AddThis SmartLayers

November 2009 News

Finest future journalism talent recognised in awards

Rookies and students rewarded in second NCTJ scheme

Liveblogging the Society of Editors conference

HoldtheFrontPage is at Stansted today covering the Society of Editors conference, the biggest media gathering of the year. You can follow our live updates via our Twitter feed, Journalism News.

New PCC boss calls for end to 'super-injunctions'

But editors should avoid ‘shouty headlines’ too says Buscombe

Weekly editor switches to daily newsdesk

News chief moves on after seven years

Regional daily sports journalist dies aged 57

Tributes to football writer who spent 33 years on one paper

Baroness Buscombe's speech in full

The complete text of new PCC chairman’s Society of Editors Lecture

Second publisher reports ad revenue improvement

Trinity joins JP in reporting slowing rate of decline

Local press reveals truth of puppy dog 'tale'

Nationals uninterested in less-than-sensational end to story

Newspaper offers readers chance to quiz Brown

PM to discuss issues face-to-face ahead of election

Shorthand 'more necessary than ever' – NCTJ chief

Fletcher defends skill in multimedia age

Post crowned best daily with quartet of awards

Star, Dewsbury Reporter and YEP also pick up multiple gongs

Aussie agency boss to take over PA

Clive comes home to chief executive role

Friday Funnies: Dead man found where?

Plus: How not to secure work experience and more press funnies

National Trust role for former regional editor

New post marks return to old patch

First edition of weekly Post hits the stands

Bumper inaugural edition of new-look Midlands title

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.