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November 2011 News

Journalism lecturer arrested over phone-hacking

Former Sunderland Echo trainee questioned by Scotland Yard

Styles pips Montellier to Teesside editorship

Former news editor returns to top job

Northcliffe scraps Hull subbing hub after two years

Production roles to be returned to local centres

Newspaper launches ‘family friendly’ campaign

Title is fighting case for young mums

Press watchdog rejects ‘old photo’ complaint

Accuracy clause was not breached

Reporter’s Olympic efforts are recognised

Newspaperman could win national award

Hold ye front page: 19th century newspapers go online

British Library archive is still being built

Women in with a sporting chance at awards

Winners decided by sports journalists

Tributes as ‘brilliant headline writer’ dies aged 76

Forme chief sub described as ‘living legend’

Reporter of five decades interviewed Fab Four

‘It was a man’s world’ says journalist of 50 years

‘Good news’ website to launch print edition

Reverse-published magazine will address social issues

Take Five: Leo Whitlock

Kentish Gazette editor answers the questions

Glasgow publisher appoints fashion editor-at-large

A leading fashion publicist and brand consultant has been appointed as fashion editor-at-large for Glasgow’s Herald and Times group. Tessa Hartmann, who founded the Scottish Fashion Awards, takes up the post from 1 January. Editor-in-chief Jonathan Russell said: “We are

Honorary degree for Newsquest Hampshire boss

The managing director of Newsquest Hampshire has been awarded an honorary degree by Southampton Solent Umiversity to recognise his “outstanding contribution to the media industry.” Stewart Dunn, a former MD of the Southern Daily Echo, received the title Doctor of

London weekly editor’s role at risk in restructure

Company in discussions over alternative role

Pay rise agreed at Johnston Press titles says union

‘Underpaid’ reporters to receive big increase

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.