 18-week NCTJ accredited journalism diploma

Apply now

Join our Alumni network

For all former PA trainees and apprentice journalists across the world

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Why study with us?

If you want to be a journalist, there are two things that will impress a potential editor. Exclusive stories, of course. But also, the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism.

This flagship qualification is highly practical and ensures that you are newsroom ready. You’ll learn the essential skills of a professional journalist, completing your training in just 18 weeks on our fast-track course, or studying part-time so you can work as you train. You can specialise in news, sport, or digital features and longform journalism and will learn from trainers who are current or former senior journalists, meaning your training will be relevant and hands-on.

PA Training is part of PA Media Group, formerly known as the Press Association. We’re the sister company of PA Media, the UK and Ireland’s national news agency. Our newsroom sets the standard for journalism across the industry — and our training helps you achieve it.

Expert trainers

Learn from journalists from the UK's leading newsrooms

Study in the heart of London

We are close to the action with great transport links

NCTJ accredited

Our Diploma courses are accredited by the NCTJ

Bag your dream job

Our alumni having amazing jobs across the industry

Our NCTJ diploma courses

News journalism

This course has been the starting point for many of the UK’s leading journalists. Includes opportunities to specialise.

Sports journalism

Do you want to be a sports reporter? With our specialist training, we can give you the best chance of getting there.

Digital features and longform journalism

Learn from magazine and feature experts to develop this dynamic form of journalism.

Part-time option

Study for your NCTJ Diploma one evening a week and on a Saturday to earn while you learn in central London.

"PA Training’s part-time NCTJ set me up for my career in journalism. Being able to study part-time meant that I could gain some valuable work experience alongside my training, boosting my CV so I could jump straight into a reporter job after completing the course. "

Rachael DavisEntertainment Features Writer, PA MEdia

"PA Training has given me the confidence and solid grounding needed to become a great journalist. The name is well-known for a reason: PA training allows you to hit the ground running in every newsroom."

Rianna CroxfordAward-winning BBC news journalist

"The course with PA was challenging and by no means a stroll in the park – and that’s why it was the perfect preparation for working in the fast-paced environment of a national newsroom."

George ClarkeTrainee Sub editor, Daily Mail Sport

"Not only did I learn several skills, but many doors opened for me in the industry. One of the most beneficial skills has to be shorthand – its a pain to learn but incredibly useful. Training at the Press Association was great."

Amar MehtaLitigation reporter, The Lawyer