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November 2007 News

Sub-editor's first novel centres on 'dark side' of home city…

New book is set around bid to right a 100-year injustice in the city of York

Milestone anniversary celebrations for 'Tele'

‘Oldest’ Scottish evening paper is set to celebrate after standing the test of time

Ex-south coast journalist dies at 69 after career in regionals and national press

Chronicle man went to News of the World and later into PR

'Hey Jo' boss voices fears over sex club label from press

Plus: clarification on tragic death – and more resolved PCC complaints

Silver anniversary reunion for former university journalism students

Preston Poly people want a get-together next year – were you in their class?

stories appearing twice?

staff troubled by reports of stories appearing in admin list twice

Blokes gets a new job

Top position for new editor

South Wales university named top for journalism studies

89 per cent satisfaction rate in higher education survey of students

'Exploitation' of student and trainee hacks under fire as union meets MPs

NUJ wants to tackle ministers over media companies’ opt-out of minimum wage laws for work experience

Editor draws on 30 years in print to pen novel about life in the newsroom

Former regional press man denies new work is autobiographical – and says “hacks will love it”

Picture agency uses face recognition software to protect its worldwide rights

Thieving bloggers beware! Plus: NUJ attacks executive pay, and more regional press news in brief

Apology after paper issued details of writ which had been dropped

Plus: wrong man identified as murder victim, and more complaints resolved by the PCC

A true kiss and tell? Sports writer's book on Clough scoops £20,000 prize

Former Forest reporter’s bid to tell all – Provided You Don’t Kiss Me – wows the judges

Weekly's scoop sees two top councillors quit their posts

Exclusive reveals names of candidates for council’s top job – as well as the ones who missed out

Northern media talent recognised at annual awards

The Journal takes top spot as business awards widen their reach

Honorary doctorate for editor after 15 years at head of city title

P&J man is proud of role his paper plays in life of north-east Scotland

Tips on choosing a journalism course

Emma Clark, former marketing and communications manager for the National Council for the Training of Journalists, offers her advice on choosing between journalism courses.
Recently I've attended numerous careers fairs around the country, meeting students of all ages keen to break into journalism - whether that be in newspapers, television, radio or magazines. And of course, all students want to know which journalism course they should go on and whether they need NCTJ qualifications.

A quick look at the trainee job ads on HTFP demonstrates the importance of gaining the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism. Many adverts require candidates to have, or be awaiting results for, their NCTJ Diploma.

Trying to break into the industry without it makes a tough task almost impossible. With the rise in tuition fees, choosing the right journalism course is even more important than ever and students need to be sure they are learning the vocational skills required by employers, enabling them to hit the ground running when they enter the newsroom.

Employers know that an NCTJ-trained applicant will be able to find and construct stories, understand media law and ethics and be able to take down an accurate shorthand note when required. And contrary to popular belief it is not just the regional press looking for these skills, but nationals, online and broadcast too. Recent Sky Sports News schemes, for example, have been looking for practical skills including a minimum of 100wpm shorthand.

Student journalists can complete their NCTJ training in a number of ways - FE colleges and independent centres offer the Diploma in Journalism as fast-track and academic year courses, while universities offer it as part of undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications. All of these journalism courses lead to the same NCTJ qualifications and meet the same standard, allowing students to pick the one that's best for them.

It's no secret that the NCTJ has an exacting standard, and this applies not just to the qualifications but also to the course provider. All NCTJ-accredited courses have to work incredibly hard to meet the requirements in the same way that students have to work incredibly hard to achieve the gold standard. This ensures the NCTJ logo acts as a meaningful kitemark for quality journalism training.