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.
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To be fair, the old Bourne Local wasn’t terrific as it was put together on a shoestring anway.
I don’t think the absolute muppets who “manage” publishing these days understand that it usually takes as much work, if not more, to turn their fabled UGC tosh into something readable. And it’s rarely actually of interest. The pages of the Local and Stamford Mercury always used to carry contributed “village notes” and the stuff was dreadful.
I also have a sneaking suspicion that the kids at Bourne Abbey, did not design, sub and proof that page. Unless they’re all a lot smarter than when I went there. So the savings made by JP would have to be pretty slender.
And I can only pity the poor blighter who must have spent hours putting together the most ridiculous front-page pointer I have ever seen for this launch edition. Sure we won’t be seeing that for much longer. Time equals money after all.
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