NTU Journalism student wins prestigious NCTJ journalism award
Published on 27 August 2025
Categories: Alumni; School of Social Sciences;
We are very excited to celebrate the success of Cara Wheeldon, an Nottingham Trent University (NTU) MA Magazine Journalism alumni, who has been recognised in the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) Diploma in Journalism Awards.
These annual awards highlight the very best results from students, apprentices and trainees across the UK. With over 11,000 candidates sitting exams last year, competition was incredibly tough. Only a small number of students achieved the top marks and were recognised with prizes sponsored by leading media organisations including ITV News, Sky Sports, The Independent, The Telegraph and more.
Cara has won the Mark Allen Group Practical Magazine Journalism Award. She impressed judges with her engaging column in The Country Smallholder, where she writes about life with her Bantam chickens. The column, which she began while studying at NTU, continues to showcase her creativity and flair for storytelling. Cara stated:
“I am absolutely delighted and privileged to have received this award by the National Council for the Training of Journalists. The past year at NTU has been a significant journey of growth for me, both personally and professionally. It has been an incredible experience to develop my skills in a real Journalistic environment, and to be recognised for my practical magazine journalism is an honour I am truly grateful for. I have learned an incredible amount from my tutors, and it has been a privilege to study alongside such talented individuals and to carry this over into my future endeavours.”
Speaking about this year’s results, Joanne Forbes, Chief Executive of the NCTJ, praised the winners for their “outstanding achievements” and said they are names to watch as the next generation of journalists.
Cara’s success is a fantastic example of the opportunities available to NTU students. Our journalism courses are built around real-world experience, practical skills and industry connections, helping graduates stand out in a competitive sector. From writing for national publications to building creative portfolios, our students leave ready to make their mark.
We are proud to celebrate Cara’s award and look forward to seeing more NTU students follow in her footsteps and shape the future of journalism.