Berlin

Berlin

Journalism

Journalism

academy

academy

UPCOMING COURSES
UPCOMING COURSES

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Welcome to Berlin Journalism Academy (BJA), Berlin’s International school for hands-on professional training. Here, you’ll learn from people who've spent years in the field and believe in what they do.

Quote in large red text reads: "We don’t just teach journalism — we practise it."
Black and white portrait of a Nadja Vancauwenberghe looking sideways, wearing a jacket and button-up shirt.

Nadja Vancauwenberghe, BJA Founder

At BJA, we don’t just teach journalism — we practise it. This academy is built on my 27 years of journalism experience, from war zone to newsrooms. Here you won’t learn “content creation” or “storytelling”. Instead you’ll learn the craft of first-hand, no-nonsense reporting, the only way that works: by doing.

All our courses are hands-on, immersive, and to the point, guided every step of the way by professionals who’ve been there, done that, and continue to do it, because they love it.

Whether you’re a junior journalist looking to get published, a media professional seeking journalistic knowhow, or a career-changer eager to develop your reporting skills, BJA offers a dedicated learning experience in print, online and video platforms. 

Small, focused groups and personalised feedback ensure that every participant receives individual attention and meets their goals.

Join us and become part of a community that values the power of good, no-nonsense professional journalism!

What students say about our courses

  • A stylized user profile icon with a circular head and shoulders, featuring a dark green background and light blue details.

    "This training is brilliantly practical: you learn the basics, then interview..."

    This training is  brilliantly practical: you learn the basics, then interview someone like a famous choreographer (that’s what we did). I’m really proud of the story I produced in the end.  If you’re looking for a real journalism experience that's both intense and rewarding, this course is for you.

    Mina,     journalist, Germany

  • Generic blue user profile icon with a circular head and shoulders silhouette.

    "Nadja saw my potential and taught me the foundational journalistic skills that helped launch my career."

    When I first met Nadja I didn’t have any journalistic experience. She saw my potential and taught me the foundational journalistic skills that helped launch my career.  I’m forever grateful to have had her as my mentor and highly recommend her to anyone wanting to improve their reporting skills.

    Mary,     journalist, NYC

  • Abstract representation of a person, with a red circular head and a red semi-circular body against a light blue background.

    "If you’re considering joining, do it. You won’t regret it."

    Nadja, our journalism teacher, was a total gem. She gave us constructive feedback that really elevated our articles and guided us to turn our scattered ideas into solid, publishable pieces. If you’re considering joining, do it. You won’t regret it. 

    Diego, student, Spain

  • A simplified, stylized avatar icon consisting of a circular head and shoulders with a black background and light blue fill.

    "Nadja’s feedback was invaluable… always with an eye toward improving the clarity and impact of our work."

    Nadja Vancauwenberghe is  a highly skilled editor. With her amount of experience, she expertly guided us through the complexity of the “writing journey,” helping us with pitching and editing our articles. Nadja’s feedback was invaluable, pointing out what needed to be added or removed, always with an eye toward improving the clarity and impact of our work.

    Ekaterina, Student, Poland, (Summer 2024)

  • Google logo with a blue circular 'G' symbol.

    "few journalism courses give you the opportunity to sit face-to-face with a famous painter."

    I had experience as an editor of  my university student newspaper, but Nadja provided invaluable feedback that took my writing to the next level. Also: few journalism trainings give you the opportunity to sit face-to-face with a famous painter...

    Solana,     student, University of Chicago

  • Generic user profile icon with a red circular head and shoulders on a light blue background.

    "I am really proud of the beautifully designed article that came out of it."

    This was my first professional interview. Every stage of it: preparing my questions, the Q&A itself; then the debrief and pitching were an intense experience for me. Meeting and interviewing Ulli Lust was truly memorable. It took some editing sessions, but the result was worth it: I am really proud of the beautifully designed feature we published in print.

    Maxim, International politics student, Russia  (Winter 2025 intensive)

  • Generic blue and white user profile icon with a circular head and a curved line representing shoulders.

    "Maiia showed me some of the software for magazine layouts and it was lovely to see the final product."

    I learnt so much about reporting and journalism through Nadja. I feel I have the tools to further explore journalism. And Maiia showed me some of the software for magazine layouts and it was lovely to see the final product. It was lots of fun working alongside people from all over the world, everyone brought their unique perspective and voices, you can definitely feel it when reading the magazine!

    Isabella, Italy/US, student, (Winter 2025 intensive)

  • "Learning about pitching, and how to develop a good angle for my stories were a course highlight."

    The intensive newsroom course was great! I got to have a a direct, hands-on experience, searching for stories and writing articles, while also taking classes about journalism’s fundamentals. Learning about pitching and how to find a good angle for my stories were one of the course’s highlights. It was amazing to see the final product as a printed magazine!!

    Beatrice, student, Italy

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