The Press Association has teamed up with a media training centre to launch a new degree dedicated to press photography.

PA has been working alongside the East Coast Media Centre, in Grimsby, to develop the press-specific two-year foundation course which starts in September.

PA staff will deliver training on a regular basis alongside industry-experienced tutors at the centre which is part of the Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher Education.

The course will cover essential skills for photographers in a 21st century newsroom including video production, digital processing and how to operate on a picture desk.

Practical photography skills will also be taught alongside traditional subjects such as newspaper practice, media law and public affairs.

There are 14 places on the course but this may be extended if the centre receives enough applications and there is also compulsory work experience.

PA will set real assignments for pupils rather than mock exercises meaning that students' photos could be used by the Press Association and appear in print or online.

Multimedia course co-ordinator John Duncan said: "The course is very practically based.

"I believe it's the first foundation degree of its kind and certainly the first that PA has been heavily involved in."

PA's group picture editor Martin Keene said: "The Press Association is delighted to be working with the institute's East Coast Media to help deliver a course that we hope will ensure that the next generation of press photographer will be better equipped than ever before with the skills that they need for a successful career in this rapidly evolving industry."

Course coordinator Jez Goffin added that the degree was designed to meet the needs of a diverse range of applicants.

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