News Associates has become the first UK private sector training provider to offer a degree in journalism.
The BA Hons in Journalism is based at News Associates' offices in Manchester and is accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists and the University of St Mark and St John in Plymouth.
Some 20 students are hoped to be in the first cohort starting in September.
James Toney from News Associates said: "We are hugely excited about this course, whose sole aim will be to produce gold standard graduates who maintain our proud record in exam results and job success.
“We acknowledge there are lots of journalism courses and the industry is going through much change, but we believe there is a gap in the undergraduate journalism marketplace for a fresh approach. We are determined to maintain our reputation as an industry leader with this new course."
The course will cost £9,000 a year. Toney acknowledged that students will not get a traditional university experience, but said that News Associates will offer more contact hours and closer supervision than universities can provide.
The course will be three years to begin with, but may change to two in the future.
Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog