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August 2008 News

Voluntary redundancies sought at south coast daily

Next step for Argus staff in latest job cull at Brighton

Deadline nears for campaigning journalism award

Paul Foot Award 2008 still open for entries

Sales jobs under threat at Johnston Press

Regional publisher set to close London office

Echo apology after column criticised by Christians

But newspaper’s decision to withdraw story provokes further flak – from atheists

New online reporters resource for summer Games

Useful tool for media visiting China, NUJ’s freelance workshop – and more news in brief

Fraudster's libel action against weekly blocked

Claim was “not a genuine a grievance” says judge

Judge blocks fraudster's libel action against Somerset weekly

Claim was “not a genuine grievance.”

University of Kent – Centre for Journalism

The Centre for Journalism at the University of Kent sets a new standard of excellence in journalism education. It offers the first BA to teach cutting edge convergent multimedia journalism from day one and in a live newsroom environment. The

Fancy going electric

More than 70 per cent of motorists would consider driving an electric car to help the environment. The survey, by insurer esure, discovered the biggest support for the idea of ‘going electric’ came from north-west England while Scots were the

Ever wondered where you come from?

A dip into the family archives has revealed that Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd descends from a clothes thief and a man convicted of stealing sugar. His fifth great-grandmother Mary Wade was about 12-years-old when she was sent packing Down

Journal celebrates unsung heroes on newspaper's patch

Editor compères annual prize giving which proves ‘humbling experience’

New editor for Evening News as Staffordshire MD moves on

Paul Brackley takes over Cambridge hotseat while Gary Matthews rejoins old patch

I just fancied a change says departing MD

Paul to reveal details of new role in the next week

London paper's campaign to expose online racists

Irish festival winner targeted by internet forum users

New editor for Evening News as Staffordshire MD moves on

Paul Brackley takes over Cambridge hotseat while Gary Matthews rejoins old patch

Students fume over ten-week wait for exam results

NCTJ denies it was responsible for any delays

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.